BSc Forensic Science with Criminology
About this course
The BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science with Criminology is an undergraduate degree combining forensic science principles with the study of criminology and the criminal justice system. Core topics include Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students may choose to undertake an optional placement year or a year abroad, as well as a foundation year. The first year introduces the fundamentals through modules such as Chemistry of Life, Methods of Laboratory Examination, Methods of Scene Investigation, and Forensic Chemistry. The second year builds on this with compulsory study in Policing and Society, Object Marks, Human and Non-Human Identification, and Trace interpretation and Research, alongside optional choices like Victimology, Forensic Anthropology, and Forensic Biology. The final year covers advanced topics through compulsory modules including Independent Studies for Forensic Science, Miscarriages of Justice for Forensic Science, Specialist Scenes, and Crime Scene to Court, alongside optional modules such as Medical Forensics and Taphonomy, and Drugs of Abuse. An additional placement learning module is available for those undertaking the optional professional placement year.
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 19 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 84%
- Academic support: 81%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 20%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 40%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 25%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 195 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 58%
- West Midlands: 18%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 4%
- South East: 3%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 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
- Clinical Genetics
- Chemistry of Life
- Principles and Skills in Forensic Science
- Methods of Laboratory Examination
- Methods of Scene Investigation
- Forensic Chemistry
- Policing and Society
- Object Marks
- Human and Non-Human Identification
- Trace interpretation and Research
- Victimology
- Forensic Anthropology
- Forensic Biology
- Independent Studies for Forensic Science
- Miscarriages of Justice for Forensic Science
- Specialist Scenes
- Crime Scene to Court
- Medical Forensics and Taphonomy
- Drugs of Abuse
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic Science with Criminology at University of Derby earn?
The median salary is £25,500 after 15 months, £20,500 after 3 years, £24,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £29,500. 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 Criminology at University of Derby do next?
75% 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 Criminology at University of Derby?
92% 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 Criminology at University of Derby?
The typical offer is BCC at A level. The average entrant had 114 UCAS points.
Is BSc Forensic Science with Criminology 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 Criminology 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 Criminology at University of Derby?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.