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Forensic Science

Study level:
Undergraduate

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 choose this course?

  • Top 10 in the UK for Forensic Science (Guardian University Guide, 2024 and 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

  • Specialise in a pathway depending on your career of choice

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 is its emphasis on real-world application and hands on training in all aspects of forensics. This programme ensures you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and practical skills to excel in your career. You will gain hands-on experience with professional equipment and techniques in well-equipped teaching laboratories and modern forensic science facilities. Our dedicated crime scene simulation areas cover indoor and outdoor scenarios including vehicle and fire examinations and our Crime Scene House. Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic environment to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios you may encounter within forensic investigation. Additionally, you’ll 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. With opportunities for work or education placements, you'll be fully prepared for a career in the field of forensic science.
About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.

Modules

For a list of indicative modules please visit the course page on the Keele University website.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F415
Institution code:
K12
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 112 points

A level - BBC

BBC in three A levels including C in Chemistry or Biology

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM

DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science Forensic and Criminal Investigation

Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits

112 UCAS points in an Access to HE Diploma with Chemistry or Biology 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

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 29 points

554 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Chemistry or Biology, or 29 points including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology

GCSE/National 4/National 5

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

T Level - M

Merit in any of the following T levels: Health, Healthcare Science, Science

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

When we consider an application we take into account a wide range of information, including the context in which an applicant has gained their qualifications, work experience (paid or unpaid), extra-curricular activities and personal circumstances. A number of our applicants offer a combined portfolio or additional qualifications and these will also be taken into account. In some instances, we may make an alternative offer which will differ from the published grades.

Learn more on the Keele University website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

90% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

70 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

95 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please note, our fees for 2026 entry will be available soon. Although we review our fees annually and these may change, our 2025 entry fees are detailed on our course pages, and a summary is available on our website: keele.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/tuitionfeesandfunding/undergraduatetuitionfees/

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