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Forensic Science with Psychology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
Foundation degree
Online
Description
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Type
Foundation degree
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Methodology
Online
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Duration
4 Years
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Online campus
Yes
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Delivery of study materials
Yes
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Support service
Yes
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Virtual classes
Yes
Combine strong psychological insights with the skills of the forensic scientist – and you’ll be ideally prepared for a career to take you far. Choosing to embark on your studies with a foundation year gives you a great starting point too.
Forensic Science at Derby is ranked in the Top 10 for student satisfaction in The Complete University Guide 2019 and Top 10 for student experience according to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018
Forensic Science at Derby is ranked third in the UK for student satisfaction with teaching, Guardian University Guide 2020
Study a programme which sets high professional standards: this course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
Start out at foundation year stage if you would like a thorough grounding in key aspects of your subject before progressing to honours degree studies – ideal if you are planning a career change or exploring areas which are new to you
Balance forensic science skills with fascinating perspectives on the criminal mind and criminal behaviour
Look forward to exciting career prospects: this course can lead to fulfilling roles in the worlds of forensic science, criminal justice and law
Take full advantage of our exceptional facilities, including a crime scene house, forensic labs, psychological observation suites and courtrooms
Draw on our flourishing links with the police, emergency services and hospitals for a learning experience rooted in contemporary professional practice
Gain valuable workplace experience: you will have the opportunity to undertake work based learning in a forensic imaging unit, footwear unit or the forensic analytical service laboratories of our partner, the East Midlands Scientific Operations Unit
About this course
Your in-depth practical knowledge of forensic science, coupled with psychological insights, will also open doors to a broad spectrum of graduate-level jobs.
You could progress your career within the forensic science sector, the criminal justice system, local constabularies, insurance companies, law firms or private laboratories.
GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at L2 as part of your course of study.
Reviews
Subjects
- IT Law
- Police
- Psychology
- English
- Maths
- Imaging
- Law
- University
- Biology
- Biology Double plus
- Anatomy
- Anatomy and Physiology
Course programme
You’ll study modules such as:
Foundation year
- English
- Maths
- Study Skills in Science
- Research Methods and Data Handling
- Foundation in Forensic Science
- Fundamentals of Human Behaviour
- Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Principles of Cellular Biology
Stage one
Induction Module - This module is designed to prepare students for the undergraduate programmes by providing an online environment in which students can become proficient in the skills required for Higher Education study
Genetics - You will gain a broad introduction to, and basic understanding of, the key concepts in classical and molecular genetics
Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation - You will be introduced to the fundamental concepts, techniques and processes used in the examination, documentation and analysis of the crime scene and specialist examinations
Introduction to Forensic Science - You will be provided with a broad introduction to the fundamental concepts, techniques and processes used in the collection, processing, analysis and storage of forensic evidence and data
Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice for Forensic Science - You will gain a broad introduction to English Criminal Justice, the Police and Crime Scene Support, the Expert Witness and providing evidence to the court, basic statistics for Forensic Scientists to evaluate evidential value as well as an understanding of the key concepts of classical and contemporary criminology
Chemistry of Life - You will be introduced to the basic concepts of chemistry and how molecules are used in the functioning of the cell unit and its biochemical processes
Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology - You will be introduced to the relationship between theory and data in both quantitative and qualitative research and learn key principles of research methods and design
Stage two
Does Psychology Matter? - You will use a number of key topic to explore how psychologists discuss and debate critical issues
Crime Scene to Court - Students will develop the skills necessary for the full investigation of the crime scene, laboratory examination through to the presentation of this evidence in a court room scenario
Qualitative Methods: The Individual in Society - You will explore the different insights which qualitative approaches bring to the area of individual differences
Trace Evidence - This module gives the student insight into how trace evidence is used in forensic investigation
Preparing for Independent Research - The module will prepare students for their Independent Studies research project undertaken at level 6 and deliver important information regarding research design and ethics
Optional modules:
Psychopathology: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Issues - The module aims to develop in students a critical understanding of the main forms of mental illness from a psychological perspective
Molecular Biology - You'll develop an understanding of the molecular basis of fundamental biological and forensic processes, such as transcription and translation
Forensic Anthropology - Using skeletal remains to assist in human identification this module provides an introduction to the practice of Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Imaging - This module develops the student’s ability to use a wide range of imaging scientific techniques and modalities to analyse and record forensic evidence
Wildlife Crime and Forensic Entomology - You will gain specialist knowledge of two fields of forensic science in relation to non-human evidence
Industrial Placement Year (optional)
This course offers an ‘Industrial Placement Year’ giving you the opportunity to enhance your practical skills by putting theory into practice, network in your industry and stand-out in the graduate job market. The placement year takes place in your third year, once completed, you would return to University to complete your final year of studies.
- Applied Professional Practice
- Contemporary Issues in Professional Practice
Serious and Organised Crime - Using recent forensic research, police protocols, guides and criminal law, students will study current approaches and techniques in serious and organised crime investigation
Forensic Applications of Psychology - You will be introduced to the application of psychology to our understanding of criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system
Independent Studies for Forensic Science - You will undertake an independent piece of work of your choosing (subject to approval). This module is a continuation of personal skill development initiated in Stages 4 and 5
Professional Practice - You will act as a professional Forensic Scientist in various aspects of the profession including Crime Scene Investigation, Laboratory manager and evidence examination, Pre-trial and court appearance as an Expert Witness
Optional modules:
Medical Forensics - This module provides an overview of processes that occur after death and how they can be used to give temporal, causal and trace evidence in forensic investigations
The Dark Side of Psychology - This module explores the dark and hidden history of psychology which is often neglected in conventional textbooks
The Human Genome - We take a tour around the human genome, you will learn how it can be used and applied to answer questions ranging from human evolution to forensic biology
Vocational Module - The student has freedom to select an appropriate host organisation to undertake a placement within a company, voluntary body or public establishment
Additional information
£9,250 per year (2020/21)
International fee
£14,045 per year (2020/21)
Forensic Science with Psychology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)