Crime and Investigative Studies (with placement year)

Learn about forensic science, crime scene processing, policing and the law, and experience the real world of crime and investigation.

Study in specialist facilities, and gain all-round knowledge and skills in crime scene examination and official procedures.

You’ll learn about different types of crime, and how these are investigated by the police in collaboration with other agencies such as fire and rescue.

Our lecturers draw on first-hand experience to teach you about forensics and the importance of a methodical crime-scene process. You'll also hear from visiting professionals from local police forces, the Metropolitan Police and the National Crime Agency.

Why ARU?

• Study a course accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, gaining essential skills for your career.

• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed with local police forces and other organisations to give you exposure to 'real-world' problem solving.

• Learn in crime scene simulation facilities and the SuperLab in our £45m Science Centre.

• Get hands-on with 360-degree cameras and technology systems.

• Benefit from our lecturers’ breadth of expertise and experience.

• Join the Forensics and Crime Society to socialise and get involved in events.

Course Modules

Year 1

• United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists (15 credits)

• Applied Science for Forensic Investigators (30 credits)

• Introduction to Forensic Photography and Methodologies (30 credits)

• Investigative Skills (15 credits)

• Biological and Trace Evidence Analysis (30 credits)

• Personal and Professional Development - Level 4

• Group Tutorial

• Into ARU

Year 2

• Forensic Scene Examination (15 credits)

• Police and Forensic Investigations (15 credits)

• Introduction to Fire Investigation (15 credits)

• Professional and Personal Development - Level 5

• Ruskin Module (15 credits)

• Mass Fatality Incidents (15 credits)

• Evidence Based Policing (15 credits)

• Digital Forensics (15 credits)

• Group Tutorial

• Project Preparation (15 credits)

Year 3

• Placement year

Year 4

• Undergraduate Major Project (30 credits)

• Management of Major Investigations (30 credits)

• Forensic Pathology (15 credits)

• Forensic Anthropology (15 credits)

• Advanced Digital Investigations (15 credits)

• Major Investigations (15 credits)

• Group Tutorial

Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to measure your progress. Our course has a hands-on approach, so a lot of your assessment will be through practical work. Your assessments will include traditional exams and assignments, as well as your performance in practical work, presentations, mock courts and group work.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences