Forensic Science and Psychology BSc (Hons)

At Keele University, we’re proud to be consistently ranked in the Top 3 UK universities for student satisfaction, which is testimony to the safe, supportive and welcoming campus we hope you’ll soon call home.Studying a combined honours degree at Keele will include some modules from both of the single honours degrees. In this case, your programme will be made up of a combination of modules from both Forensic Science and Psychology. You will gain an in-depth understanding of forensic science and learn how to design and conduct your own psychological studies in our well-equipped labs using a range of techniques.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 state of the art equipment and our dedicated Crime Scene House. Our forensic science combined honours programmes are recognised by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.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 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.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.The course is taught by staff who are actively engaged in research with specialisms in social psychology, developmental psychology, cognition and neuropsychology, biological psychology health and wellbeing and a range of applied areas. The emphasis of the course is on understanding how psychology impacts on everyday life; from developing a sense of self and negotiating personal relationships to influencing judgments about matters of global significance, such as climate change.Our teaching strategy is designed to enable you to become an independent scientist who will have a great deal to offer prospective employers. Our graduates have entered careers in a range of professional forensic science sectors, including DNA profiling to digital forensics, or as analytical scientists and researchers within the broader business sector, such as chemical analytical consultancies, pharmaceuticals or environmental monitoring. Some of our graduates also undertake postgraduate qualifications such as an MSc, PGCE or PhD qualification prior to entering employment. By completing a Psychology degree from Keele, you are taking the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist and a requirement for further study and training for a career in psychology. We believe that the strength of studying Psychology alongside another discipline is that it gives you the flexibility to follow a variety of paths in your working life.