Psychology with Forensic Biology BSc Hons

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Course Summary

Explore our BSc Hons Psychology with Forensic Biology degree that integrates these two compelling fields. Forensic Biology not only delves into the intricacies of biological sciences—especially molecular biology techniques and DNA profiling—but also explores their critical applications in forensic contexts. This hands-on approach equips you with transferable skills applicable across various biological disciplines and builds a solid foundation for advanced study.

Within the School of Society at Chester, home to our Psychology-related courses, you'll find accredited degrees that align with the British Psychological Society (BPS) standards. Our degree offers a broad spectrum of optional modules alongside core courses, ensuring you acquire a diverse skill set—ranging from critical thinking and data analysis to effective communication and problem-solving.

Our dedicated team of lecturers, along with practicing forensic experts, guide you through a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. You'll gain essential skills that prepare you for diverse career paths in forensic and biological sciences, from processing crime scenes to presenting evidence in court.

Enhance your academic journey with the option to study abroad between your second and third years, allowing you to explore specialised areas of your choice.

Why you'll Love it

Engage with our vibrant student-led Psychology Society

Support for your success

Get career-focused

What you'll Study

The Forensic Biology and Psychology 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 Psychology including research methods, and the core areas of Psychology (biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and individual differences).

In year 2 (Level 5), you will expand your knowledge and develop more advanced skills in both disciplines. In Psychology, you will build on both the research methods and expand on your learning around social psychology and individual differences. There is also the opportunity to engage in an experiential learning module which allows you to integrate ideas from multiple perspectives in psychology and apply your knowledge ethically and professionally to real-world problems. In Forensic Biology, you’ll learn how principles are applied in forensic investigations – from crime scene to court.

In your final year (Level 6), you will tackle more complex topics while continuing to develop a range of analytical skills. In psychology, you will have the opportunity to complete a large-scale dissertation where you will be able to demonstrate a range of research skills, including designing and planning, considering and resolving ethical issues, and analysis and dissemination of findings. They will also be able to gain in-depth knowledge of core aspects of psychology such as biological, cognitive and developmental psychology. In Forensic Biology, your focus will be on the benefits of biosciences and applied analytical techniques. Subjects such as biotechnology, pharmacology and toxicology are considered as opportunities for problem-solving.

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, with one term being focused on psychology, one term focused on forensic biology and one term being a combination of the two subjects with the exception of level 6 where you may study both subjects across all three terms.

In each term, students study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately 6 and 12 hours per week depending upon level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. For psychology, students can expect to take part in lectures, laboratory classes, workshops, seminars, and one-to-one tutorials/supervision. Students are expected to engage in independent study (approximately 30-35 hours per week) which may include engaging with asynchronous learning material on the University’s VLE, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, preparing work for assessment etc.). There will also be times when students need to work collaboratively with others.

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that students are exposed to the different types of task they might encounter in the workplace. Assessment methods may include essays, research reports, reflective reports, presentations and multiple choice examinations. These and other assessments such as case studies, portfolios and blogs allow students to demonstrate their competencies in these areas and to develop their skills in writing for both academic and non-academic audiences. 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. A GCSE grade C/4 (or above) in Mathematics and English is required. PLEASE NOTE: We cannot consider GCSE equivalencies but can consider the Edge Hill University GCSE Equivalency Test.

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

£9,250per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

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.

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £13,950.

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.

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.

Where you'll study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Modern learning resources and library

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Support 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.

Psychology with Forensic Biology BSc (Hons)