Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Forensic Science and Criminology with International Year

at Keele University United Kingdom

You’ll learn to use technology to create new opportunities and to solve a wide range of problems, benefiting every aspect of society from the home to business, government and beyond. Our teaching is informed by research, and we also reflect what’s happening now in industry.

You will follow a set of modules providing a specialism in information systems, evolutionary systems, or creative computing. You’ll have access to our own computing labs, based on Microsoft Windows and Linux, plus a wide range of software. This degree builds the essential skills which are in demand from employers looking for systems analysts, software engineers and consultants. You’ll graduate with a wide range of computing skills plus a highly developed approach to problem solving.

On this course, you will explore how humans relate to the natural environment, and how to address some of the biggest threats to the world’s environmental and ecological systems. You may also cover a range of biological concepts which could include the complexity of biological processes and mechanisms at molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels, exploring related philosophical and ethical issues.

You will develop your practical skill set through a range of activities which may include sampling, recording and analysing data in the field and in our labs, developing practical and field work skills in different environments, as well as experience in utilising Geographic Information Systems. At the same time you will explore how biology and environmental science can help to improve the quality and sustainability of life.

Topical environmental issues (such as conservation, habitat management, biodiversity loss and climate change) require a strong understanding of how humans interact with the natural environment, and how we impact on different ecosystems. You’ll explore aspects of science such as biodiversity, evolution and biological processes, but you will also consider debates around genetic crop modification, nutrient loss and food security.

For the Forensic Science element of the course, you will be taught by academics and forensic professionals, and gain valuable lab and crime scene experience, helping you to stay ahead in this fast-moving science. You will be taught in our modern laboratory facilities and have access to equipment and our dedicated Crime Scene House.

This course will provide you with a broad education in the core areas of forensic science. Your studies will focus on key topics in forensic chemistry, analytical science, forensic biology and criminalistics science. You will develop your analytical science skills, enabling you to analyse a variety of forensic of evidence. This is complemented by additional emphasis on professional practice and an understanding of the roles of the crime scene investigator and the forensic scientist as an expert witness in the court. You may be able to study abroad for a semester (dependant on subject scheduling) or year at one of our partner universities.

The Psychology element of the course, which is accredited by the British Psychological Society enables you to explore why humans think, feel, communicate and act in the ways that they do. At Keele you will find out what the latest research tells us about human behaviour and learn how to design and conduct your own psychological studies in our well-equipped labs using a range of techniques.

Studying Criminology and Sociology will enable you to think independently, critically, and imaginatively about the issues that shape our everyday lives and our futures.

The compulsory sociology modules will provide you with a grounding in the key areas of the discipline: inequalities, social theory and research methods. Our programme covers a wide range of topics such as families, health, activism and protest, social media, globalisation and urban life. 

Likewise, the criminology programme introduces you to the theory, practice and research methods associated with criminology as a discipline, as well as offering the chance to learn in more depth about some of the key crime and criminal justice issues affecting contemporary societies. 

Biology at Keele focuses on the amazing world of organisms – from how they’ve evolved to their relationships with the environment and each other. Keele takes a broad approach to biology, examining the diversity of life and its evolution from the geological past. You’ll consider a range of engaging biological topics which may include the complexity of biological processes and mechanisms at molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels, philosophical and ethical issues. You’ll develop your pratical skill set through engaging in activities which could include sampling, recording and analysing data in the field and in our well-equipped labs.

Does de-constructing narratives and considering the context of literary works capture your imagination? Do you enjoy analysing literature from the Renaissance through to the present day? Throughout your studies, you may study the work of William Shakespeare and Emily Bronte, explore new ways of reading texts from postcolonial or feminist perspectives, and engage in stimulating debates about the value of literature in the modern world. English Literature and Creative Writing at Keele encourages you to explore iconic literary works, whilst learning about the creative process, and compiling your own portfolios of creative writing.  In the beautiful surroundings of Keele Hall, you can enjoy readings from an exciting range of published poets and novelists.

You will learn to harness the concepts and debates in organisational behaviour and management, including the diversity in decision making across the private and public sectors.  You may explore topics, such as: markets and consumers, their behaviours and how to understand and communicate with them and gain an appreciation of contemporary issues facing marketers and managers, such as ethics and sustainability. You may also examine contemporary digital marketing, where skill requirements evolve rapidly and employer demand is high. The variety of optional modules available on this course will also enable you to further develop your skills and insights. 

Ecology and conservation field and lab skills are taught comprehensively across the programme, including extensive use of our green campus. Fieldwork and residential field courses are an integral part of the programme throughout, as are employability skills.

Whether you want to understand Brexit, the crisis in the Middle East or climate change, you need to understand why governments make particular decisions and how different groups interact within states and across borders.

A degree in International Relations and Politics at Keele will equip you with the necessary tools to understand and explain how power operates and how we might begin to tackle the most pressing domestic and global challenges. You will study contemporary and policy-relevant issues such as democracy, global inequality, protest, globalisation, regime change, energy security, environmental sustainability, human rights, gender politics and terrorism.

You can underpin these issues through an in-depth study of particular countries such as Britain, the United States and Russia, as well as regions in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

On this course you’ll develop a solid foundation of theory and practical skills, building to cover advanced concepts and contemporary issues in chemistry in later years. You’ll learn to use chemistry in problem solving, and to present your theories and findings confidently and imaginatively. You may have the opportunity to tailor your studies to reflect your interests, and learn how to pursue your own research. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore scientific instruments and techniques, and enjoy access to dedicated IT facilities.

For the Forensic Science element of the course, you will be taught by academics and forensic professionals, as well as gaining valuable lab and crime scene experience, helping you to stay ahead in this fast-moving science. You will be taught in our modern laboratory facilities and have access to equipment and our dedicated Crime Scene House.