BSc Forensic Science
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science. Core topics include Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. An optional placement year is available between the second and final stage of the programme. Students undertake an independent research project at level 6, selecting their own topic within forensic science.
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 tariff: 104 A level: BCC (At least a grade C in either Biology, Human Biology or Chemistry (or equivalent qualification). This also includes Applied Science, a BTEC Science subject or Access Science) T Level: Merit in Science BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6. Must include passes in compulsory Level 3 subjects English language: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
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What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Gained a higher qualification: 5%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 17 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 25%
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Protective service occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 48%
- West Midlands: 15%
- East of England: 15%
- London: 6%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started
- A levels: 95%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Placement Learning and Professional Development
- Clinical Genetics
- Chemistry of Life
- Principles and Skills in Forensic Science
- Methods of Laboratory Examination
- Methods of Scene Investigation
- Forensic Chemistry
- Forensic Analysis
- Object Marks
- Human and Non-Human Identification
- Trace interpretation and Research
- Analytical Chemistry
- Forensic Anthropology
- Forensic Biology
- Independent Studies for Forensic Science
- Specialist Scenes
- Crime Scene to Court
- Evaluation of Evidence
- Medical Forensics and Taphonomy
- Drugs of Abuse
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic Science at University of Derby earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £21,500 after 3 years, £24,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £30,500. The £24,000 median after five years is £3,000 less than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Forensic Science at University of Derby 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 Forensic Science at University of Derby?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Forensic Science at University of Derby?
The typical offer is BCC at A level. The average entrant had 102 UCAS points.
Is BSc Forensic Science at University of Derby accredited?
Yes. The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.
Does BSc Forensic Science at University of Derby include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Forensic Science at University of Derby?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.