The Forensic Investigation aspects of the degree course aim to help you develop a solid foundation in core forensic themes including Crime Scene Investigation and Interpretation & Presentation of Forensic Evidence. You will have the opportunity to study a range of modules in crime scene investigation, to allow you to gain a thorough understanding of the theories and procedures that are associated with a range of crime types, accidents and disasters.
The Applied Criminology part of your degree aims to help you develop a solid foundation in core criminological theories, and provides many opportunities to apply these theories to current crime and social problems. We also offer you opportunities to study related subjects such as Law, Criminal Psychology and Policing.
The course has been designed using the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) benchmarks for criminology degree courses, ensuring that your course provides you opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills valued by criminal justice and related employers. Your compulsory modules each year are taken by all students on your course. These aim to give you a good grounding in the key knowledge and theory that helps you to specialise in your optional modules. The academic year is divided into 2 semesters, in each semester you will study 3 modules - Semester 1 (Sept-Jan) and Semester 2 (Feb-May).
At Level 4 you will study:
Semester 1
- Introducing Forensic Investigation
- Crime: Representations and Realities
- Introducing Crime, Offences and Justice
Semester 2
- Introducing Crime Scene Investigation
- Crime: Narratives and Explanations
- Introducing Psychology and Crime
The Applied Criminology and Forensic Investigation teams are comprised of industry and research experts, who are still professionally active in their chosen field undertaking work for various agencies alongside their lecturing duties. We also bring in external subject matter experts for certain sessions to ensure that the student experience is as current and extensive as possible.
We are here to help. Prior to commencing the course, it is a good idea to start familiarising yourself with the national and international crime agencies that will feature as part of your learning.
The following are the official websites that will assist you:
You are also advised to watch crime documentaries and read books about real life crime.
We recommend that you start regularly reading about crime issues in newspapers and online with a critical viewpoint. Look at a selection of newspapers, especially broadsheets, and see how the same event has been reported in different publications. Ask yourself how the news media affect our views and opinions about crime. Also think about the types of crime that are not mentioned much in the news.
There are lots of government and charity websites that have information about crime and criminal justice. Look at the Ministry of Justice and Home Office websites to learn about government policies in relation to crime. You can also find up-to-date crime statistics there and the latest figures on the prison population. Check out the websites of reputable charitable organisations, such as the Howard League for Penal Reform, the Prison Reform Trust, INQUEST, Victim Support and the Restorative Justice Council.
Your welcome and induction will be w/c 16th September 2024 - we look forward to meeting you then.
Community
On the social side, the Student Union (CCSU) has a huge range of clubs and societies – all of which have unique social calendars of their own and offer endless opportunities to make lifelong friends and discover new hobbies. And you can always create your own society and cultivate your own community!
CCSU will be hosting their Welcome Fayre on Wednesday 18th September 2024. Make sure you keep checking the CCSU website for further details and how to get involved.
We understand that you may be nervous about your first few weeks on campus but rest assured - you'll be joining a nurturing and supportive environment where diversity, equality and individuality are part of everything we do.
You can find out more about our welcoming community and making friends.
If you are an International Student joining us then please see our International Student Support pages for further information and guidance.
