Program Overview

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Criminology and Forensic Biology BSc (Hons)

Overview

Our BSc Criminology and Forensic Biology combined honours degree explores the compelling intersection of criminological theories and criminal justice practices. This dynamic and interdisciplinary program immerses you in psychological and sociological perspectives on critical societal issues, such as social inequality, crime and justice, with case studies drawn from both national and international contexts.

Study Options

• Full-Time, Part-Time (BSc) at Exton Park, Chester
• Full-Time with Foundation Year (BSc) at Exton Park, Chester

Level

• Undergraduate

UCAS Code

• MF94 (3 years full-time)
• MF95 (4 years with Foundation Year)

UCAS Points

• 112 points (3 years full-time)
• 72 points (4 years with Foundation Year)

Start Date

• Oct 2025, Oct 2026

Duration

• 3 years full-time, up to 7 years part-time

Location

• Exton Park, Chester

UK Fees

• £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

International Fees

• £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Available with:

• Foundation Year

Accreditations

• None specified

Course Structure

Year 1

• Science of Life (40 Credits) Core
  • This module introduces essential concepts and skills in biological sciences, covering every level of biological organisation, from cellular structures to animal behaviour and ecology.
• Forensic Investigations (20 Credits) Core
  • This module introduces analytical and identification techniques used in forensic investigations, focusing on contact traces recovered from crime scenes and their use as evidence.
• Key Concepts in Crime and Justice (40 Credits) Core
  • This module explores how crime, deviance, and harm are constructed, perceived, and responded to in society, including key ideas associated with differential treatment and experiences of the criminal justice system.
• Contemporary Youth Justice (20 Credits) Core
  • This module critically examines theory, legislation, policy, and practice in contemporary youth justice, exploring representations of children and young people in conflict with the law.
• Media and the Representation of Deviance (20 Credits) Option
  • This module examines how media shapes public perceptions of deviance, including crime, inequality, mental health, and politics.
• Language Module Options
  • Chinese: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits)
  • French: Communication in Practice (20 Credits)
  • French: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits)
  • German: Communication in Practice (20 Credits)
  • Spanish: Communication in Practice (20 Credits)
  • Spanish: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits)
  • Subsidiary Language for Beginners (20 Credits)

Year 2

• Criminal Moralities and Realities (20 Credits) Core
  • This module critically develops existing knowledge and understanding of current and former representations of crime and criminal justice.
• Race, Ethnicity, Migration and Injustice (20 Credits) Core
  • This module introduces students to the interactions between race, ethnicity, and migration in the governance of global injustice, inequality, and societal structuring.
• Crime Scene to Court (40 Credits) Core
  • This module takes students through the stages of crime scene examination, analysis of exhibits, preparation of legal documents, and the presentation of oral evidence in a courtroom setting.
• Experiential Learning: Social Impact Leadership on Action (40 Credits) OR Work Placement (40 Credits) Optional
  • These modules provide hands-on learning experiences, enabling students to develop critical awareness, essential skills, and experiences for their future plans.
• Experiential Learning - Natural Sciences (40 Credits) OR Work Placement - Natural Sciences (40 Credits) Optional
  • These modules provide structured, university-level work placements, enhancing professional skills in a real-world job setting.
• Study Abroad Immersive Year Optional
  • This module prepares students for a year abroad, covering cross-cultural issues, host-country orientation, and practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world.
• Industry Placement Year (120 Credits) Optional
  • This module provides a structured, university-level work placement, enhancing professional skills in a real-world job setting.

Year 3

• Research Methods and Major Project (40 Credits)
  • This module takes students on a transformative journey, enhancing critical thinking, analytical abilities, and academic writing.
• State crime, harm and injustice: International perspectives (20 Credits) Core with Major Project OR Natural Sciences Dissertation
  • This module critically examines the multifaceted ways in which state actions contribute to social harms, injustices, and environmental degradation.
• Natural Sciences Dissertation (40 Credits) in Year 3 / Level 6
  • This module enables students to engage in the research of a selected topic relevant to their course, utilising primary and secondary sources to inform their work.
• Punishment: Why, When and How? (40 Credits) Core with Natural Sciences Dissertation
  • This module critically analyses and evaluates theoretical and philosophical justifications of punishment across time and space.
• Forensic Applications (20 Credits) in Year 3 / Level 6
  • This module provides an insight into the biological aspects of the work of forensic scientists and related professions.
• Investigative Forensics (20 Credits) in Year 3 / Level 6
  • This module discusses advanced analytical and sampling techniques used for forensic science, building on previous material.
• Industrial Biotechnology (20 Credits) in Year 3 / Level 6
  • This module explores the fundamental concepts and applications of modern biotechnology.

How You’ll Learn

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Assessment is through coursework and exams
• This course is designed around in-person study
• There may be some online learning activities

Entry Requirements

Home Students

• UCAS Points: 112 points
• GCE A Level: Typical offer – BCC-BBC Must include A Level Biology or Chemistry
• BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM
• International Baccalaureate: 26 points, including 5 in HL Biology or Chemistry
• Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4, including H3 in either Biology, Chemistry Scottish Highers: BBBB including either Biology, Chemistry
• Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma (Science), to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above
• T Level: T Level Science - Merit
• OCR Cambridge Technicals: OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM
• Extra Information: Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

International Students

• UCAS Points: 72 points
• GCE A level: 72 points overall, including grade D or above in A Level Biology or Chemistry
• BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science): MMP
• International Baccalaureate: 24 points including 4 in HL Biology
• Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 (including H4 in Biology) Scottish Highers: CCDD (must include Biology)
• Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall (Science)
• T Level: T Level: Pass (D or E on the core) T Level must be in Science.
• OCR Cambridge Technicals: OCR Extended Diploma: MMP
• Extra Information: Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Foundation Year

• UCAS Points: 72 points
• GCE A level: 72 points overall, including grade D or above in A Level Biology or Chemistry
• BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science): MMP
• International Baccalaureate: 24 points including 4 in HL Biology
• Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 (including H4 in Biology) Scottish Highers: CCDD (must include Biology)
• Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall (Science)
• T Level: T Level: Pass (D or E on the core) T Level must be in Science.
• OCR Cambridge Technicals: OCR Extended Diploma: MMP
• Extra Information: Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Fees and Funding

Home Students

• £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

International Students

• £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Additional Costs

• Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery, and related materials
• Specialist clothing
• Travel to placements
• Optional field trips
• Software

Who You’ll Learn From

• Dr Holly White
• Dr Jayne Price
• Dr Paul French
• Dr Kim Ross
• Dr Wayne Campbell
• Chris Davis
• Simone Benhafsi
• Dr Emma Price

Where You’ll Study

• Exton Park, Chester

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

• Forensic biology
• Police officer
• Analytical scientist
• Biological researcher
• Science teacher
• Crime scene examiner
• Forensic DNA analyst

Progression Options

• Policing, Law Enforcement and Security MSc

Careers Service

• The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.