Forensic Chemistry - BSc (Hons)

Apply your passion for chemistry to the complex world of forensic analysis and investigation. From core chemistry principles to hands-on crime scene techniques, our Forensic Chemistry BSc brings together essential themes and applied skills from both subjects. You'll develop practical experience by working in state-of-the-art chemistry laboratories and authentic crime scene simulation settings, allowing you to gain professional abilities in gathering, processing and evaluating forensic evidence. With these practical and professional skills, you'll be prepared for an exciting career in Forensic Chemistry.

Year of entry

Course type

  • Single Honours

UCAS code

  • F1F4

Duration of study

  • 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

Why study Forensic Chemistry at Keele University?

Top 10 in the UK for Forensic Science (Complete University Guide, 2025)
Develop your practical and professional skills in our indoor and outdoor crime scene simulation facilities. 
Use a wide variety of industry-standard instrumentation in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories. 
Chemistry at Keele is Top 5 in the UK for student positivity* National Student Survey (NSS) 2024 (Broad-based universities) *based on overall student satisfaction, which is an average score across 27 questions asked in the NSS 
Gain a certification in expert witness training 
insert-i start

Studying Chemistry at Keele

Hear from our students and staff – who share their personal experiences of what it's like to study Chemistry at Keele

View video transcript

insert-i end
insert-a start

Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele TEF Gold 2023

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

insert-a end
insert-d start insert-d end

Additional opportunities

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Spend a year in industry
In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. In between year two and three of your studies, you will have the opportunity to spend time gaining practical experience with a chemistry or forensic science-focused company or organisation. This will enable you to apply the skills and theories you have learnt to real situations in the industrial workplace. You will also enhance your employability skills in the presentation and communication of data, the writing of reports, and the ability to work independently, and as part of a team. Work experience in your area of interest will not only demonstrate your commitment and passion, but will also enable you to make meaningful connections by networking with experts in the field.

International year
In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend a year studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enables you to understand education from different cultural perspectives from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Societies
We have a wealth of student-led societies here at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to chemistry is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the area and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles.

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: BBC Subject specifics apply
BTEC: DMM Subject specifics apply
T Level: Merit Subject specifics apply

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

BBC in three A levels including C in Chemistry

Contextual Offer: CCC in three A levels including C in Chemistry

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
Applied Science, including completion of three out of four of the following units: Applications of Organic Chemistry, Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Industrial Chemical Analysis, Practical Chemical Analysis

Contextual Offer: MMM  in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
Applied Science, including completion of three out of four of the following units: Applications of Organic Chemistry, Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Industrial Chemical Analysis, Practical Chemical Analysis

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in Chemistry A level, or Distinction and Merit in Applied Science BTEC National Diploma / Diploma including completion of three out of four of the following units: Applications of Organic Chemistry, Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Industrial Chemical Analysis, Practical Chemical Analysis, and C in any A level

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and CC in two A Levels including C in Chemistry.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

T Level

Merit in any of the following T Levels: Science, with specialism in Laboratory Sciences.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

554 in three Higher Levels including 4 in Chemistry, or 29 points including 4 in Higher Level Chemistry

Contextual Offer: 543 in three Higher Levels including 4 in Chemistry, or 27 points including 4 in Higher Level Chemistry

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below)

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

112 UCAS points in an Access to HE Diploma with Chemistry related content, including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice on whether your chosen course would qualify.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BCCCC in five Highers including Chemistry Higher, or CD in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including Chemistry Higher or Advanced Higher, or CCD in three Advanced Highers including Chemistry Advanced Higher.

You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in Chemistry or Physics and Chemistry (combined).

You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

China - Gaokao

70% in the Gaokao including 70% in Chemistry.

You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

India - Standard XII

Average of 65% from four subjects including 70% in Chemistry in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects including 75% in Chemistry in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Germany - Abitur

2.4 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Chemistry.

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)

France - Baccalaureate

12 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate including 13 in Chemistry / Physics, or 12 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 12 in Chemistry / Physics.

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Chemistry.

You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Chemistry.

You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

75% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Chemistry.

You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Cyprus - Apolytirion

17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Chemistry.

You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Portugal

Overall average of 15 in a Secondary Certificate including 16 in Chemistry.

You will also need: 10 in Secondary Certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Canada - Diploma

60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Chemistry.

You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

443 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Chemistry.

You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBC in three Advanced Levels including C in Chemistry.

You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Malaysia - STPM

BBC in three subjects in the STPM including C in Chemistry.

You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBC in three H2 Levels including C in Chemistry.

You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

European Baccalaureate

70% overall with 7 in Chemistry.

You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBC including C in Chemistry. Grade C in EAP English Language module

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or international equivalent

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBC in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education including C in Chemistry

You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBC in three Advanced Level subjects including C in Chemistry

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

insert-b start

Studying Forensic Science at Keele

Hear from our students and staff – who share their personal experiences of what it's like to study Forensic Science at Keele

View video transcript >

insert-b end
insert-c start insert-c end
insert-e start insert-e end
insert-f start insert-f end

Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree. For example, the Advancing Chemistry module aims to increase your knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of chemistry in a theoretical context, while also demonstrating the application of concepts in a practical environment. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

FYO-00185 Practical and Academic Skills in Science 15 credits
FYO-00211 Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists 15 credits
FYO-00189 Foundations of Chemistry 15 credits
FYO-00197 Foundations of Life Sciences 15 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00199 Advancing Life Sciences 30 credits
FYO-00191 Advancing Chemistry 30 credits

Entry requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements.

  • 56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level)
  • Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths

How to apply 

Students will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Forensic Chemistry with Foundation Year (UCAS code F1F5) through UCAS at www.ucas.com

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

insert-g start insert-g end insert-h start insert-h end

Discover the Keele difference

Everything’s on your doorstep at Keele, and you’ll soon feel at home and make friends wherever you go.

We help students manage their money and ensure that they receive any funding for which they may be eligible.

Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.