BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Criminology

When can you start this course? | UCAS code | Fees | Course length | Entry requirements

Why choose this course?

Visit our Forensic Science website for more information on our crime scene facillities and to see what past students thought of studying Forensics at Derby.

You'll be studying a course that is fully accredited by the Forensic Science Society, and also endorsed by Forensic Skillsmark meaning you'll gain all the skills you'll need for a successful career in forensic science.
It opens up a range of exciting career opportunities in law, local constabularies, prison services and many more.
You'll work alongside and be able to observe professionals, such as practising lawyers, judges, police officers and fingerprint experts.
You can take a work placement as part of the course to get a feel for what it's really like working in this field.
You can choose your own specialist path such as forensic chemistry or forensic biology.

About the course

You can take this course either full time or part time.

You'll learn in a variety of ways including: lectures, practical sessions, field trips, crime scene and moot court training (using our Crime Scene House and specialist courtroom facilities), your own study, continuous assessments and exams. You'll be taught by experienced current and former forensic scientists and specialists in criminology, as well as scientists, practising lawyers, barristers and judges.

You'll also keep a continuous personal development portfolio which will help prepare you for life after university. We've got specialist forensic, biological and chemical laboratories, crime scene house and car facilities, and a moot court, so we'll really give you a solid grounding in forensic sciences. You will be able to practice the whole process of collecting forensic evidence and then be cross-examined in court.

You'll cover essential forensic practices including human tissue analysis, fire, hair and fibres, statistics, fingerprints, firearms and ballistics, crime scene investigations, molecular biology, and analytical and organic chemistry. We'll also teach you about the legal, criminological, psychological and sociological aspects of crime.

Between your second and third year, you can apply to work in industry which will give you a great 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.

Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...

Your career

BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Criminology

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.

What our students say

Hayleigh Affleck, one of our current students

"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

How you'll learn

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.

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.

Start dates

If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:

September 2012

If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:

September 2012

UCAS code

F410

Fees

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

Full time: £7,495 (each year)
Part time: £935 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total).

International students

Full time: £9,975 (each year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.