Program Overview

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Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

Year of entry

2026

UCAS code

F415

Duration of study

3 years or 4 years with international or placement year

Course summary

Develop your passion for forensics and start your career as a forensic scientist at Keele. From gathering evidential traces at a crime scene and analysing DNA, to presenting admissible forensic evidence in court, our accredited programme will provide you with the analytical skills and techniques needed for your career in Forensic Science.

Why study Forensic Science at Keele University?

• Top 10 in the UK for Forensic Science, (Complete University Guide, 2025)
• Use a wide variety of industry-standard instrumentation in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories
• This programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• Develop your practical and professional skills in our indoor and outdoor crime scene facilities
• 4th in England for Forensic Science (Guardian University Guide, 2025)

Course overview

Our contemporary programme has been meticulously designed to provide practical and hands-on experience to set you up for your career in Forensics. From day one, you’ll immerse yourself in forensic chemistry, anthropology, digital forensics, crime scene investigation and more, using our state-of-the-art facilities such as our outdoor taphonomy facility. You will be trained by experts in the field of forensics using the latest skills, techniques and theories which are used in the industry today. You will leave Keele with the skills you'll need for a variety of exciting careers in forensics. Opportunities are woven through the course structure which allow you to specialise on a pathway in forensic biology, forensic chemistry, crime scene investigation or digital forensics to enhance your employability, what ever your chosen career path may be.

What sets this programme apart

• Emphasis on real-world application and hands-on training in all aspects of forensics
• Gain hands-on experience with professional equipment and techniques in well-equipped teaching laboratories and modern forensic science facilities
• Dedicated crime scene simulation areas cover indoor and outdoor scenarios including vehicle and fire examinations and our Crime Scene House
• Unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic environment to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios you may encounter within forensic investigation
• Experience using outdoor equipment such as metal detectors, UAV drones, and near-surface geophysical equipment, soil augers and also preparing samples ready for analysis
• Boost your employability with opportunities to gain additional certifications in digital forensics and expert witness testimony, offered by leading external trainers
• Opportunities for work or education placements, you'll be fully prepared for a career in the field of forensic science

Related courses

• Forensic Science with Integrated Master's
• Forensic Science and Criminology
• Forensic Biology
• Forensic Chemistry
• Forensic Psychology

Accreditation and professional recognition

• This programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• A professionally accredited forensic science degree ensures programme content remains relevant to the latest developments in the sector and is recognition that the programme meets the standards set by the chartered society

Course structure

Modules for Forensic Science

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
• The Forensic Science Professional Toolkit
• Forensic Chemistry: Molecules under Investigation
• Forensic Investigation: From Documents to DNA

Optional modules

• Programming for Forensic Scientists
• Science and Society

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Crime Scenes: Blood, Marks and Prints
• Forensic Genetics: DNA and Crime
• Chemical Analysis and Detection
• Forensic Anthropology: Decomposition and Skeletal Analysis
• Drugs of Abuse

Optional modules

• Counterfeits, Fakes and Forgeries
• Digital Forensics: Crime and Technology
• Flexible Work Placement and Professional Training

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Crime Scene to Court
• Explosives, Arson and Evidence
• Forensic Toxicology: Ingestion to Detection
• Forensic Science Research Project

Optional modules

• Environmental and Wildlife Forensics
• Topics in Forensic Biology
• Marks and Traces Examination
• Digital Forensics: Applications and Examinations
• Forensic Chemical Analysis: Instrumentation and Evaluation
• Work Placement and Professional Training Year
• Flexible Work Placement and Professional Training
• Work Placement and Professional Training in Education

Entry requirements

• Typical offer
  • A Level: BBC in three A Levels including C in Chemistry or Biology
  • BTEC: DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science, Forensic and Criminal Investigation
  • T Level: Merit in any of the following T levels: Health, Healthcare Science, Science
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: 554 in three Higher Levels including 4 in Chemistry or Biology
  • Access to HE Diploma: 112 UCAS points in an Access to HE Diploma with Chemistry or Biology related content
• English language requirements
  • All our courses require an English language qualification or test
  • Most students meet this through a 4 or C in GCSE English
• Alternative and contextual offers
  • We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background

Fees and funding

• Tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year
  • UK: £9,535 for the 2025/6 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval)
  • International: Band 1, £17,700 for the 2025/26 academic year

Supporting you

• We offer a multi layered student support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs
• Our open-door policy enables you to engage with us directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback or discuss any matters relating to your course on a regular basis
• You will also benefit from the support of an academic mentor and Keele's Student Experience and Support team

Your future career

• Keele’s Careers and Employability team offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability
• From forensic scene investigator to working in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the advanced problem-solving, data interpretation, analytical and communication skills you will acquire on this programme will open up a wide variety of science-related careers
• Joining the Chartered Society of Forensic Scientists (CSFS) may help with keeping up to date with developments in the sector and making valuable contacts

Teaching, learning and assessment

• Teaching
  • We offer a personalised learning experience in an environment where you can feel part of a community
  • Many of our teaching staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy
• Assessment
  • The wide variety of assessment methods used on this programme at Keele reflects the broad range of knowledge and skills that are developed as you progress through the degree programme

Facilities

• Central Science Laboratories
  • In order to teach forensic science to the highest of standards, we utilise the latest laboratory space and equipment
  • You will benefit from transformational teaching in a space designed to encourage and enable collaborative and interdisciplinary working
• Crime Scene House and commercial scenarios
  • Keele's purpose-built crime scene house (equipped with CCTV, vehicles and blood pattern analysis room) enables you to gain hands on experience in recovering evidence from a variety of realistic criminal settings
  • New commercial scenarios, including a pub and post office, will provide you with the opportunity to gain experience in other crime scenes as 50% occur in non-domestic environments

Research

• Our academic staff have expertise and interests across the forensic sciences as well in chemistry and earth sciences
• Most are active researchers and many have a distinguished track record in publication, generation of grant income, industrial collaboration and as research journal reviewers

Foundation year

• Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, offering preparation for your chosen degree with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete
• This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, build your confidence, and provide a better understanding of higher education

Entry requirements for Foundation Year

• 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 for Foundation Year

• Students will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year (UCAS code F410) through UCAS at

January entry overview

• 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

Information for international students

• Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC)