Applied Criminology with Forensic Investigation with Foundation Year

98% of our Applied Criminology and Forensic Investigation students were satisfied with the learning resources on their course - National Student Survey 2025

Get ready with a foundation year and learn the foundational skills and knowledge to complete a full Honours degree. You'll be able to embark on this qualification without meeting the level 3 entry requirements, giving you the opportunity to study at degree level through this four year course.

Study Applied Criminology with Forensic Investigation at Canterbury Christ Church University and explore how science, law, and society connect to solve real-world problems. From crime scene investigation to criminal justice reform, this hands-on course prepares you for a career that makes an impact.

With an emphasis on practical learning, you'll put knowledge into practice in mock crime scenes, analysing evidence and exploring complex issues like mental health, violence, and miscarriages of justice. You'll discover why people commit crime, how the justice system responds, and how forensic science can uncover the truth.

What you'll learn

• Examine real and mock crime scenes using forensic investigation techniques.

• Develop the essential skills to work in multidisciplinary and multiagency environments.

• Understand the science behind evidence and its role in the legal process.

• Learn how to evaluate and improve criminal justice policies.

Taught by experts with industry experience, you'll gain the practical and critical thinking skills needed for roles in policing, forensics, crime prevention, and more. This course will teach you how to become a reflective practitioner and policy makes capable of delivering change.

What's more, you’ll be part of a supportive, inclusive learning community and graduate career-ready with the skills employers are looking for.

Professional accreditation

The Applied Criminology course adheres to and is guided by the Criminology Benchmark Statements, which define expectations as part of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education.

Specialist facilities

The Criminology team have access to the Canterbury Prison site as this is part of the University estate and our students are able to get involved in research and work in this area. In addition, the staff arrange visits and trips to allow students to experience a range of criminal justice settings where operationally possible.

The forensic facilities include a range of crime scenes, including cars, crime scene rooms, fire scenes and outside scenes and a forensic workshop and range of 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 eight internal rooms and two outdoor scenes, a forensic workshop, five science laboratories, an incident room, a Hydra simulation centre and facilities to simulate courtroom scenarios, all with relevant equipment attached. One of our teaching rooms is an old courtroom, attached to the former Canterbury Prison.

For a list of core and likely optional modules, please visit our website.