University of Derby United Kingdom

BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree With Integrated Foundation Year
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year at the University of Derby is your gateway to understanding the critical role of science in the justice system. This programme is designed for aspiring forensic scientists who are passionate about applying scientific principles to solve complex criminal investigations. You will delve into core areas such as principles of cellular biology, chemistry, and the methods of laboratory examination and scene investigation. This comprehensive foundation year equips you with the essential academic and practical skills, preparing you for the specialised modules in forensic analysis, object marks, and trace interpretation in subsequent years.

You will study this undergraduate degree full-time on campus over four years, benefiting from a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. The course structure includes opportunities to explore specialist areas like microtraces, medical forensics, and drugs of abuse, alongside core modules in forensic chemistry and identification. You will develop your research capabilities through a significant final-year research project, allowing you to investigate a topic of personal interest in depth. Graduates will be well-prepared for diverse career paths within forensic science, law enforcement, and related scientific fields.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program provides a comprehensive introduction to forensic science, beginning with foundational academic and practical skills alongside core scientific principles in biology and chemistry. Students will progress to explore key areas of forensic science, including laboratory examination, scene investigation, and specialized analysis of biological and chemical evidence. The curriculum culminates in advanced topics such as research projects, medical forensics, and the interpretation of microtraces, preparing graduates for diverse roles within the field.

1 Foundation Year

Academic and Practical Skills
Foundation in Forensic Science
Principles of Cellular Biology
Principles of Chemistry
English
Mathematics
Research Methods and Data Handling
Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology

2 Year One

Clinical Genetics
Chemistry of Life
Principles and Skills in Forensic Science
Methods of Laboratory Examination
Methods of Scene Investigation
Forensic Chemistry

3 Year Two

Forensic Analysis
Object Marks
Human and Non-Human Identification
Trace interpretation and Research
Analytical Chemistry
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Biology

4 Optional Placement Year

Applied Professional Practice
Contemporary Issues in Professional Practice

5 Year Three

Research Project
Specialist Scenes
Crime Scene to Court
Microtraces
Medical Forensics and Taphonomy
Drugs of Abuse

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

13% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 18,268.00 USD 20,951.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,951.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,951.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,951.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 81,122.00 USD 83,805.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 8,200.00
Transport USD 903.00 - USD 935.00
Utilities & Bills USD 2,093.00 - USD 2,616.00
Estimated Total USD 6,218.00 - USD 11,228.00

Living cost estimates are based on Derby Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationClinical & Medical ServicesCurriculum & Instructional DesignEducational Support ServicesIndustrial & Mechanical EngineeringIndustry 4.0 & Digital ManufacturingMental Health & CounselingReal Estate DevelopmentSpecial & Inclusive EducationSupply Chain & Commodity Trading

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Aristole Research Centre

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Environment Agency

Labcorp

NHS

Royal Society of Chemistry

Why Study BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year at University of Derby

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Derby in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year at University of Derby

Can I work while studying?

Degree course students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks, with no separate work permit required. However, part-time students cannot work.

What English language score do I need for this course?

International students need an IELTS overall score of 6, with no band lower than 5.5 in listening, reading, speaking, and writing for admissions.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue careers as forensic scientists, fingerprint experts, crime scene investigators, or legal consultants.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course offers a comprehensive understanding of forensic science practices, allowing students to investigate crime scenes and analyze evidence. Students will also benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and real-world insights from experienced professionals.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year program at the University of Derby has an intake in September. It is important to apply ahead of time to ensure your spot.
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