Archaelology and Forensic Biology BSc Hons

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Course Summary

This dynamic combined honours degree blends the intrigue of archaeology with the precision of forensic biology, offering you a comprehensive grounding in both fields. You'll explore ancient societies—from Ice Age hunter-gatherers to early modern urban dwellers—while mastering advanced molecular biology techniques like DNA profiling. These skills aren’t just academically enriching; they’re highly transferable across various biological disciplines and pave the way for diverse career opportunities.

At Chester, you’ll explore the human past with the guidance of a dedicated team of lecturers and active forensic experts. You’ll gain hands-on experience in crafting scientific questions, designing experiments, and analysing data, all while honing essential skills that will serve you in any career path you choose.

The course allows you to customise your learning journey by selecting modules that align with your interests in either archaeology or forensic science.

Teaching is delivered by an experienced and committed team of lecturers, supported by practising experts from many forensic disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the development of key generic skills, equipping you with the necessary theoretical basis and practical experience to enter many areas of employment. Additionally, you’ll have the option to participate in either an Archaeology Training Excavation or a Forensic Biology equivalent, giving you practical, real-world experience in your chosen field.

Why you'll Love it

Live and Work in an Historic Environment

Research-led Teaching

What you'll Study

The BA Archaeology and Forensic Biology Course is delivered through a series of core modules that provide you with a detailed understanding of the theoretical and practical applications of both disciplines. In year 1 (Level 4), you will be introduced to the essential principles, mechanisms and concepts that underpin both Forensic Biology and Archaeology.

In year 2 (Level 5), you will expand your knowledge and develop more advanced skills in both disciplines. In Forensic Biology, you’ll learn how principles are applied in forensic investigations – from crime scene to court. In Archaeology, you’ll develop more advanced skills in archaeological methods while also specialising in the archaeology of particular periods and geographic regions.

An optional Archaeology Year in Industry module, where you can work on placements with archaeological and heritage organisations within the region, is also available at level 5, which extends the course to a 4-year degree.

In your final year (Level 6), you will tackle more complex topics while continuing to develop a range of analytical skills. In Forensic Biology, your focus will be upon the benefits of biosciences and applied analytical techniques. Subjects such as biotechnology, pharmacology and toxicology are considered as opportunities for problem solving. In Archaeology, you will tackle some of the issues surrounding the role of archaeology within contemporary society, whilst also continuing to specialise in particular archaeological periods or topics. There will also be a dissertation project at Level 6.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term students’ study 40 credits usually comprised of either one or two modules. Modules employ applied teaching and learning that include fieldwork, laboratory-based studies, computer workshops, seminars, and presentations. This method of teaching builds confidence and a sense of community, that together with career support (which is embedded in modules at all levels), equips students with a suite of skills that are highly sought after by employers and relevant regardless of the students intended career path. At Level 6 the dissertation module will be delivered alongside other modules. 

Average scheduled contact hours range between approximately 6 and 12 hours per week depending upon the module, level of study, number of practical sessions, and the complexity of the material being taught.

The course is delivered through a mix of in person and online learning. Students can expect to take part in lectures and seminars. Alongside this, students will develop relevant skills (e.g. laboratory, field, computer) through practical sessions, field trips, and work placements. 

Independent learning is an important part of this course. Students should expect to spend an average of 30 – 34 hours per week on independent study which might include following asynchronous learning material on the University’s VLE, using the University’s library, working with peers, and preparing work for assessment. 

We see assessment as serving a dual role, acting both to assess the students learning and to help them develop their capacity to think creatively and critically, and develop qualitative and quantitative skills. For this reason, we use a wide range of assessment methods, including essays, review articles, technical reports, podcasts, audio-visual presentations, and museum displays. Many of our assessment methods replicate the sorts of tasks that a student would encounter in a professional environment, helping to prepare the student for graduate level employment. We continuously review the assessment methods used in order that they adequately prepare students for graduate level employment.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Entry Requirements

112UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff	112 points
GCE A Level	Typical offer – BCC-BBC Must include A Level Biology or Chemistry
BTEC	BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM
International Baccalaureate	26 points, including 5 in HL Biology or Chemistry
Irish / Scottish Highers	Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4, including H3 in either Biology, Chemistry Scottish Highers: BBBB including either Biology, Chemistry
Access requirements	Access to HE Diploma (Science), to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above
T Level	T Level Science - Merit
OCR Cambridge Technicals	OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM
Extra Information	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Where you'll study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Modern learning resources and library

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Student Services

Fitness facilities

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Accommodation

Catering

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Roles include forensic biology, police officers, analytical scientist, biological researchers, science teachers, crime scene examiners, forensic DNA analyst.  The course provides skills in communication (both written and oral), encourages analytical thinking as well as critical analysis, and develops practical laboratory skills enhancing employability options in a wide variety of industries.

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Archaeology and Forensic Biology BSc (Hons)