Accredited Forensic Science Programmes
About Us
The University of Derby offers three Forensic Science degree programmes as well as Foundation Year courses which give students 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 accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences in the three main component areas of Crime Scene Investigation; Interpretation, Evaluation & Presentation of Evidence and Laboratory Analysis. Additionally, BSc (Hons) Forensic Science, BSc (Hons) Forensic Science and Criminology and BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Psychology are also endorsed by Skillsmark.
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 Derbyshire Constabulary, Derby Fire and Rescue Service, Royal Derby Hospital and Forensic Science providers, such as Scientifics and Forensic Focus. These links are used to enhance our teaching and to provide students with opportunities for internships and research project placements. 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 on our very own Forensics car, giving evidence in our replica courtroom to practising barristers and witness a ‘live’ post-mortem.
Derby graduates have gone on to become Scenes of Crimes Officers, 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.