BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Psychology

Start date: September. *Please note this is a new course. It is subject to validation, which means some information may change. This webpage will be updated with the latest details.

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

Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

Faculty: Education, Health and Science

School: School of Science

This course is available to international students

You'll learn about key psychological theories and principles and take a detailed look at criminal psychology. You will cover key forensic practices such as crime scene investigations, human tissue analysis and fingerprint analysis. You will be guided through the process from crime scene analysis and recovery to presentation of evidence in the courtroom using our crime scene house, car and mock courtroom.

We hold a Class A drugs licence and firearms licence to provide a realistic forensics training environment for you. You will also have the opportunity to observe a post mortem. You will be taught by experienced forensic scientists, psychologists and practising professionals who will provide you with the latest information on criminal psychology and forensic practice. We also have strong links with Derbyshire Constabulary and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Anything else?

We offer a wide range of optional modules to allow you to tailor your degree to your own interests and career aspirations.

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.

Stage one

You'll study these modules:

• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Introduction to Forensic Science
• Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice for Forensic Science
• Research Methods and Analysis in Psychology
• Genetics
• Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation

Stage two

You'll study these modules:

• Trace Evidence
• Does Psychology Matter?
• Crime Scene to Court
• The Individual in Psychology

Optional modules:

• Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics
• Forensic Anthropology
• The Cell
• Forensic Imaging

‌Stage three

You'll study these modules:

• Independent Studies for Biological and Forensic Sciences
• Current Issues in Forensic Science
• Professional Practice
• Forensic Applications of Psychology

Optional 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)
• £1,030 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total)

International students

• Full time: £10,225 (per 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.

How you'll learn

• Formal lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Practical work in laboratory and field
• Crime-scene training

How you're assessed

• Formal witness statements
• Expert (courtroom) testimony
• Essays
• Laboratory reports
• Cases studies
• Portfolios
• Presentations

Fieldtrips

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

Work placements

Between stages two and three, you can apply to work in industry to give you an opportunity to use your theoretical and practical skills. Placements can be during your summer break, three to four months, or up to a whole year. We have a range of optional modules allowing you to tailor your degree to your own interests and career aspirations. You will also keep a continuous personal development portfolio, helping you to prepare for life after university.

You could work within the criminal justice system, in local constabularies, the forensic science sector or for Rolls-Royce, ESG Scientifics, LGC Forensics and AstraZeneca, for example. You could also be employed by law firms, private forensic laboratories or insurance companies. You will have the skills for further education in the areas of medicine or psychology amongst others.

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