Forensic Science (Hons) Keele University

Overview

The Forensic Science (Hons) at Keele University provides a contemporary and hands-on approach to the diverse world of criminal investigation. Students immerse themselves in essential disciplines including forensic chemistry, anthropology, and digital forensics from the very start of their studies. This programme is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional application in the field.

Why Forensic Science (Hons) at Keele University?

• Ranked 1st in the West Midlands and Top 5 in England for the subject by the Complete University Guide 2026.
• Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, ensuring the curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
• Access to state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories equipped with industry-standard analytical instrumentation.
• Unique indoor and outdoor crime scene facilities, including a dedicated Crime Scene House and a taphonomy facility.
• Opportunities to gain additional professional certifications in expert witness testimony and digital forensics.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 18200 per year
• National fee: GBP 9535 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Year 1

• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
• Forensic Science Professional Toolkit
• Forensic Chemistry: Molecules under Investigation
• Forensic Investigation: From Documents to DNA
• Programming for Forensic Scientists
• Science and Society

Year 2

• Crime Scenes: Blood, Marks and Prints
• Forensic Genetics: DNA and Crime
• Chemical Analysis and Detection
• Forensic Anthropology: Decomposition and Skeletal Analysis
• Drugs of Abuse
• Counterfeits, Fakes and Forgeries
• Digital Forensics: Crime and Technology

Year 3

• Crime Scene to Court
• Explosives, Arson and Evidence
• Forensic Toxicology: Ingestion to Detection
• Forensic Science Research Project
• Environmental and Wildlife Forensics
• Topics in Forensic Biology
• Marks and Traces Examination

Careers with Forensic Science (Hons)

Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of technical and investigative roles within the justice system and private sector. The analytical and data interpretation skills gained are highly transferable to industries such as pharmaceuticals and environmental monitoring. Many students progress into specialised laboratory or field-based positions.

Potential career roles include:

• Forensic Scene Investigator
• Analytical Chemist
• Toxicologist
• Intelligence Analyst
• Quality Control Scientist
• Forensic Examiner
• Scientific Laboratory Technician

Accreditation