Accredited Forensic Science Programmes
About Us
The University of Derby offers three Forensic Science degree programmes as well as Foundation Year courses and Industrial Placement Year courses which provide students with a well-rounded and in-depth view of the different disciplines in forensic investigation. There is a strong hands-on element in all of our courses giving students experience of crime scene investigation, laboratory analysis and in courtroom testimony. All programmes are fully accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences in the following component standards; Crime Scene Investigation; Interpretation, Evaluation & Presentation of Evidence; (BSc Forensic Science with Psychology) and additionally Laboratory Analysis (BSc Forensic Science and BSc Forensic Science with Criminology).
Our teaching staff have strong backgrounds in both research and forensic casework offering students the best of both worlds. We also have strong links with local agencies and organisations such as the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), Derby Fire and Rescue Service, Royal Derby Hospital and Forensic Science providers SOCOTEC. These links are used to enhance our teaching and to provide students with opportunities for internships, research project placements and Industrial experience. The University has dedicated laboratory facilities for Forensic Science students, which are home to modern instrumentation such as GC/MS, HPLC, SEM, Real-Time PCR and ESDA. Students studying on one of Derby’s accredited programmes will also benefit from being trained in a multi-scenario crime scene house, attending fire scenes, being able to conduct vehicle examination in one of our two Forensics vehicles as well as giving evidence in our Family and Crown courtrooms to practising barristers.
Derby graduates have gone on to become Crime Scene Examiners, Forensic Laboratory Technicians, Forensic Intelligence Analysts, Trainee Toxicologists, Forensic Examiners, Scientific Researchers or continued in academia studying for an MSc, MRes, PGCHE or PhD.
Graduates are able to apply for Associate Membership of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (ACSFS) upon graduation. Those that take the chemistry pathway of the Forensic Science degree programme are also eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry.