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Forensic Science

BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · 09/2026 · UndergraduateMain Site

Course summary

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 courses have been ranked in the Top 15 for Forensic Science and graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2026, and in the Top 15 for student voice in the National Student Survey 2025.

  • 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. A Bioscience Superlab is opening in 2025, which will give students the chance to study in an innovative, inspiring and interdisciplinary facility.

  • 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 a range of topics including clinical genetics, trace evidence, forensic analysis, and object marks. You'll also investigate mock crime scenes, analyse evidence in a lab setting and present in court, so that you'll be prepared 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.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F411
Institution code:
D39
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 104 points

A level - BCC

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

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

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

Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 24 credits P: 6 credits

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

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification

T Level - M

T-Level in Science

English language requirements

IELTS overall score at a minimum of 6.0; with at least IELTS 5.5 in each band (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) or another Secure English Language Test(SELT)at CEFR level B2 or above

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We have excluded the Grades on Entry data for this course. We may operate some flexibility with entry grades to support widening participation, though most of the students that enrol on this course achieve the published entry tariff or above. Applicants who achieve grades below the published tariff may be offered an alternative course or a 4-year route if there is one available. For further information please contact askadmissions@derby.ac.uk.

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 2 other forensic and archaeological sciences courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

95% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

65 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

85 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU£16900*Year 1
International£16900*Year 1
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The quoted fee is an indicative fee based on last year’s fees, as the fees for the 2026 term not yet been confirmed.

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