Forensic Science with Foundation Year

Forensic science applies the methods and tools of natural science to the investigation of crime. It is a discipline that demands rigour, precision, and an understanding of how scientific evidence is collected, analysed, and presented in legal contexts. Forensic scientists work with DNA and biological samples, trace evidence such as fibres and glass, document examination, digital forensics, toxicology, and ballistics, among many other specialisms.

The validity of evidence and the integrity of the chain of custody are paramount, because the conclusions forensic scientists reach can have decisive consequences for individuals and for justice.

The University of Keele's Forensic Science with Foundation Year degree is a five-year full-time programme. The description notes it accelerates your career through an integrated programme that covers gathering evidential traces at a crime scene, analysing DNA, understanding forensic strategy, and how joint investigations are managed. The typical entry tariff is 120 points.

The foundation year ensures you have the scientific knowledge and analytical foundations needed before progressing to the main degree content. You will study the full breadth of forensic science, from chemistry and biology to law, crime scene investigation, and forensic management, developing both laboratory skills and the understanding of the legal and investigative contexts in which forensic evidence operates. The programme is accredited, providing a recognised professional foundation.

Forensic science graduates work in forensic laboratories, crime scene investigation units, the police service, the National Crime Agency, coroners' offices, environmental agencies, digital forensics teams, and the defence and prosecution legal sector. Many roles require or benefit from postgraduate study or further professional training, and some graduates continue to doctoral research in specialised areas of forensic science. The rigorous scientific training the degree provides also supports careers in scientific research, analytical chemistry, environmental science, and the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries.