Overview
BSc Forensic Investigation explores the exciting and dynamic intersection between science and the criminal justice system. By the end of your degree, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how forensics is governed within the UK, as well as global perspectives on techniques and international standards, enabling you to gain a holistic understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks.
Our carefully crafted multidisciplinary and industry-responsive course is designed to inspire you to achieve your career aspirations and equip you with the knowledge and skills to embark on your chosen career within the forensic field and beyond.
You will learn and develop skills related to a wide range of forensic disciplines including (but not limited to) crime scene processing, forensic biology (DNA, body fluids, hairs and fibres, blood pattern analysis), forensic chemistry (toxicology, drugs analysis) forensic entomology, marks and impressions, fire and explosion investigations, and other specialist disciplines.
You will gain hands-on experience in a wide range of forensic and investigative techniques, including crime scene investigation and management, analysis and interpretation of forensic evidence, and the presentation of forensic evidence within the courtroom. From learning these innovative techniques, this will enable you to develop a deep appreciation for the critical role that forensic science plays within the criminal justice system.
A unique element to studying a Forensic Investigation degree at CCCU is that you will have access to our £65 million industry-standard facilities including a range of simulation spaces such as the Hydra suite, crime scene flats, and our award-winning Anatomy Learning Centre.
What's more, the diversity of modules offered as part of the degree means that you will have the opportunity to explore subjects that are of interest to you and develop key skills that will enable you to shape your career.
Throughout your degree you will develop key employability skills and hands on experience that will help you gain a competitive edge and shine out. Our graduates have embarked on careers, from working within Police forces (UK, Ireland, and international forces) and UK Border Force to joining the United Nations and National Crime Agency.
We know employers are looking for dynamic, open-minded graduates who can adapt, innovate, and collaborate. So we have designed a new way of teaching and learning to ensure that you are work-ready for when you graduate.
100%
of our Forensic Investigation students were in work or further study 15 months after finishing their course
Graduate Outcomes Survey 202416th
in the UK for Forensic Investigation
The Guardian University Guide 2024
I am finding myself so proud to tell everyone that I’m going to be working as a CSI for a UK police force. I couldn’t be more grateful for all your advice and lectures, and also for the employability sessions and lectures on interview preparation and self-reflections.H.R., Forensic Investigation graduate
Entry requirements
112
UCAS Tariff Points
Accepted qualifications
We accept a wide range of general qualifications that attract UCAS Tariff points either on their own or in combination with others. Below are some common examples.
| Qualification | Grades |
|---|---|
| A Levels | BBC |
| BTEC | DMM |
| Access | 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 Points |
The grades in this table provide an indication of what is required to study this course. If you have qualifications that are not present in the table or want to tell us more about you specific situation then please contact our friendly Course Enquiry Team.
You must hold a level 3 qualification in a science based subject.
Don’t meet these entry requirements?
If you do not meet these entry requirements, a foundation year is a great way of beginning your university journey. We recommend you speak to our Course Enquiries team who will advise on a route to study that fits you.
More information
Contact us
Module information
We know employers are looking for dynamic, open-minded graduates who can adapt, innovate, and collaborate. So we have designed a new way of teaching and learning to ensure that you are work-ready for when you graduate. Alongside the modules below you will choose from our new curriculum that will help you achieve student success, engage with contemporary topics and work with industry or the community.
As well as the core modules, you will also have the opportunity to study a number of option modules. The availability of specific option modules may vary from year to year. This will be subject to a minimum number of students choosing the module and staff availability. It means we cannot guarantee the availability of a particular option module. However, we will ensure you have a choice of option modules.
Core/optional modules
*Modules subject to approval
How you’ll learn
The academic year is divided into two semesters. In Level 4, you will be given the opportunity to settle into University by undertaking three ‘microcredential’ modules right at the beginning of the year – you will be able to choose which ones you do. You will then do two more modules in each semester. In Level 5, you will do two modules in each semester.
In Level 6, where we offer you optionality to specialise, you will undertake three modules in the first semester and two modules in the second semester. You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical workshops. You will typically have around 12 contact hours per week. However, your actual contact hours depend on the option modules you select and specific activities prepared for you.
Seminars in smaller groups will enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures. We have made sure that teaching is not only done in a classroom setting and you will take part in practical exercises throughout this course. In addition, you will meet with your personal academic tutor (PAT), who will be able to assist you with any queries or problems that you may have. They will also be able to signpost you to any of the University services should you need them.
The teaching sessions are interactive, allowing you to engage with the material on a deeper level, and all practical sessions are designed to enable you to apply theory to context. You will have the opportunity to use a range of specialist methods and equipment relevant to the modules you study, and we have a dedicated forensic suite, including a workshop and a range of internal and external crime scenes.
You will have the opportunity to gain extensive practical experience in sessions which are designed around real-life scenarios, often related to staff's real, previous case work. You will also have lectures from professionals working in the field who can bring you their valuable and captivating experiences. This provides context to theory and may provide you with future contacts in the fields which interest you.
We will support you with getting work experience and, where possible and depending upon your module choices, we arrange field trips that are designed to consolidate your knowledge (such as fire dynamics demonstrations, ballistics / shooting trips, and visits to relevant external organisations.)
When not attending lectures, seminars, workshops, or other timetabled sessions you will have access to a range of resources we provide to continue learning through self-study. This typically involves reading journal articles and books, undertaking research in the library, working on projects, and preparing for coursework assignments or examinations, workshops, and seminars.
Your lecturers will direct you towards specific readings and/or activities where appropriate to complete before or after class and provide tutorials where necessary to support your learning.
We also recommend that you set up student study groups and support each other with your studies, as research shows that we learn much better in communities.
A range of study skills and employability workshops are available from the University and we encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities.
Each 30-credit module requires approximately 300 hours of learning, of which approximately 66 hours are taught class contact time, with the remaining being guided learning and independent study.
The teaching team consists of highly qualified and experienced forensic practitioners and academic researchers, who have a range of expertise and experiences. This experience is injected into teaching sessions and assessments to make your experience as realistic as possible.
The core team is supported by other staff in the University, drawn from the law, policing and criminology teams, and a range of professionals currently working in the field who provide guest lectures.
Our degree is taught by forensic practitioners who offer an informative, innovative, practical, and rigorous course that will open up a vast range of career opportunities for you.HellenCourse Director for Forensic Investigation
How you’ll be assessed
The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Some modules contain a piece of practice or 'formative' assessment for which you can receive feedback from your module tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. You will also be able to gain formative feedback through discussions with a module leader or a personal academic tutor. You will be able to access centrally-run services (e.g. Study Skills Support) for more help with assessments.
There is a formal or 'summative' assessment for all of the modules. Assessment methods include a range of coursework and examination assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, presentations, or your final year major project. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. Our summative assessments were designed with you at the centre – and so, they not only test for University level learning but also industry relevant skills.
Feedback
You will receive feedback on all practice and all formal coursework assessments. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.
The way you are assessed depends on the modules that you choose to take.
Your future career
This course provides an excellent grounding for any career that involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of information or evidence, as these skills are taught in core modules and transferable to many careers. The graduate attributes that are routinely required by employers are embedded into the Forensic Investigation curriculum and therefore, graduates are normally able to evidence these skills, preparing them for a range of careers. This is evidenced by ex-students who have secured positions in forensic organisations including:
- The UN
- Police forces (UK, Ireland and International Forces)
- UK Border Force
- National Crime Agency
- The Military
- Cellmark Forensic Services
- Eurofins
- HM Prison Services
- Pharmaceuticals.
Many have gone onto higher degree studies at CCCU and other universities at home and abroad. We even have our own home-grown PhD students.
Many students have ambitions to become Crime Scene Investigators, and we are delighted they have achieved this dream locally (Kent) and further afield (London and elsewhere). The role requires immense dedication and resilience - we will do our best to support you in applying your knowledge and skills in this. However, our guest lecturers bring with them a wealth of experiences, and students discover new ambitions and inspiration through their sessions.
Other career opportunities include becoming investigators for organisations such as:
- National Crime Agency
- the Military
- Independent Office for Police Conduct
- Security Services
- Business & Commerce.
You will be encouraged to make the most of the volunteering and networking opportunities available throughout your degree course, in addition to your studies, in order to enhance your employment prospects.
We also host an annual Employability Fair where our students can network with experts from a range of fields and careers and gain top tips for progressing to graduate roles.
Throughout your time studying us you will have access to our Careers and Enterprise team who offer a wide range of services and support to help you kick start your career and meet your goals.
Studying Forensic Investigation at CCCU provided me with the knowledge, practical experience and personal skills required to adjust and adapt in my current career role. The course helped me develop my research skills and the practical facilities gave me the opportunity of real-world experience. I will always be grateful for the help and support the staff has provided me throughout my time at CCCU.IPResearcher for a UN missing persons unit
Fees
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,535 | £15,500 |
Tuition fees for all courses are payable on an annual basis, except where stated. The fees represented here are for study with Canterbury Christ Church University. If you are looking to study at a partner institution, please visit their website for fees information.
Please read the 2025/26 Tuition Fee Statement for further information regarding tuition fees and year on year fee increases.
Home (UK) Fees
The Government has announced that it will increase the tuition fee cap by 3.1%, in line with inflation, for the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to parliamentary approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 our undergraduate home tuition fees are expected to be £9,535.
Overseas/International Fees
Undergraduate / PGCE tuition fees for international students are not set by the UK Government.
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
Industry links
We welcome visiting lecturers, who are practitioners working in the forensic field. They will share their expertise and experience with you to give you an insight into real life forensics. You may also have opportunities to participate in field trips.
One member of the teaching team is a trained coach and mentor and has injected this influence into the degree course structure, to enable students to develop as people and professionals, in addition to learning the subject. It is often personal qualities such as confidence that prevents us from reaching our potential, and this approach is actively helping students to overcome issues that might impact their success.
We have a range of external professionals involved in the delivery of the course and these professionals also act as advisors to the core lecturing team. They advise us on changes in legislation, procedure and trends, and aid the core team in course development, thereby ensuring that our degree is current, accurate and relevant to forensic employers.
We actively consult and collaborate with a range of forensic and related organisations and these change on a yearly basis, in response to changing operational commitments of these organisations and trends in forensic investigation. Collaborations include Kent Police, Kent Fire Brigade, Prometheus Fire Investigation, Metropolitan Police and a range of independent laboratories and professionals.
Professional accreditation
The Forensic Investigation course adheres to and is guided by the QAA Benchmark Statements for Forensic Science, which define expectations as part of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education.
Specialist facilities
The forensic facilities include a range of crime scenes, including cars, crime scene rooms, fire scenes and outside scenes, a forensic workshop and further science laboratories. A wide range of forensic equipment is housed within these areas and the facilities and equipment used depends on whether you study Forensic Investigation as a single or combined honours degree.
We have a dedicated crime scene facility containing bedrooms and a blood distribution room, a Victorian graveyard and dedicated outdoor space, two fire scenes, a forensic laboratory and five further science laboratories. We also make use of the university's Hydra suite and court room facilities to simulate giving evidence, all with relevant equipment attached.
We use our practical experience to generate realistic and complex scenarios to challenge your mind, your skills, and the common misconceptions about crime.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) regulates Canterbury Christ Church University. The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Further details about its work are available on the OfS website.
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Duration:
3 yearsUCAS code:
F410Location(s):
CanterburyAny questions?
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*We are advertising this course as ‘subject to approval.’ When we add new courses or update existing courses, we advertise the course as ‘subject to approval’. We do this to let you know the University still needs to agree to run the course. It is rare for a course not to gain approval, but it is not guaranteed. There may be changes to course and module titles, content and assessment, but we will tell you about these if there is a change. You can still apply to study a course subject to approval. We have prepared some questions and answers to tell you more.