Criminology and Forensic Investigation with Integrated Foundation Year

Embark on a thrilling journey with our BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Investigation programme! Dive into the heart of crime and justice as you combine criminology and forensic investigation, gaining the expertise needed for real-world impact. Uncover the causes and consequences of crime, master crime scene investigation, and refine skills sought in areas like victim support and probation.

With hands-on experience and access to cutting-edge equipment, you'll be primed to lead and innovate in the criminal justice field. From immersive simulations to expert-led research, every step prepares you for a dynamic career making a difference.

Join us and evolve into a multi-skilled, ethical practitioner ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow!

COURSE OVERVIEW

Our integrated foundation year course has been designed to provide you with the confidence and essential university skills needed to progress onto our degree level programme in your first year of study.

You will start by exploring the foundational principles of criminology and forensic investigation recognising where each discipline compliments the other to support event analysis through the criminal justice system. Exploring the reasons for crime, investigating incidents and presenting evidence you will refine forensic skills and digital tools for evidence, evaluation and presentation.

Evolving into a multi-skilled practitioner, conducting independent research and presenting expert evidence you will be ready to become a change maker in the Criminal Justice System. Throughout your journey we will support you to develop digital research capabilities and ethical awareness preparing you for diverse professional careers.
The range of skills you will gain and the ability to bridge many aspects of Criminal justice Practice will ensure you stand out amongst candidates for future employment.

ON THIS COURSE YOU WILL...

• Gain the knowledge and confidence to operate as a multi-skilled and ethical criminal justice practitioner.

• Learn to critically apply key elements of criminological theory, forensic principles, and research to a range of practical and professional contexts in a digitally developing world.

• Be able to develop creative, innovative, and critical approaches to provide solutions, generate ideas, and communicate issues aligned with criminological and forensic practice.

• Be able to perform techniques involved in crime scene investigation whilst operating within a quality management system.

• Engage critically with contemporary social problems, recognising systemic and cultural discrimination, social inequalities and how these issues interact with crime, deviance, and harm locally, nationally and globally.

This course will equip you with a broad range of skills which can be deployed in a range of Criminal Justice careers, as well as in private sector and non-governmental organisations. It can also lead to postgraduate-level study options.

You will progress through the stages of Discovery and Exploration, to Evolve into a well-rounded expert, gaining skills in Crime Scene investigation and management, Criminological theories and research, and solid grounding in matters relating to the Criminal Justice System.

Year One

• Introduction to Criminology, Policing, and Law
• Contemporary Issues and the Media
• Families, Communities and the Criminal Justice System
• Professional Practice in the Community
• Essential University Skills 1 & 2

Year Two

• Crime Scene Investigation
• Crime and Deviance
• Criminal Justice System
• Professional Skills for Criminal Justice

Year Three

• Forensic Examination
• Expert Witness
• Crime, Punishment and Rehabilitation
• Exploring Research

Year Four

• Leading Complex and Major Crime Scene Investigation
• Victimology
• Death Investigation - Optional
• The Outsiders - Optional
• Dissertation

Our approach to assessment is centred on authenticity. Forms of assessment reflect what criminal justice practitioners might typically do in their professional roles, creating opportunities for you to develop contemporary knowledge and skills needed in a range of careers. The mix of assessment methods includes:

• Crime scene reports
• Witness statements
• Practical skills assessments
• Reflective oral presentations
• Reflexive debriefs
• Podcasts
• Portfolios
• Real World Case Study Scenarios
• Reports
• Oral presentations
• Poster presentations
• Dissertation
  Within this authentic approach, formative and summative assessment is used. Formative assessment helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses to improve your learning. Summative assessment is designed to enable you to engage deeply with the subject and is used to evaluate your achievement of module learning outcomes. Where individuals may be disadvantaged by an assessment method, reasonable adjustments are considered, while ensuring fairness across the full cohort and adherence to professional standards.

Informal and formal feedback mechanisms are included within the learning design to support your progression and professional development. The feedback will demonstrate how the grade was derived in relation to performance against grading criteria and identify ways for you to improve in future.