BSc (Hons) Forensic Science and Criminology

Keele University

BSc (Hons) Forensic Science and Criminology

  • Country United Kingdom
  • Course Duration 36 month
  • Course Type Full Time
  • Courses Campus On Campus
  • Language Specification IELTS
  • Program Level Undergraduate
  • Education Required Grade 12 /Equivalent to 12th
  • Admission intake SEP
  • Minimum GPA 70
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Application Charges

Application Fee Tution Fee
Free GBP 17,900

Application Date

Application Start Date Application Closing Date
2023-03-03
2023-08-20

Program Description

According to the Office of National Statistics, comparison data from 2019 to 2021 shows there was a 12% increase in total crime, driven by a 43% increase in fraud and computer misuse in England and Wales. With criminal incidents on the increase, the study of criminology is integral in helping us to understand, control, and reduce crime. By understanding the motivations which may drive an individual to commit crime, we are able to examine the route causes of criminal behaviour which enables the identification and implementation of effective preventative measures.

Additionally, criminals continue to seek and utilise advancing tools and techniques to commit crime. The role of the forensic scientist is pivotal in identifying and presenting admissible scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations.

FORENSIC SCIENCE AND CRIMINOLOGY AT KEELE

Forensic Science and Criminology at Keele will equip you with an in depth understanding of the motivations of those who commit crime and how science can be applied to solve and understand criminal activities. You will also explore the impact of crime on a range of parties including the victim, the offender and the professional bodies responsible for investigating criminal activity.

You will study the entire forensic process in detail, from evidence collection, analysis and interpretation to court reporting. Throughout your studies you will develop a comprehensive understanding of continuity of evidence and how the crime scene, laboratory and court contribute to the forensic and legal process.

Your studies will be underpinned by a strong focus on the criminal justice system. You will study topics such as the causes of crime and the nature and development of different social responses to crime which includes the policing and operations of the criminal justice and penal systems.

YEAR ONE

The first year of the programme introduces many of the basic science topics that underpin the study of forensic science. You will acquire a solid grounding in the principal concepts of basic chemistry, biology, and forensic investigation, whilst gaining hands-on practical experience in a variety of experimental skills and analytical methods through laboratory work.
You will also examine forensic science as a professional discipline, looking at the crime scene, laboratory, court and why people commit crime. 

To introduce you to the discipline of criminology you will look at different ways of measuring crime; the development of various theoretical perspectives in criminology; and the use of those perspectives in understanding crime as a social problem. You will also explore the organisations and individuals who attempt to deliver 'Criminal Justice' and the social history of modern investigative techniques.

YEAR TWO

From year two, you will build on the knowledge gained in your first year to develop an appreciation of the key themes in forensic science that are relevant to professional practice. This will include the tools used for identifying individuals by DNA profiling, the role of forensic science in the investigation of drugs and drug-related crime and a range of techniques used for the chemical characterisation of forensic materials.

Within the criminology aspect of the programme you will study topics such as crime and justice in a global context, the development and contemporary practice of policing, mental illness, mental disorder and personality disorder and their relationship to offending behaviour.

YEAR THREE

Your final year will culminate with the opportunity to unleash your creativity and apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout your studies by working on a final year criminology dissertation. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor you will have the opportunity to integrate your personal passions and examine them from a criminology perspective.

In addition, you will hone your teamwork and communication skills by working on a forensic science research project and carry out a forensic examination of a crime scene. You will report on the evidence within the professional context of crime scene examiner, forensic scientist and expert witness.Final year topics from previous students include:
  • Analysis of post-mortem bone trauma
  • Analysis of trace evidence -identification of drugs in latent fingerprints
  • Long-term geophysical monitoring of simulated clandestine graves of murder victims
  • Wildlife forensics –assessment of presumptive tests on non-human blood
  • Forensic odontology -bite marks
  • Investigating the appearance of aged fingerprints

LEARN FROM OUR CAMPUS - OUR OWN 'LIVING AND NATURAL LABORATORY'

From recovering evidence in our indoor and outdoor crime scene facilities to replica skeletal remains within the grounds of Keele woods, our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic environment to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios you may encounter within forensic investigation. These practical experiences will also provide you with the opportunity to develop and refine the methods and techniques that are integral to work within the field.

STUDY ABROAD

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend time studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enable you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

STUDENT SUPPORT

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 on a regular basis. You will also benefit from the support of an assigned academic mentor and the dedicated Faculty Student Experience and Support team. 

Other Requirements

  • CISCE / CBSE / West Bengal Class XII: 60% - 90% required depending on course. Subjects Requirements : - Maths with 60% and English with 60% All other State Boards Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) / Standard Class XII: 65% - 95% required depending on course.Subjects Requirements : - Maths with 70% and English with 60% 2 years of study must have been completed.
  • For IELTS Waiver : CISCE/CBSE Class XII: 70% or above. All other State Boards Class XII (except Punjab or Mohali School Education Board): 75% or above in English, depending on course.Study should be taught in English. Otherwise IELTS is required.

Extra Notes


* NOTE : The Tuition Fee is subject to change Semester wise, as such for exact Tuition Fee kindly see the Website of the respective University.
* NOTE : Pathways : Students who want to pursue a Graduate Degree through a particular University but are unable to meet the university requirements for the GPA, GRE/GMAT or English Language scores, have to take up an additional academic and language support i.e. pathways in order to ensure the admit and study at the desired University.