MChem Forensic Chemistry with Integrated Master's at Keele University

Programme overview

Our Integrated Master's in Forensic Chemistry develops advanced technical expertise, research experience, and the professional skills that will set you apart in a competitive field. From tackling cutting-edge topics in Chemistry and completing a year-long research project, to focusing on forensic strategy and investigating major crime scenes, you will graduate with the enhanced skills and knowledge to pursue a career in research, the analysis and investigation of forensic evidence or PhD study. This programme will be put forward for accreditation by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and Chartered Society of Forensic Science (CSFS).

Faculty: Faculty of Natural Sciences | Department: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences | Duration: 4 years or 5 years with international or placement year | Study mode: full-time (integrated master's); placement year option | Intake: 2027 entry | Location: Keele, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 compulsory modules: Chemistry Career Planning and Employability Skills, Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills, Chemical Structure and Reactivity, Forensic Investigation: From Documents to DNA, Forensic Analysis: Evidence under Investigation. Year 2 compulsory modules: Practical and Professional Chemistry, Chemical Characterisation and Transformations, Chemical Analysis and Detection, Drugs of Abuse, Crime Scenes: Blood, Marks and Prints. Year 3 compulsory modules: Kinetics, Catalysis and Mechanism, Chemical Analysis: Instrumentation and Evaluation, Independent Research Project, Forensic Chemistry Literature Review, Crime Scene to Court.

Career pathways

Whether you pursue a career as a chemist, forensic scene investigator or work in research, the programme’s focus on advanced problem-solving, data interpretation, analytical, and communication skills will open doors to numerous science-based careers. You may also choose to deepen your expertise through postgraduate study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A levels: BBC in three A levels including C in Chemistry. Also required: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below). BTEC: DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science, including completion of three out of four of the following units: Applications of Organic Chemistry, Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Industrial Chemical Analysis, Practical Chemical Analysis. IB Diploma: 554 in three Higher Levels including 4 in Chemistry, or 29 points including 4 in Higher Level Chemistry. English language: IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all components (English Group A) or 4/C in GCSE English.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). UK Home tuition fee for students starting in 2027/28. Source

International applicants: GBP 18,200 a year (2026/27). Band 1 international fee for 2026/27; 2027/28 international fees not yet confirmed. Source

Intake: 2027 entry

Duration: 4 years or 5 years with international or placement year

Apply through the official page: https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/

Explore more study programmes

STEM