BSc Forensic Science with Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science with Foundation Year, a forensic science degree incorporating a compulsory foundation year followed by analytical and investigative training. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Students have the option to undertake an industry placement year or a year abroad during their studies. The course begins with a foundation year covering Study Skills and Research, Biomedical Science, Cellular Biology, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Organisms and their Environments, and Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences. The first year introduces foundational scientific principles through Clinical Genetics, Chemistry of Life, Principles and Skills in Forensic Science, Methods of Laboratory Examination, Methods of Scene Investigation, and Forensic Chemistry. Year two expands into core casework methods through Forensic Analysis, Object Marks, Human and Non-Human Identification, and Trace Interpretation and Research, with optional modules such as Analytical Chemistry, Forensic Anthropology, and Forensic Biology. The final year focuses on advanced investigation and professional practice via Independent Studies for Forensic Science, Specialist Scenes, Crime Scene to Court, and Evaluation of Evidence, complemented by optional modules including Medical Forensics and Taphonomy, and Drugs of Abuse, alongside a placement learning module.
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: 72 A level: DDD T Level: Pass BTEC: MMP GCSE: GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15 English language: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
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What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 93%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 22 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Protective service occupations: 10%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
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 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Access course: 5%
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
- Study Skills and Research
- Biomedical Science
- Cellular Biology
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Organisms and their Environments
- Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences
- 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 with Foundation Year 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 with Foundation Year 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 with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
89% 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 with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
The typical offer is DDD at A level. The average entrant had 82 UCAS points.
Is BSc Forensic Science with Foundation Year 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 with Foundation Year 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 with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.