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Cracking the case: have you got what it takes?

This is a Forensic science Subject Spotlight with Mary Makinde & James Harris from Canterbury Christ Church University. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Forensic science.

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In this gripping Subject Spotlight, join Mary Makinde and James Harris as they explore the world of BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation (Criminal Investigation), starting with what they actually are, and the importance of using multiple approaches to solving crime. Mary and James each consider a case study of a high-profile crime to identify the key methods that allowed it to be solved, as well as the missed opportunities to solve it sooner. Finally, you’ll have a go at thinking like a Crime Scene Investigator, using evidence from a shocking murder case to identify the key next steps in the investigation.

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About Canterbury Christ Church University

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) has campuses in Canterbury and Medway offering great locations for studying. One of only a handful of universities to have a campus in a World Heritage Site and with coastline and countryside nearby, the main campus in Canterbury is less than an hour from London by high-speed train. CCCU has invested heavily in facilities with the new multi-million pound STEM building and the creative arts hub providing an innovative learning experience with industry level facilities. Courses at CCCU offer strong routes into careers and employment, from medicine and teaching, to engineering, sport science, computing and games design. In fact, CCCU is 1st in the UK for graduates.

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Meet the academics

Mary Makinde & James Harris

Mary Makinde is a Principal Lecturer in Forensic Investigation at Canterbury Christ Church University. Mary has worked as a Forensic Scientist at two of the United Kingdom’s leading Forensic Science Providers, and she has over 16 years experience working in the field. As a Forensic Scientist, Mary’s specialist area lies within forensic biology, specialising in the recovery and analysis of biological material such as hairs, fibres, body fluids, blood pattern analysis and other trace evidence, including gunshot residue from exhibits recovered at crime scenes. Within her role as a Forensic Scientist, Mary has worked on a number of major crime cases, including counter terrorism, cold case reviews, international cases, serious sexual offences and high-profile cases. Mary continues to work closely with a number of forensic science providers, police forces and key members of the criminal justice system where she provides training and expert advice on forensic biology, quality standards in forensic science, DNA and blood pattern analysis. Mary’s practitioner background has been integral in the development of her approaches to curriculum design and research. Mary is a multiple award winning academic, winning multiple institutional University Teaching Excellence Awards, Golden Apple Awards and National Awards for her dedication to her students, inclusive practice and teaching excellence. James Harris is a Lecturer in Policing at Canterbury Christchurch University. He is a former Detective with the City of London Police, where for over 10 years he worked in a variety of investigative functions, major crime. James teaches a range of modules including Major Crime Investigation, and Criminal Investigation His area of expertise and passion focuses on investigative interviewing; as a former specialist Interview Advisor, James has extensive real-world experience conducting interviews and developing strategies for high-stakes investigations. He is particularly interested from a research perspective on interviewing skills of volume crime investigators and still provides support and training to law enforcement both in the UK and internationally. He is a member of the International Investigative Interviewing Research Group (iiirg) and an active speaker at conferences.

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On-demand interactive video content

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Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

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What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

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Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!