BSc Criminology and Forensic Biology
About this course
The BSc (Hons) in Criminology and Forensic Biology is an undergraduate combined honours degree that explores the intersection of criminological theories, criminal justice practices, and biological sciences. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Project Management. Students can choose an optional year abroad. The first year introduces essential concepts through modules such as Science of Life and Key Concepts in Crime and Justice. The second year focuses on examination and analysis via Crime Scene to Court, Criminal Representations, and Race, Ethnicity, Migration and Injustice. The final year involves advanced study through Major Project: Applied Research Design and Analysis, Crimes of the Powerful, Forensic Applications, and Natural Sciences Dissertation. Optional modules allow students to explore areas such as digital crime investigation and biotechnology.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
UCAS points: 112 points A level: Typical offer – BCC-BBC Must include A Level Biology or Chemistry IB: 26 points, including 5 in HL Biology or Chemistry
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What students say
Based on about 33 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 91%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 95%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 95 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 78%
- Gained a higher qualification: 3%
- Left higher education: 15%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 3%
What graduates do next
Based on about 16 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 25%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Caring personal services: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 140 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 40%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 8%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 16%
- East of England: 5%
- South East: 5%
- Wales: 19%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Access course: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Law & Criminal Justice
- Contemporary Biological Principles
- Research in Law & Criminology
- Science of Life
- Key Concepts in Crime and Justice
- Forensic Investigations
- Contemporary Youth Justice
- Spanish: Communication in Practice
- French: Intermediate Language Development
- Spanish: Intermediate Language Development
- Chinese: Intermediate Language Development
- German: Communication in Practice
- French: Communication in Practice
- Subsidiary Language
- Crime Scene to Court
- Criminal Representations
- Race, Ethnicity, Migration and Injustice
- Experiential Learning: Social Impact Leadership in Action
- Work Placement (School of Humanities and Social Sciences)
- Experiential Learning - Natural Sciences
- Work Placement - Natural Sciences
- Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability
- Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability
- Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures
- Experiential Overseas Learning
- Developing Intercultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Skills
- Industry Placement Year
- Study Abroad Immersive Year
- Major Project: Applied Research Design and Analysis
- Crimes of the Powerful
- Forensic Applications
- Investigative Forensics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Natural Sciences Dissertation
- Punishment: Penology, Policy and Practice
- Social Science for Social Change
- Digital Crime - Investigation and Intelligence
- Biotechnology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Criminology and Forensic Biology at University of Chester earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £20,500 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £29,000. The £25,000 median after five years is £2,000 less than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Criminology and Forensic Biology at University of Chester do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Criminology and Forensic Biology at University of Chester?
87% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Criminology and Forensic Biology at University of Chester?
The typical offer is BCC at A level, or 26 points in the IB. The average entrant had 127 UCAS points.
Does BSc Criminology and Forensic Biology at University of Chester include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Criminology and Forensic Biology at University of Chester?
78% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.