Criminology and Forensic Biology

Criminology and forensic biology is a degree that approaches the study of crime from two complementary angles, one social and analytical, the other scientific. Criminology is the social science of crime, concerned with understanding why crime happens, who commits it, how the justice system responds, and what the effects are on victims, offenders, and communities. Forensic biology applies the tools of biology, genetics, and microbiology to the investigation of crime scenes, the analysis of biological evidence such as DNA, blood, hair, and fibres, and the interpretation of biological findings in a legal context.

Together, they give you both the social and scientific literacy needed to understand crime in its full complexity.

At the University of Chester, you will study this combined degree over three years of full-time study, with a year abroad included in the programme. The criminology component covers the major theoretical traditions in the field, the sociology of criminal justice, the operation of policing, courts, and prisons, and critical perspectives on race, gender, and inequality within the justice system. The forensic biology strand introduces you to the biological sciences relevant to forensic investigation, including genetics and DNA profiling, blood pattern analysis, entomology, and the principles of evidence collection and analysis that apply when biological material is used in legal proceedings.

Laboratory sessions develop your practical scientific skills alongside the conceptual content. The year abroad provides the opportunity to study criminology or forensic science in a different national context, broadening your perspective on how different legal systems approach crime and its investigation.

Graduates from criminology and forensic biology programmes have a dual skill set that opens pathways in both the forensic sciences and the criminal justice sector. Forensic biology roles in crime laboratories, with the police, or in academic or independent forensic science organisations are a direct application of the scientific training. Roles in probation, victim support, the court service, and criminal justice reform organisations draw on the criminological knowledge.

Research and policy roles in organisations working on criminal justice and forensic science are further destinations. Postgraduate study in forensic science, criminology, or related fields is often required for specialist forensic roles and is available for those who want to develop their expertise.