Forensic Investigation

Are you interested in crime, forensic science and policing, but unsure which subject to study? If so, you will cover them all on our course. We combine the crime scene examination part of forensic science with other crime-related subjects, such as policing and criminal justice.

We will help you to understand both the theoretical and practical aspects of forensic and criminal investigations. We will look at the impact of various crime types on victims and how the police deal with the investigation to bring about justice.

Lectures will take place at University Centre Peterborough and practical sessions take place in science labs at Peterborough College or on the grounds of UCP. You will participate in approximately 16 crime scene investigations which are also assessed as part of your course. In the classroom, you will explore the investigative techniques used by police services, alongside contemporary issues including evidence based policing and crime prevention. You will also gain experience in dealing with a wide range of crime scenes, from burglaries to murders, including scenes of mass disaster and skeletal remains.

Learning about the criminal justice system in the UK, you will find out how your investigation of different crimes can have a significant impact, and how to report your investigative findings to other professional colleagues.

Our lecturers have first-hand experience of crime scene analysis, policing and criminal justice. As well as benefiting from their knowledge, you will have guest lectures from visiting professionals and get an understanding of the workplace through visits to places such as the Crown Court, and other field trips. The course has close links with Cambridgeshire Constabulary and we ensure that you learn from industry experts.

The courses at University Centre Peterborough are studied in smaller class sizes compared with other universities, a typical class size is under 30 students.

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)
Forensic Techniques (30 credits)
Lab Skills and Data Analytics (15 credits)
Working in the Criminal Justice Sector (15 credits)
Academic Skills (15 credits)
Introduction to Criminal Justice (30 credits)
Crime Scene Recording (15 credits)

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)
Body Fluids and DNA (15 credits)
Policing and Investigation (15 credits)
Ethics and Research Methods (30 credits)
Evidence-based Policing (15 credits)
Major Police Investigation (30 credits)
Crime Scene Investigation (15 credits)

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)
Undergraduate Major Project (30 credits)
Crime Scene Management (30 credits)
Major Investigation Analysis (15 credits)
Emerging Investigation Techniques (15 credits)
Investigative Psychology (15 credits)

ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONAL MODULES (15 credits):
Forensic DNA (15 credits)
Forensic Anthropology (15 credits)
Forensic Pathology (15 credits)
Disaster Victim Identification Advanced (15 credits)

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)
50% Coursework
20% Written Exams
30% Practical Exams

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)
50% Coursework
20% Written Exams
30% Practical Exams

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)
50% Coursework
20% Written Exams
30% Practical Exams

Your final degree classification will be based on the average marks across all modules at Level 6 and Level 5 at a ratio of 2:1 respectively