Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
University of Derby
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Main Site

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Subjects

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Forensic Science
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Exam type

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A level
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UCAS Tariff
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Access to HE Diploma
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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T Level
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England
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EU
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Course info

Separate the facts from the fiction on this dynamic course. You’ll cover forensic practices such as crime scene investigation, fingerprint analysis and human tissue analysis.KEY FEATURES OF THE COURSE:RANKINGS: Our Forensic Science subject area is ranked 3rd in the UK for careers after 15 months of graduating and 4th in the UK for student satisfaction with Teaching (The Guardian University Guide 2022). In the National Student Survey 2021, 96% of students agreed that staff are good at explaining ...Read more

Separate the facts from the fiction on this dynamic course. You’ll cover forensic practices such as crime scene investigation, fingerprint analysis and human tissue analysis.

KEY FEATURES OF THE COURSE:

RANKINGS: Our Forensic Science subject area is ranked 3rd in the UK for careers after 15 months of graduating and 4th in the UK for student satisfaction with Teaching (The Guardian University Guide 2022). In the National Student Survey 2021, 96% of students agreed that staff are good at explaining things and 91% of students are satisfied with the teaching on the course.

ACCREDITATION: Study on a course fully accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science, reflecting its link to industry standards, student-centred approach, excellent facilities and focus on employability upon graduation.

FACILITIES: You'll have access to our specialist Crime Scene House with seven domestic and commercial crime scenes, we also have cars for mock crime scenes, and crown courts for presenting evidence. Our Crime Scene House was designed to such a precise specification that it is regularly used by external clients such as the emergency services for their own staff training.

SCIENTIFIC EXPERIENCE: Hone your scientific skills in our forensic science laboratories. These include an osteology lab for skeletal study, a wet forensic lab, dark room for specialised light searching and photography, an entomology lab for insect investigation, and forensic imaging facilities.

EXCELLENT TEACHING: You’ll be taught by active researchers conducting important studies into fields such as entomology, forensic photography, anthropology, taphonomy, drug analysis, fingerprint detection and enhancement techniques, blood pattern analysis and fire investigations.

TAILORED TO YOU: There are plenty of opportunities to tailor your studies to match your personal interests and career aspirations through our wide selection of optional modules.

WHAT YOU'LL COVER: You'll cover blood pattern analysis, firearms and fire investigation, and consider how entomology and tissue decay can help forensic scientists. Road traffic accidents, drug and computer crime, arson, assaults and break-ins are all mock crime scenes that you'll investigate to help you prepare for the diverse scenarios you are likely to encounter throughout your career.

HOW YOU'RE ASSESSED: You’ll be assessed through a range of mediums, including formal witness statements and expert testimony, as well as case studies, essays, laboratory reports, portfolios, examinations and presentations.

YOUR CAREER: Our graduates have gone on to secure roles in areas such as crime scene investigation (CSI), research, forensic intelligence analysis, and toxicology. The degree also provides a firm foundation for postgraduate level learning. Because it is an applied science course, it equips you to progress to qualifications in medicine and can pave the way to MSc, MPhil or PhD study.

STUDY OPTIONS: This course is also available with a Foundation Year option.- This course is available with an Industrial Placement Year.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
30/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
12th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
95th
Forensic and Archaeological Sciences
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 90 = 10% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
10%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
90%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Forensic and Archaeological Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£17,000
UK Forensic and Archaeological Sciences graduate salary
£18,000
What students say
S
Sophie
08 Dec 24

I’m enjoying my time studying at Derby, the facilities for my course are great! My lecturers reply to my emails swiftly and I know they are there for support if..Read more

L
Lauren
07 Dec 24

So far, Derby has been a great place to study. I receive support from lecturers, and there’s so many ‘hands-on’ opportunities in the laboratories. The campus is always clean, and..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Module Options
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

UCAS Tariff:

112 Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

D:15,M:24,P:6 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DMM Grades / Points required

T Level:

M Grades / Points required

At least a grade C in either Biology, Human Biology or Chemistry (or equivalent qualification).

We encourage you to outline all your qualifications and achievements in your application to provide us a full picture. Your offer will typically be based on your predicted and/or achieved grades from full level 3 qualifications or above e.g. A levels, BTEC Ext Diploma, Access to HE, etc.Any subject specifics are outlined below in the A-levels section, and these specifics are applicable across all equivalent qualifications.A strong application/performance and appropriate experience will be taken into account where typical criteria is not met.

Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits with 45 at Level 3. Must include passes in compulsory L3 subjects

This also includes Applied Science, a BTEC Science subject or Access Science

T-Level in Science

Popular A-level subjects

Forensic and Archaeological Sciences

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Biology
52%
Psychology
51%
Chemistry
33%
Mathematics
20%
History
11%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£14,900 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£14,900 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£14900 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Forensic Science (Non-Medical) reviews

Forensic Science (Non-Medical)
Forensic Science (Non-Medical)
S
Sophie
08 Dec 24
Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
I’m enjoying my time studying at Derby, the facilities for my course are great! My lecturers reply to my emails swiftly and I know they are there for support if...
Read more
L
Lauren
07 Dec 24
Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
So far, Derby has been a great place to study. I receive support from lecturers, and there’s so many ‘hands-on’ opportunities in the laboratories. The campus is always clean, and...
Read more
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How Forensic Science (Non-Medical) students rated:

Student rating
( 4.3) 45 reviews
5 star
43%
4 stars
42%
3 stars
15%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 1,758 reviews
5 star
39%
4 stars
46%
3 stars
14%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
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Uni info

University of Derby
Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Peartree  1.8 miles away

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