Forensic Science

Develop your passion for forensics and start your career as a forensic scientist at Keele. From gathering evidential traces at a crime scene and analysing DNA, to presenting admissible forensic evidence in court, our accredited programme will provide you with the analytical skills and techniques needed for your career in Forensic Science.

Why choose this course?

• No.1 in the West Midlands and Top 5 in England for Forensic Science (Complete University Guide, 2026)

• No.1 in the West Midlands and Top 3 in the UK for Forensic Science (Guardian University Guide, 2026)

• 2nd in the UK for Career Prospects in Forensic Science (Guardian University Guide, 2026)

• Use a wide variety of industry-standard instrumentation in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

• Develop your practical and professional skills in our indoor and outdoor crime scene facilities

Our contemporary programme has been meticulously designed to provide practical and hands-on experience to set you up for your career in Forensics. From day one, you’ll immerse yourself in forensic chemistry, anthropology, digital forensics, crime scene investigation and more, using our state-of-the-art facilities such as our outdoor taphonomy facility. You will be trained by experts in the field of forensics using the latest skills, techniques and theories which are used in the industry today. You will leave Keele with the skills you'll need for a variety of exciting careers in forensics. Opportunities are woven through the course structure which allow you to specialise on a pathway in forensic biology, forensic chemistry, crime scene investigation or digital forensics to enhance your employability, what ever your chosen career path may be.

What sets this programme apart is its emphasis on real-world application and hands on training in all aspects of forensics. This programme ensures you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and practical skills to excel in your career. You will gain hands-on experience with professional equipment and techniques in well-equipped teaching laboratories and modern forensic science facilities. Our dedicated crime scene simulation areas cover indoor and outdoor scenarios including vehicle and fire examinations and our Crime Scene House. Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic environment to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios you may encounter within forensic investigation. Additionally, you’ll experience using outdoor equipment such as metal detectors, UAV drones, and near-surface geophysical equipment, soil augers and also preparing samples ready for analysis.

Boost your employability with opportunities to gain additional certifications in digital forensics and expert witness testimony, offered by leading external trainers. With opportunities for work or education placements, you'll be fully prepared for a career in the field of forensic science.

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.

Course Modules

For a list of indicative modules please visit the course page on the Keele University website.