BSc Forensic Biology
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Forensic Biology, an undergraduate degree centred on biological and chemical analysis applied to crime scene investigation and legal casework. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students can choose to complete the course in three years or add an optional placement year or year abroad. The first year covers the foundations through Forensic Chemistry: Molecules under Investigation, Forensic Investigation: From Documents to DNA, Human Physiology and Anatomy, and Cells, Genetics and Evolution, introducing core laboratory and investigative concepts. The second year advances into specialised areas with Forensic Genetics: DNA and Crime, Applications of Molecular Biology, Crime Scenes: Blood, Marks and Prints, and Forensic Anthropology: Decomposition and Skeletal Analysis, alongside optional choices such as Human Genetics and Counterfeits, Fakes and Forgeries. The final year consolidates professional expertise through compulsory studies like Topics in Forensic Biology, Crime Scene to Court, Forensic Toxicology: Ingestion to Detection, and the Forensic Biology Research Project, while optional modules allow specialisation in subjects including Conservation Biology and Environmental and Wildlife Forensics.
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
A level: BBB in three A levels including B in Chemistry or Biology IB: 555 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Chemistry or Biology, or 30 points including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 36 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 85%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 85 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 92%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 31 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 66%
- Working and studying: 14%
- Further study: 7%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 15 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North East: 5%
- North West: 5%
- East Midlands: 25%
- West Midlands: 35%
- East of England: 5%
- South East: 20%
Who gets in
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 94%
- Access course: 1%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 4%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Forensic Chemistry: Molecules under Investigation
- Forensic Investigation: From Documents to DNA
- Forensic Science Career Planning and Employability Skills
- Human Physiology and Anatomy
- Cells, Genetics and Evolution
- Practical and Academic Skills in Bioscience
- Forensic Genetics: DNA and Crime
- Applications of Molecular Biology
- Crime Scenes: Blood, Marks and Prints
- Drugs of Abuse
- Forensic Anthropology: Decomposition and Skeletal Analysis
- Counterfeits, Fakes and Forgeries
- Human Genetics
- Molecular Ecology and Plant Genetics
- Nutrition and Health
- Flexible Work Placement (Level 5)
- Topics in Forensic Biology
- Crime Scene to Court
- Forensic Toxicology: Ingestion to Detection
- Forensic Biology Research Project
- Marks and Traces Examination
- Conservation Biology
- Environmental and Wildlife Forensics
- Animal Welfare
- Flexible Work Placement (Level 6)
- Professional Experience in Education
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic Biology at Keele University earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £23,000 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £38,500. The £27,500 median after five years is £500 more than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Forensic Biology at Keele University do next?
87% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Forensic Biology at Keele University?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Forensic Biology at Keele University?
The typical offer is BBB at A level, or 30 points in the IB. The average entrant had 114 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Forensic Biology at Keele University?
92% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.