During your first year studying Biology, you will gain a solid grounding in key biological concepts such as cells, genetics, evolution and physiology of humans. As you progress through the course, you will build on your existing knowledge and have the opportunity to choose specialisms aligned to your career goals, such as conservation biology or human genetics.
Forensic Science at Keele explores the entire forensic process from the crime scene to the court. Initial modules will provide you with a strong foundation in the principal concepts of forensic chemistry and investigation. In your second year you will strengthen your understanding by examining topics including forensic genetics, blood, marks and prints, chemical analysis, and drugs of abuse.
In your final year you will have the opportunity to complete a research project. Your research project is an excellent opportunity for you to draw together skills in experimental study design, critical interpretation of data, presentation and project management.
To apply your learning, you will have regular access to our state-of-the art-laboratories, Keele's large and diverse campus to develop practical bioscience skills and indoor and outdoor crime scene facilities.
At Keele, you'll have a variety of opportunities to enhance your academic and professional development. Imagine broadening your horizons by studying abroad, or completing a work placement. See below for the specific opportunities available on this programme.
Biology and Forensic Science
Biology and Forensic Science
About
Why study Biology and Forensic Science at Keele University?
Disciplines
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
A Level
BBB in three A levels including B in Chemistry or Biology
Contextual Offer: BCC in three A levels including B in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
Applied Science
Forensic and Criminal Investigation
Contextual Offer: DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
Applied Science
Forensic and Criminal Investigation
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Diploma / Diploma
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in Chemistry or Biology A Level, or Distinction and Merit in Applied Science or Forensic and Criminal Investigation BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in any A Level.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma
Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels including B in Chemistry or Biology, or Merit in Applied Science BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in any two A Levels.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
T Level
Merit in any of the following T levels:
Health
Healthcare Science
Science
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
555 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Chemistry or Biology, or 30 points including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology
Contextual Offer: 544 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Chemistry or Biology, or 28 points including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme
We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Access to HE Diploma
122 UCAS points in an Access to HE Diploma with Chemistry or Biology related content, including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice on whether your chosen course would qualify.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru
The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers
BBBCC in five Highers including Chemistry or Biology Higher, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including Chemistry Higher or Advanced Higher, or CCC in three Advanced Highers including Chemistry Advanced Higher.
You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Core Maths
If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Ireland - Leaving Certificate
H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry (combined) or Biology.
You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
China - Gaokao
73% in the Gaokao including 70% in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
India - Standard XII
Average of 70% from four subjects including 70% in Chemistry or Biology in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects including 75% in Chemistry or Biology in any other Standard XII.
You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Germany - Abitur
2.2 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)
France - Baccalaureate
13 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate including 13 in Chemistry / Physics or Biology, or 12.5 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 12.5 in Chemistry / Physics or Biology.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Hong Kong - Diploma
444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Spain - Bachillerato
Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
80% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Chemistry, Biology or Natural Science.
You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Cyprus - Apolytirion
18 / 86% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Portugal
Overall average of 15.5 in a Secondary Certificate including 16 in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 10 in Secondary Certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Canada - Diploma
65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya - KCSE / Diploma
We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND
We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
USA - Advanced Placement
444 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Sri Lanka - Advanced Level
BBB in three Advanced Levels including B in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Malaysia - STPM
BBB in three Principle level subjects in the STPM including B in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate
We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Singapore - A Levels (H2)
BBB in three H2 Levels including B in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
European Baccalaureate
72% overall with 7 in Chemistry or Biology (4 period).
You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
NCUK
Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education
BBB in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education including B in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE
BBB in three Advanced Level subjects including B in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
English Program Requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.
Career
Your future career
95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)
You will graduate with a strong set of transferable skills suited to a range of roles in the science, health and forensic sectors. From forensic scene investigator to working in research and health related careers, the advanced problem-solving, data interpretation, analytical and communication skills you will acquire on this programme will open up a wide variety of science-related careers. You may also wish to further your knowledge by progressing to postgraduate study.
Careers that a biology and forensic science graduate might pursue include:
- Analytical chemist
- Biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry
- Food industry and food safety
- Forensic examiner
- Forensic scene investigator
- Healthcare and diagnostics
- Intelligence analyst
- Microbiologist
- Quality control scientist
- Research and development
- Scientific laboratory technician
- Security analyst
- Science teacher
- Scientific publishing
- Toxicologist
Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.
Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.
- Software Developer
Fee Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 18,200Application Fee
GBPBiology and Forensic Science
Keele University
United Kingdom,
Keele
