BSc (Hons) Criminal Justice and Forensic Science

In year 1 you will study the differences between deviant and criminal behavior, the foundations of criminal law, and the way in which the criminal justice system operates.

You will also cover core forensic science, data analysis, and biomolecular science. Forensic topics introduced include drunk driving, drugs, fingerprint development, explosions, and crime scene investigation.

Laboratory work is an important part of your studies, practical exercises include microscopy, biochemical tests, forensic anthropology, fingerprint development, and CSI.

Other activities will develop transferable skills, these include writing a report on a high-profile case, making a poster presentation, participating in a mock court, and giving a presentation on a crime scene.

Learning and teaching will involve scheduled lectures, workshops, laboratory classes as well as independent study. Extensive use is made of the virtual learning environment Moodle, to deliver teaching materials and complete assessments.

In Year 2 the theoretical underpinnings for understanding policing and contemporary perspectives on crime are studied.

Science study will build your knowledge of topics important to forensic science such as statistical evaluation of DNA evidence, drug analysis, and pharmacology. Laboratory and crime scene skills are also developed. Practical skills are key for careers in forensic science and they are further developed with a range of practical activities that reflect the diverse work of forensic scientists.

In year 3 crime scene expertise is developed with topics such as contamination prevention, trace evidence recovery, and presumptive tests for blood and drugs. Laboratory classes will focus on trace evidence identification and drug analysis.

Criminal justice studies include policing communities and prisons and penology.

Normal teaching schedules are supplemented by a variety of activities such as group work, guest speakers from industry, and employability activities.

Following on from your Year 3 studies, there is the option to undertake a 12-month, paid, work experience placement.

In year 4 specialist modules will deepen your understanding of how physical and biological evidence is recovered and examined. You will carry out a major crime scene investigation activity and present the results in a mock court. The effect of crime on society and victims is studied and there are options to study topics such as global security.

A major part of your studies will be a supervised research project relating to forensic science and/or criminal justice on a topic of your choice. To assist our students in their research they have access to excellent computing facilities with the latest software for crime scene investigation, statistical analysis of evidence, and research literature searching.