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Forensic Biology (including a Foundation Year)

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 06/10/2025
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Chester

Course summary

This course offers a combination of forensic aspects with a thorough grounding in the traditional science of biology, in particular the molecular biology techniques and DNA profiling. The techniques you will learn are transferable to other biological disciplines, and provide a solid foundation for a wide range of graduate careers.

Teaching is delivered by an experienced and committed team of lecturers, supported by practicing experts from many forensic disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the development of key skills, equipping you with the necessary theoretical basis and practical experience to enter many areas of employment in both forensic and biological sciences.

You’ll have the opportunity to involve yourself in a range of practices, from a crime scene to a court.

Foundation Year courses have been designed for students who do not have the necessary academic qualifications needed to enter directly into the first year of a degree but who have the ability and commitment to do so. Once the Foundation Year has been completed successfully, you can then go on to complete your degree.

Modules

For the latest example of curriculum availability on this degree programme please refer to the University of Chester's Website.

Assessment method

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that students are exposed to the different types of tasks they might encounter in the workplace. These will include coursework in the form of written pieces, laboratory reports, data processing and presentations. In some modules, students will encounter group work and practical assessments, as well as end-of-module assessments.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Royal Society of Biology

How to apply

Apply by
29 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:
C191
Institution code:
C55
Campus name:
Chester
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 72 points

A level

72 UCAS points, including a grade D in A Level Biology in Chemistry

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

BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science

Access to HE Diploma

Access Diploma (Science) - Pass overall

Scottish Higher - CCDD

Include Biology or Chemistry

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points

Including 5 in HL Biology or Chemistry

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H4, H4, H4, H4, H4

Including H4 in Biology or Chemistry

The University of Chester considers a wide range of Level 3 qualifications and a wide range of professional / vocational qualifications. Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree.

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.

The University of Chester is committed to supporting and encouraging students from a wide range of backgrounds and our Admissions policy forms part of our commitment to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed have the opportunity to do so. We recognise that not all students have access to the same levels of education, support, and guidance, therefore, when making admissions decision, we consider a wide range of factors to identify merit, rather than academic attainment alone.

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.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

85 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

90 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
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1

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 University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

University of Chester is currently reviewing the Foundation Year fees due to the new Government legislation on university tuition fees.

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