Criminology and Forensic Investigations with foundation year

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year
The foundation year course offers an introduction to your chosen subject and helps you develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. It aims to provide a thorough understanding of legal principles and best practice. With a focus on European, national and local contexts, this course explores the development of legislation and case law with core academic skills.

Please note that the foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year 1 of the degree onwards will be from the Coventry University campus.

Degree
Step into the fascinating world of crime and justice. Explore crime investigation, crime prevention, public protection and victim support, all while gaining hands-on experience with real-world applications. This should equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in a variety of impactful careers.

Career-focused curriculum: gain expertise in law, various types of crime, crime prevention and detection, investigative techniques, evidence evaluation, fraud investigation and tackling serious and complex crimes.
Stay ahead of the curve: explore and critically evaluate the latest developments in crime, forensic investigation and criminal justice management at both local and global levels.
Think creatively, act impactfully: learn to develop innovative solutions to complex issues within forensic investigation and the wider criminal justice system, preparing you for a dynamic and meaningful career.

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

• Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.

• Provides a grounding in key areas of criminal law and legal practice.

Degree

• Project-based learning: tackle real-world projects, solving complex problems and building critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills. Benefit from career-focused assessments like creating operational plans and giving evidence in mock trials to showcase your expertise.

• Global perspective: compare international approaches to crime and forensic investigation while developing the practical skills essential for a career in criminal justice.

• Applied learning: dive into key aspects of the justice system—from crime investigation to law enforcement and prevention—by engaging in real-world simulations like mock crime scenes, trials, crisis management and community policing.

• Learn from industry experts: benefit from guest lectures2 by professionals from leading criminal justice agencies, offering you valuable insights and real-world context.

• Hands-on learning: enhance your understanding of forensic investigation, punishment and control in our learning facilities, which include mock prison cells, a crime house and a mock courtroom.

Careers and opportunities
Throughout the course, you should develop a broad range of highly valued skills that reflect the changing and dynamic needs of industry, including exceptional communication, project planning, critical thinking and analysis, problem-solving, and powerful presentation and listening skills.

On successful completion of the course, you should be a globally and interculturally aware graduate ready to make a dynamic difference in the world. You could find yourself working in the following roles:

• Policing (including crime scene investigative roles)

• Detective (graduate route)

• Probation officer

• Criminal intelligence analyst

• Forensic investigative practice

• Aviation security

• Fraud investigator

• Insurance claims investigator.

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Course Modules

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses:
Criminology BA (Hons)
Criminology and Forensic Investigations BA (Hons)
Criminology and Law BA (Hons)
Criminology and Psychology BA (Hons)
Criminology and Youth Justice BA (Hons)

Foundation Year Modules:
Introduction to the English Legal System
Contract Law
Criminal Law and Practice
Academic and Professional Skills for Lawyers

Year One Modules:
Principles of Investigation: Theory and Practice
The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour
The Criminal Justice System
Crime Patterns and Analysis

Year Two Modules:
Crime, Nature and Resistance
Policing
Understanding Evidence
Digital Evidence and Fraud Investigations

Sandwich Year:
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Final Year Modules:
Violence and Exploitation
Victimology
Investigating Serious and Complex Crime
Practical Surveillance Skills

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.