people at an archaeological dig

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.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Programme Leaders Programme Leader for Archaeology Dr Barry Taylor b.taylor@chester.ac.uk, or Chris Davis,  Programme Leader for Forensic Biology cj.davis@chester.ac.uk.

Why You'll Love It

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. 

Modules

In this module, you will learn the essential concepts and skills that form the backbone of a degree in biological sciences. Through theory and practical sessions this module will systematically guide you through every level of biological organisation, from the smallest cellular structures through to studying animal behaviour and ecology. Throughout this module you will develop academic, practical and analysis skills to support your career development as you advance your studies in the biological sciences.

In this module you will explore the material remains of the social, cultural, economic, and technological aspects of life in Britain since the last Ice Age. You will learn about the different archaeological periods, the characteristic features that define them, and key sites and finds. The module will also situate Britain within its wider European context, broadening your knowledge of the human past to the neighbouring regions of the continent, and allowing you to study the complex relationships between them.

On completion of the module you will have developed a sound understanding of the chronology of the human past within a British and European context, and the different archaeological periods that it is divided into. You will understand how the nature of human society has changed over time, and how this is reflected in the archaeological record. You will also have enhanced the skills you began to develop in term 1, including your ability to evaluate different types of information, assess the validity of competing arguments, and to think and write in an informed and critical manner.

The module will introduce you to a range of analytical and identification techniques used in forensic investigations. There will be a focus on contact traces recovered from crime scenes and how they are used as evidence. Practicals will enable you to have hands on experience in applying techniques.

This module will provide you with practical experience of archaeological fieldwork and post-excavation analysis. Working in the field, you will learn the methods that we use in field archaeology, how to carry out different forms of archaeological survey, and the techniques we use to analyse the data we collect. You will also be introduced to laboratory methods that are used when analysing archaeological material, and how to quantify and interpret archaeological data. The module will also introduce you to the potential career paths open to you in archaeology, and how the skills you are developing are also relevant to careers in other disciplines.

On completion of the module you will have learnt the fundamental principles of archaeological fieldwork, know how to work safely in both the field and the laboratory, and gained practical experience in the use of industry standard equipment. You will also have learnt how to quantify and analyse data, and present the results using computer applications, and you will have gained experience of working as part of team and developed skills in leadership and communication. You will also have learnt what careers are available to graduates with an archaeology degree, and the relevance of the skills you have learnt throughout your first year at university.

Chinese: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE in Chinese or equivalent. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

French: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed A-Level or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

French: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

German: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module enables students with A-Level German or equivalent to further develop their grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

Spanish: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed a A-Level or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

Spanish: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed GCSE or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

Subsidiary Language for Beginners (20 Credits) Option

This module provides the opportunity to study a new language from scratch and introduces you to basic grammar, vocabulary and cultural contexts. You will apply the language to practical situations using both oral and written skills. 

 

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.

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. 

Modules

What do archaeologists do with the data that they collect during excavation and survey? How do they analyse and interpret these different types of information to gain a better understanding of the human past? This module takes an applied approach to these issues, providing you with practical training in different forms of data collection and analysis (such as experimental archaeology, environmental archaeology, and the spatial analysis of data using Geographic Information Systems). You will also gain practical experience of how archaeologists present the results of their work to a wider audience.

On completion of the module you will have learnt how to collect, manage, analyse and interpret different forms of quantitative and qualitative data through a variety of different methods. You will have enhanced your digital literacy, including developing more advanced skills in computer applications such as MS Excel, and the use of Geographic Information Systems, and developed your oral and written communication skills. You will also have gained experience of undertaking archaeological work in a safe and professional manner in a range of real-world situations.

This module will take you through the stages of crime scene examination, analysis of exhibits, preparation of legal documents and the presentation of oral evidence in a courtroom setting. 

In this module, you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice and build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through a range of experiential activities (e.g., volunteering, workplace engagement, research projects, field trip (where available and dependent on course), or through a combination of activities). You will develop practical, analytical, and professional skills relevant to your subject, while also enhancing transferable skills that are vital in any graduate-level role. 

Through hands-on experiences, you will critically reflect on your personal and professional growth, using these insights to shape your career path and identify areas for continued development. You'll take ownership of your learning, ensuring that you can effectively articulate your employability skills in a professional context, and be well-prepared for the workplace. This module empowers you to explore new environments, apply your knowledge, and discover how your academic training translates into real-world impact, boosting your confidence and work readiness. 

It is your responsibility to organise any experience undertaken outside of the university as part of this module although you will be provided with support from university staff.

All activities within this module must be university-level; this means:  

  • Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc.)  
  • Meeting the professional expectations of the experiential activities you undertake 
  • Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as an experiential activity provider, if the role aligns with your career development and provides you with high skilled work commensurate with level 5 study. 

In this module, you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice and build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. a local employer from the private, public, or charitable sector). You will develop practical, analytical, and professional skills relevant to your subject, while also enhancing transferable skills that are vital in any graduate-level role. Therefore this module will enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

Through hands-on experiences, you will critically reflect on your personal and professional growth, using these insights to shape your career path and identify areas for continued development. You'll take ownership of your learning, ensuring that you can effectively articulate your employability skills in a professional context, and be well-prepared for the workplace. This module empowers you to explore new environments, apply your knowledge, and discover how your academic training translates into real-world impact, boosting your confidence and work readiness.

It is your responsibility to organise the placement as part of this module although you will be provided with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

  • Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc.)
  • Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement
  • Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
  • All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

In this module you will continue to develop your technical skills, and gain experience of working as a professional archaeologist, as you participate in an archaeological fieldwork project. Working under the guidance of professional archaeologists, you will learn to identify evidence in the field, record it effectively and present it to a non-specialist audience in a clear and effective manner. You will also undertake practical training in key skills such as excavation techniques, sediment recording, artefact identification and handling, as well as survey, drawing and photography.

By the end of the module you will have gained direct experience of the primary archaeological record, how it is discovered and recorded, the relationship between theory and practice in the archaeological process, and the logistics of delivering a practical project and associated ethical, and health and safety, considerations. At the same time, you will gain a range of transferable skills from your participation, developing personal skills in areas such as problem-solving, decision-making, team-work and personal responsibility. By taking part in a research excavation, you will also have made new discoveries and contributed to our understanding of the past.

Choose one of the following:

  1. Professional Placement (40 Credits) Optional
  2. Term abroad (40 Credits) Optional
  3. One of the following Language options

Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at advanced level. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a sustainability issue in a target language country. The first half of the module will prepare you for placements abroad where appropriate as well as a deeper understanding of sustainability in target language contexts. 

Developing Intercultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Skills (40 Credits) Optional

  • The multiple facets of global citizenship
  • Ethical engagement and practice
  • The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Intercultural communication
  • Culture shock
  • Cultural adjustment
  • Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad.
  • Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical.
  • Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC.
  • Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future.
  • Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Experiential Overseas Learning (40 Credits) Optional

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the University of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

  • The multiple facets of Global citizenship
  • Ethical engagement and practice
  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Intercultural communication
  • Theories, models and strategies of learning

Theories and models Intercultural competence

  • Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
  • Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
  • Experiential learning models
  • Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

  • Enhanced independence
  • Improved command of multicultural behaviour
  • Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development
  • Team building and team work

Part B: Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 

Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at beginner level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a cultural issue in a target language country. 

Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at intermediate level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes an placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a business or tourism issue in a target language country. 

Or you can choose ONE of the following:

  • University Placement Year Optional
  • Subject Placement Year Optional
  • International University Placement Year Optional

 

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.

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.

Modules

A module to discuss advanced analytical and sampling techniques used for forensic science, building on previous material. Underlying theories will be supported with case studies and practical elements, showcasing how to apply these procedures and techniques to active crime scenes.

This module will provide an insight into the biological aspects of the work of forensic scientists and related professions. It will also provide an understanding of the work of associated services e.g. police, crime scene investigator, identification specialists, legal specialists.

The main aim is to place forensic science in its historical context and give insight into the development of this modern science. Also to give an insight into the use of forensic techniques in areas of  research including crime scene analysis.

In this module, you will engage in the research of a selected topic relevant to your course. You will have the opportunity to delve deeply into a subject of your choice, utilising primary and secondary sources to inform your work. You will consider the ethics and health and safety aspects of conducting your project, and apply your prior training in experimental design and analysis. Throughout the process, you will develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, whilst conducting this independent research with the support of a lecturer. The dissertation represents a substantial piece of scholarly work that demonstrates your understanding and application of scientific concepts relevant to your course. Additionally, you will refine your skills in academic writing and effective communication of complex ideas. Overall, the dissertation represents the culmination of your education, preparing you to become a biological scientist.

Biotechnology aims to use biology to enhance society. Covering areas ranging from generating new approaches to improve human health, creating improvements to food production, improving the environment, to generating new and improved biomaterials, biotechnology is a developing industry that has the potential to hugely benefit humanity and the world at large. This module will build your knowledge of the underlying principles, techniques and technology needed to apply biology positively and for the benefit of all.

If you are on an Equal Weighting and Minor Weighting in Archaeology

This module is an opportunity for you to undertake advanced study in the archaeology of a period of the British and north European past of your choice. Indicative foci might include the Mesolithic and Neolithic transition in North-West Europe, Roman Britain, early medieval Britain, and the Viking world. The module will provide you with a detailed background to the archaeology of each period, and the key themes and debates that relate to it. There will be opportunities to explore specific aspects of the period in considerable depth, and to critically assess the archaeological evidence from key sites and finds.

On completion of this module you will have a detailed understanding of your chosen archaeological period, which will have built upon the knowledge you have gained through your previous years of study. You will also have enhanced your ability to critically evaluate different sources of evidence, assess different arguments, and make informed opinions of your own, while further developing your written and verbal communication skills.

If you are on an Equal Weighting and Minor Weighting in Archaeology

In Archaeological Heritage and Public Archaeology you will learn how we present the results of archaeological research to a wider audience, and manage and protect the remains of the past for future generations. As well as these broad themes, the module will also address more specific issues, such as the social benefit of archaeology and heritage, how we can involve wider audiences in archaeological work, and how we ensure a positive relationship between archaeology, archaeologists and the public. You will also learn more about the career paths available to you, both within archaeology and heritage, and outside of the discipline.

On completion of the module you will have developed a detailed understanding of the current theoretical and practical issues in archaeological heritage and public archaeology. You will have continued to develop and enhance your ability to deal with complex issues and concepts, critically discuss different and competing ideas, and to communicate effectively. You will also have a clear understanding of the potential careers that are available to you, and how to effectively communicate the skills you have developed through covering letters, CVs and job applications.

If you are on an Equal Weighting and Major Weighting in Archaeology

Archaeology is often characterised as a subject that is concerned with the distant past, but it also provides critical insights into our own time, where we are witnessing the global transformation of our planet by our species: ‘the Anthropocene’. In this module you will explore the archaeology of the contemporary past and the relationship between archaeology and the contemporary world, exploring the role of archaeology as ‘material witness’ on 20th- and 21st-century material cultures, monuments, built environments and landscapes. You will learn about the role our discipline can play in addressing some of the major issues that face society today, and the responsibilities that this places upon us as archaeologists. You will also learn how research contributes to an ‘archaeology of us and now’, and how people draw on ideas of the human past to influence the way we understand the present, the roles that archaeology plays in contemporary issues of power and social justice, and the place of archaeology in debates around climate and environmental activism and protest.

On completion of this module you will have a clear understanding of the application of archaeological theory, methods and techniques to the investigation of the contemporary, the place of archaeology within contemporary society, and of the responsibilities that this places on us as archaeologists. You will have continued to develop the ability to deal with complex ideas, critically evaluate different and competing arguments, and to communicate in a clear and effective manner.

If you are on an Equal Weighting and Major Weighting in Archaeology

This is an opportunity for you to design and execute your own research project on a topic of your choice. Working under the guidance of a member of the archaeology team, and drawing on the skills and knowledge you have already developed, you will identify an original research question, undertake background research that will place this in its academic context, design a suitable methodology, and then carry out the necessary research.

On completion of the module you will have enhanced your knowledge of your chosen topic, and its wider archaeological context. You will have learnt how to plan and execute a piece of independent research, manage your own time, and work independently, while also continuing to enhance your ability to effectively communicate complex ideas through writing.

If you are on a Major Weighting in Archaeology

This module provides you with a practical introduction to the scientific study of past human lives and the relationship between humans and the environment they inhabit. You will work under the guidance of members of staff as you learn the techniques used to study both human and environmental remains, and then apply these to archaeological materials. You will also explore the relevance of this work to our understanding of the human past.

On completion of this module you will have developed practical skills in both human osteology and environmental archaeology. You will also have enhanced your ability to analyse and interpret quantitative data, to present the results of your work in a professional manner, and to work safely and effectively in a laboratory environment.

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.

How You'll Learn

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, you will 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), will equip you with a suite of skills that are highly sought after by employers and relevant regardless of your intended career path. In Year 3 (Level 6), the dissertation module will be delivered alongside other modules.  

Average scheduled contact hours range between approximately five and ten 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. You can expect to take part in lectures and seminars. Alongside this, you will develop relevant skills (e.g., laboratory, field and computer skills) through practical sessions, field trips and work placements.  

Independent learning is an important part of this course. You 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 your learning and to help you develop your 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 you would encounter in a professional environment, helping to prepare you for graduate level employment. We continuously review the assessment methods used to ensure they adequately prepare you 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.

Who You'll Learn From

Chris Davis

Senior Lecturer
Chris Davis

Dr Barry Taylor

Senior Lecturer
Barry Taylor

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

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.

Enquire about a course