Course summary

The degree 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 United Kingdom 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. The course adopts an experiential approach to learning (learning by doing), enabling you to connect theories and the knowledge acquired within the classroom to real-world scenarios through the use of practical exercises such as mock crime scenes, forensic case files and courtroom presentations. You will gain hands-on experience in a wide range of forensic and investigative techniques, crime scene investigation and management, the search, recovery, analysis and interpretation of forensic evidence, the presentation of forensic evidence within the courtroom, enabling you to develop a deep appreciation for the critical role that forensic science plays within the criminal justice system and the administration of justice. 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.