Course summary

The BSc in Forensic Investigation with Criminal Investigation brings together the policies, practices and procedures found in policing, and the crucial role that the forensic sciences play within criminal investigations. The course will provide you with an in-depth and practical insight into the main theories, concepts and procedures used by the police to investigate crime and manage criminals, victims and witnesses to ensure that all forms of evidence are identified and used in such a way as to ensure justice is achieved. You will also gain a comprehensive understanding of how forensic investigation (which is made up of forensic science, criminal investigation and the CJS) is governed within the United Kingdom as well as global perspectives on methodologies and international standards, enabling you to gain a holistic understanding of the associated legal and regulatory frameworks. During your degree, you will gain hands-on experience in a wide range of techniques including investigative interviewing, decision making, crime scene processing, the search, recovery and interpretation of forensic evidence and the presentation of evidence in court. You will have the opportunity to work on real-life cases such as miscarriages of justice and missing persons. In addition, you will benefit from a thriving community as part of the Canterbury Centre for Policing Research which undertakes criminal investigation research continuously and provides seminars, roundtables, conferences, and applied exercises. 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. Location This course is run at our Canterbury Campus in Kent. Canterbury is just 50 miles south-east of London and less than an hour by high-speed train from St Pancras. Located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site the campus offers state-of-the-art buildings, right in the centre of a vibrant and world-famous cathedral city. You’ll benefit from a campus with excellent learning and teaching resources, music venues, a superb sports centre, a well-stocked bookshop and plenty of coffee bars and places to eat. A short walk away is Augustine House our award-winning library and home to a vast range of learning resources and student support teams.