Forensic Investigation, BSc

​​The first time we will meet formally will be in Welcome Week commencing Monday 14 September 2026 when you will be invited to join several activities which outline the key information you need to get started.

​As you can imagine, this is really important because it will help you navigate the next three years of your studies.

There will also be opportunities to meet socially with other new students studying on your course and those closely aligned to it during Welcome Week. Details regarding the welcome week can be seen on the timetable link above.

Your first taught sessions (which include vital introductory material) will start in the week beginning Monday 21 September, when you’ll embark on your first modules.

​We pride ourselves on our inclusive study environment and want to assure you that the staff are here to guide you through your time with us, from your very first day to your graduation celebration.

We will allocate you a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) whose role is to support you as a consistent contact point on your academic journey and who will provide you with tailored academic and pastoral support, and signpost you to other services you might benefit from. You will be invited to a session in your introductory week where you can meet them.​

​​You are probably wondering what you will study, and how. Your first semester will contain a range of core modules aimed at providing you with foundational knowledge on key themes in the following modules:

• ​Introduction to Forensic Investigation

• ​Forensic Biology: Bodies of Evidence

• ​3 x 5 credit Success modules

​Large groups are nearly always taught in lectures, often breaking into smaller teams where you and your new friends might discuss theory and practice or solve investigative problems.

Typically, the science and crime scene modules are also taught in lecture theatres, but you will use forensic laboratories and a wide range of crime scenes (such as our bedsits, churchyard and elsewhere) too.

Blackboard

​Like many schools, universities and colleges, CCCU uses the Blackboard virtual learning environment. It contains all the information you need on each module, downloadable teaching and learning materials, recordings of lectures (where possible) and extra learning resources. The idea is that it augments your face-to-face sessions; it does not replace them!

Equipment

​We will supply all your protective equipment for crime scenes and laboratories, but you’ll need to remember to bring notepads, pens and your laptop (if you have one) to all your sessions! Making your own notes will help you later when you wish to consolidate your learning!

​​Given that you have worked very hard to get into university, we recommend that you use the summer to prepare yourself for your transition to higher education and take some time to relax and rejuvenate. However, if you are keen to get started, we recommend any UK-based academic forensic introductory textbook that suits your learning style.

• ​Cottrell, S. (2019) The Study Skills Handbook. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.

• ​Jackson, A. and Jackson, J. (2016) Forensic Science. 4th Edn. Harlow: Pearson.

• ​Monckton-Smith, J., Adams, T., Hart, A. and Webb, J. (2013) Introducing Forensic and Criminal Investigation. London: Sage.

• ​Tong, S., Bryant, R. and Horvath, M. (2009) Understanding Criminal Investigation. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.​

You could also explore the subject by watching crime documentaries and researching high profile crimes on the internet. Why not explore how forensic investigation was used in this case? The White House Farm murders, committed by Jeremy Bamber, have divided opinions on investigation and forensic searches for years. Why not read the Wikipedia article and watch the TV series “White House farm” starring Freddie Fox, Alexa Davies and Mark Addy?