Forensic Science Undergraduate Courses

Our Forensic Science programmes are highly ranked and will equip you with the skills and confidence to become a forensic scientist fully prepared to investigate crime scenes, analyse evidence and present findings in court.

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Undergraduate Forensic Science courses

_Top15for Forensic ScienceComplete University Guide 2025

_Top15for graduate prospectsForensic Science subject area - Complete University Guide 2025

_Top10for career prospectsForensic Science subject area, The Guardian University Guide 2025

100^%of students agreed that staff are good at explaining thingsBSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Criminology - National Student Survey 2024

95^%of students agreed the course challenges them to do their best workBSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Criminology - National Student Survey 2024

Why study Forensic Science at Derby?

Gain hands-on experience: A variety of learning experiences to engage you, from crime scene training, lecturers and practical sessions, to fieldtrips.
Stand-out in the graduate market: Giving you the opportunity to enhance practical skills by putting theory into practice and network in the industry, the 'Industrial Placement Year' is an optional pathway which can take you in a forensic imaging unit, footwear unit or forensic analytical service laboratories with our partner East Midlands Scientific Operations Unit (EMSOU).
Outstanding specialist facilities: Enhance your skills in the Crime Scene House which boasts seven unique crime scene environments, as well as in the forensic science suite which includes a Forensic Teaching Facility Laboratory, Specialist Light Room and Analytical Suite.
Strong employer links: Benefit from our partnerships with institutions such as Derbyshire Constabulary, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and the East Midlands Scientific Operations Unit (EMSOU) and enhance your learning while taking part in interactive sessions designed to make your learning experience as realistic as possible.
Professional recognition: The degree quality is reflected in its accreditation from professional bodies, our BSc (Hons) degree having full accreditation from The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

I have had the opportunity to go out to crime scenes every day with different levels of CSI. Some days are volume scenes, such as burglaries and break-ins. Other days have been murder scenes wearing full personal protective equipment.

Rebekah Muldowney

BSc (Hons) Forensic Science graduate

Facilities

Our Crime Scene House boasts seven unique crime scene environments, each of which have been carefully designed to provide realistic learning spaces for you to investigate evidence and criminal activity. The scenes include:

Garage/basement
Bedsit
Lounge
Bathroom
Two commercial premises which can be used for a range of scenarios including an office, convenience store and bank

Having access to varying scenes will prepare you for the incredibly diverse crime scenes that will emerge throughout your career.

Career opportunities

Careers our graduates go onto include:

forensic technician
toxicology analyst
CSI
police officer
microbiologist
DNA Analyst
investigative researcher

Forensic Training Facility

Our state of the art Crime Scene House is dedicated to supporting your studies, offering a stimulating learning environment for you to explore the dynamic world of Forensic Science. The facility ...

Forensic Laboratories

Our suite of forensic facilities, situated at the top of the North Tower, house specialist equipment allowing you to perform a range of molecular techniques from chromatography to heavy metal analysis...

A forensic scientist using a magnifying glass

Not just watching the detectives – working with them too

Our Forensic Science student Rebekah Muldowney is working with police forensics officers and detectives as part of her extended work placement in a CSI unit.

Ashleigh Whiffin examines insects in a display case

Two million insects! All in a day’s work for Ashleigh

Forensic Science graduate Ashleigh Whiffin is Assistant Curator of Entomology at National Museums Scotland and manages an insect collection that contains over two million specimens.