BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Criminology

UCAS code: F410

Start date: September

Course length: full time: three years, part time: up to six years.

Campus: Kedleston Road, Derby

This course is available to international students

This course is an ideal choice for you if you're interested in forensics and topics such as the causes of criminal behaviour, whether criminals are born or made and the legal aspects of forensic science, including the court process and the roles of the judge, jury and witnesses. You'll practice the whole process of collecting forensic evidence and then be crossexamined in court.

We've got specialist forensic facilities including a crime scene house and car to critically evaluate crime scenes and a mock courtroom to give you a solid grounding in forensic science. We'll teach you through lectures, practical sessions, fieldtrips, crime scene training, your own study, continuous assessments and exams. You'll be taught by experienced forensic scientists and specialists in criminology, as well as practising lawyers, barristers and judges. We have links with Derbyshire Constabulary and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, so you'll have excellent employability prospects when you graduate.

This course is professionaly accredited by the Forensic Science Society and endorsed by Forensic Skillsmark.

Anything else?

We offer a wide range of optional modules to allow you to tailor your degree to your own interests and career aspirations. Our programmes have been designed to meet subject standards, student interests and the needs of employers.

Visit our Forensics website

For more information please visit our Forensics website to see case studies on current students, stories on some of our successful gradautes, pictures from fieldtrips, and details of the staff you'll get to meet.

Biology, Zoology and Forensics masterclass

We invited back some of successful graduates, including BBC Producer Kathryn Jeffs to talk to our current biology, zoology and forensics students about life after graduation. View more on the masterclass.

Stage one

You'll study these modules:

• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Introduction to Forensic Science
• Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice for Forensic Science
• Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
• Genetics
• Introduction to CSI

Stage two

You'll study these modules:

• Trace Evidence
• Criminal Offences, Criminal Justice and Human Rights
• Crime Scene to Court
• Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics

And you'll choose two of these modules:

• Forensic Analysis
• Expert Evidence
• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Imaging

Stage three

You'll study these modules:

• Independent Studies for Biological and Forensic Sciences
• Professional Practice
• Current Issues in Forensic Science
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And you'll choose one of these modules:

• Toxicology and Drugs of Abuse
• Applied Entomology
• Medical Forensics
• The Human Genome
• Vocational Module

Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc. and must include Biology or Chemistry

If you've completed an Access/Foundation course, we also accept these qualifications, provided you've taken the science pathway, including level 3 credits in both Biology and Chemistry.

We'll accept up to 60 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £8,250 (each year)

We'll be announcing our part time and international fees for 2013/14 later in the year.

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

Formal lectures, tutorials, practical work in laboratory and field, crime-scene house training and computer-aided study

How you're assessed

• Written examination
• Coursework
• Practical Crime Scene Scenario
• Courtroom Evidence Presentation

Fieldtrips

Crime Scenes are completed internally and externally to the University site.

Work placements

Between the second and third year there is the chance to work within industry for 3 months to a year. This will give you a unique experience as you enter your final year and will give you a head start when applying for jobs after university. You will also be given the opportunity to learn alongside the professionals.

You could work within the criminal justice system, in local constabularies, the Forensic Science Service or for companies such as HM Prison Service, Scientifics and the Police Force, for example. Alternatively, you could be employed by law firms, private forensic laboratories or insurance companies. Some people go on to teach within secondary and further education by studying our PGCE Primary course.

This course teaches you to be analytical and a lot of what you'll learn is to do with organic chemistry and molecular biology. Because of this, you'll also have the skills to be able to move on to further education afterwards, including medicine qualifications, an MSc, MPhil or PhD.

Take a look at the ways in which we enhance your employability.

"This course has allowed me to gain an insight into how the criminal justice system works and has increased my confidence to pursue a career in this area."
Hayleigh Affleck, current student

"I found the Forensic Science course very challenging and interesting. Derby University is a very friendly place to study and would recommend it to anyone. The course has helped build my confidence and has given me a great deal of knowledge within my chosen career path."
Julie Gregory, current student

"The course was interesting linking academic subjects with practical hands on procedures such as the mock crime scenes and courtroom training which aided learning the profession. Criminology helped put all the legal aspects behind forensics into focus."
Kimberley Young, current student

"I have particularly enjoyed studying at Derby because support was always available when needed and I have made some life long friends."
Rajvinder Kaur, current student