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BSc (Hons) - Criminology and Forensic Investigation

In a world in which crime has become one of the most pressing sociological, economic, and political concerns, it has never been more important to know and understand why crime happens, how crime is investigated, and how offenders are brought to justice.

This degree was designed by experts with a wealth of real-world experience in answering these questions. You will learn how to work like these professionals, acquiring the knowledge and skills you need by using our state-of-the art forensic laboratories, working in our ‘crime house’, and taking part in simulated exercises in crime scene investigation.

You will draw on our long-standing links with criminal justice agencies, gaining an in-depth understanding of how crime and forensic investigation underpins the work of criminal justice professionals (such as Police, CSI investigators, Lawyers, Magistrates and Prison and Probation staff) and third-sector organisations.

When you are ready to join this professional world, you will do so as a highly skilled critical thinker who is able not only to answer key criminological questions but also to effect change through critical, research-based problem analysis.

A scholarship is available for this course.
View scholarship and eligibility criteria

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Course Overview

With hands-on experience and access to industry-standard 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.

You will discover the foundational principles of criminology and forensic investigation in your first year (Level 4), covering crime scene investigation, criminal justice institutions, and core theories. Your second year will see you explore advanced analysis techniques (Level 5), delving into crime causation, punishment, and rehabilitation. You will refine forensic skills and learn to use digital tools for evidence evaluation and presentation.

By your final year, you will have evolved into a multi-skilled practitioner (Level 6), conducting independent research, leading complex investigations, and presenting expert witness evidence. Throughout your journey, we will support you to develop digital research capabilities and ethical awareness, preparing you for diverse professional careers.

The diverse skills you’ll acquire will equip you with the skills needed to navigate the various aspects of Criminal Justice practice, helping you to stand out from other candidates in the job market.

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.

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Key Details

Recruiting toUK / RoI / Settled in UK
EU / EEA / International
Course LocationCarlisle - Fusehill Street
Institute Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership
UCAS CodeL617
Mode of DeliveryFace to face
Course DurationFull-time: 3 Years
Course Start PointSeptember
AwardBSc (Hons)
More informationProgramme Specification
Prospectus
Open DaysCarlisle - Fusehill Street
All

Minimum entry requirements

104-112

UCAS Tariff points

UK Tuition fees

£9,535

Entry in academic year 2025/26

£9,790

Entry in academic year 2026/27

International Tuition fees

£14,900

Entry in academic year 2025/26

£16,000

Entry in academic year 2026/27

Tuition Fees Policy

Course Structure

What you will learn

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

Discover: The first year (Level 4) introduces you to the building blocks of criminology and forensic investigation – from the practicalities of crime scene investigation, through key institutions of the criminal justice system, crime policy and practice, to core concepts and theories on crime and deviance. You will develop your digital learning skills during your first year and be equipped with the essential knowledge needed to flourish in Levels 5 and 6.

Crime Scene Investigation
With a focus on professional standards and experiential learning, you will gain the ability to perform techniques involved in the investigation of crime scenes and the recovery of evidence, as practised by forensic agencies.
Crime and Deviance
You will learn how to answer some of the central questions of criminological inquiry – what types of crime happen in Britain, why do they happen, how much crime is there, and how do individuals and society deal with the impact?
Criminal Justice System
You will understand the way in which the state responds to crime in England and Wales. Some of the key questions for consideration include: how is crime investigated and what impact does this have on individuals, social groups and society at large, what happens when someone is accused of committing crime, and how does the state deal with those who are convicted of offences?
Professional Skills for Criminal Justice
You will gain the skills needed for a successful career, emphasising the professional, ethical behaviour, expected of a criminal justice practitioner. You will develop laboratory, digital, and transferable graduate skills, and understand the theoretical underpinnings for interactions and interventions with individuals and groups.

Year two

Explore: During the second year (Level 5) you will learn the tools of qualitative and quantitative analysis to enable you to critically explore the complexities of crime and deviant behaviour, which you will use to conduct your own independent research in Level 6. You will also probe deeper into the study of crime causation, and examine punishment and rehabilitation, whilst refining your skills in forensic investigation. You will use digital tools to gather, assess, and evaluate evidence, reach decisions and solve problems using digital data and media to present the outcomes of learning. You will forensically examine a variety of evidence types and participate in moot court sessions. 

Forensic Examination
Operating within a quality management system, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyse, compare, and evaluate a variety of forensic evidence in the laboratory.
Expert Witness
You will develop an understanding of the contributions subject matter experts make to the investigative process. Developing a capability to integrate expert witness material in your investigative approach. Incorporating relevant legal principles, you will be able to prepare and present evidential material in an adversarial setting.
Crime, Punishment and Rehabilitation
You will learn to think critically about how society decides what is and is not ‘criminal’, worthy of ‘punishment’ and what the aims and scope of ‘rehabilitation’ are. You will be able to evaluate how criminological theories inform or challenge the practical and applied aspects of criminology.
Exploring Research
Through exploration and application of a range of research and analysis methods, you will harness the skills required to conceive, design, conduct, and interpret research for Criminal Justice. You will develop your ability to evaluate a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and forms of analysis, and when it is appropriate to use them.

Year three

Evolve: In your final year (Level 6) you will demonstrate your evolution into a multi-skilled and ethical criminal justice practitioner, by working on your own independent research, through a leadership role in a complex crime scene investigation, and through giving expert witness evidence in a mock trial. Your digital skills will have evolved to be able to take part in digital research or professional practice and you will be aware of digital safety and privacy. Throughout your studies, there is an emphasis on developing skills, attributes and experiences that are relevant to professional careers, including links to volunteering opportunities, and independent project work.

Leading Complex and Major Crime Scene Investigation
You will develop knowledge and skills needed to lead and direct a team of crime scene investigators and specialists during complex and major crime scene investigations.
Victimology
You will develop and extend your understanding of victims and victimisation in contemporary society. Using a multi-layered theoretical framework, you will explore the nature, extent, and impact of victimisation on individuals and society.
Death Investigation - Optional
You will be introduced to ways in which medical science and principal forensic evidence types can assist in the medico-legal investigation of deaths.
The Outsiders - Optional
You will become fluent in criminological and sociological theories and in doing so will bring critical focus towards the stigmatisation and social exclusion of marginalised groups in UK society, looking at both social welfare and crime control policies.
Dissertation
You will be able to complete an independent piece of in-depth research, developing your research skills and gaining valuable experience in research project management.

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

We aim to deliver an accessible, inclusive and quality assured programme that provides academic inspiration and intellectual challenge, with emphasis on the development of professional and transferable skills, so that you can optimise your potential. Our approach to learning and teaching recognises each student as an individual and, as a student at the University of Cumbria, you will be part of an inclusive and diverse learning community. Equally important are the opportunities to interact with others in an interdisciplinary, collaborative and active learning environment, so you can explore complex issues, positively challenge assumptions and reflect on ways of thinking. Campus based learning is central to the learning experience, with attendance across the range of lectures/seminars/practical sessions/Simulations/group work projects seen as essential. This is enhanced and given flexibility by use of an online virtual learning environment so that information and activities can be accessed at your convenience. Study resources at other campuses and learning gateways of the University are also available for your use. Typically, you will have around 72 contact hours (at Level 4) and 54 contact hours (at Levels 5 and 6) per module.

This programme has adopted a 30-credit modular structure which has been designed to allow you to immerse yourself in greater depth of the subject areas. Some of the benefits of using this model include you gaining greater knowledge and understanding of the discipline, reduced assessment burden due to studying fewer modules and more opportunities for formative assessment. When not attending scheduled learning activities you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study, engagement with resources and peer-reviewed literature.

How you will be assessed

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.

Career Outcomes

This course sets the students up for a wide range of careers in the Criminal Justice System, enabling them to chose their own path - keeping the Crime Scene Investigation route open, but not limiting them to this career choice. It remains robustly academic and can be a stepping stone to postgraduate options and graduate only schemes. Former students on precursor programme secured employment as CSIs, in HM Courts & Tribunals, as firearms officers with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), became Police Officers, work in the charity sector, youth work and probationary support work. Others are studying at doctoral level and lecturing at Universities.

More information

Providing opportunities for you to be and feel real-world ready, the digital capabilities development UoConnectED Digital Graduate microcredential is embedded within the Criminology and Forensic Investigation programme. You will learn subject specific digital skills within modules and will be supported to develop core functional technical skills through online guidance hosted on Blackboard. Grounded in the JISC Student Capabilities role profile, the full microcredential will be achieved in three parts across the timeline of your degree.

Key contributors include former barristers, police officers, and investigators. Members of staff are research experts in a variety of fields including body fluid analysis, finger-mark enhancement, entomology, and pedagogy. Our teaching is research informed and Criminology lecturers have published on criminalisation of women accessing abortion, over-reach in criminal records, drug-related deaths, impact of legislation on sex worker safety, and rural victims of domestic violence, and prisons. Our staff also bring experience from voluntary service, wider industry, other institutions, and other countries to the team.

Our student groups have carried out small research projects on night-time safety in Carlisle, university policies on sexual misconduct, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on student deviant behaviours. The programme contains many opportunities for students to research real-world problems: from the most pressing crime issues in their communities, through hands-on experience in the labs, and all the way to their own choice of final dissertation projects.

Overview

104-112 UCAS Tariff Points, You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the UCAS tariff table. Offers are tailored to the individual applicant and their circumstances and can be across the tariff range. Applicants who meet our contextual information criteria will be offered at the bottom of the range.

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.

Where you have received a conditional offer subject to achieving particular grades/UCAS tariff scores, and do not quite meet these scores, please try not to worry, where vacancies exist our Admissions specialists will review your whole application again and take account of any mitigating circumstances and reassess your suitability for the course.

Contextual Admissions

Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study. For some individuals, the disadvantages they have experienced in their life mean that they have not been able to demonstrate their full academic potential. Where a person lives and their personal circumstances can all affect their educational attainment.

We take this context into account and look for an applicant’s potential when making admission decisions. The University of Cumbria will make offers at the bottom of any UCAS Tariff range to applicants that live in postal code regions with the lowest participation in Higher Education (Polar 4 quintile 1 – you can check your postcode here), applicants that are estranged from their parents, are care leavers or have caring responsibilities or are in receipt of or received free school meals during their secondary education. Attendance at our Masterclasses and Summer Schools will also allow applicants to receive an offer lower within the tariff range. (T&Cs apply).

Contact ugadmissions@cumbria.ac.uk for more information.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

UK Tuition fees

£9,535
Entry in academic year 2025/26

£9,790
Entry in academic year 2026/27

International Tuition fees

£14,900
Entry in academic year 2025/26

£16,000
Entry in academic year 2026/27

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Funding

Please see the University of Cumbria information on Scholarships and Bursaries https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/student-finance/scholarships-and-bursaries/

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..

Student Finance

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs associated with the course including stationery, textbooks, field trips and membership fees although some of these features are optional.

Books and Journals

Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.

Clothing and Equipment

A lab coat is required and can be ordered via the University's store https://store.cumbria.ac.uk/product-catalogue/students/merchandise There is also an option to purchase CSI-branded clothing (polo shirts and softshell jackets) but these are optional.

Field Trips

Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, society membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

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Location
Carlisle - Fusehill Street Campus
The Fusehill Street campus has been the setting of life-saving treatments since World War I. Now, it's home to world changers, life-savers, crime fighters, and entrepreneurs with access to high-quality facilities and innovative thinking.
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BSc (Hons) - Criminology and Forensic Investigation