Overview
Are you interested in understanding how forensic evidence is used to help solve crime?
This BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies degree course examines the field of crime and criminality and pairs it with the world of forensic investigation. You’ll get a deep understanding of what makes a criminal, from a societal, psychological and law perspective. And you’ll get out of the classroom to get to grips with the latest forensic theory and practice.
This course leads to careers in areas such as research and intelligence analysis, crime scene investigation, and probation and police work.
Professional recognition
By choosing certain optional units on this course, you can get pre-entry qualifications for a career in probation work and community justice.
What you'll experience
On this Criminology and Forensic Studies degree course, you'll:
- Explore criminology while using the latest forensic facilities in one of the largest criminology departments in the country
- Have access to a biology lab and a forensic crime scene examination house
- Work alongside crime and forensics professionals via our partnerships with bodies including Hampshire Constabulary and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service
- Tailor your degree to match your interests and workplace ambitions
- Learn from criminology, probation and policing experts and interact with practitioners from criminal justice agencies, businesses and charitable organisations
- Go on visits to relevant destinations, like the Hampshire Constabulary fingerprint bureau and military CSI training headquarters.
- Attend guest talks from career specialists, such as fire investigators and forensic odontologists
You can also:
- Spend a year abroad, studying with an international partner university
- Learn a new language and get credits towards your degree
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- coursework
- practical crime scene assessments
- examinations
- presentations
- group projects
- a dissertation
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
The way you’re assessed may depend on the modules you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:
- Year 1 students: 27% by written exams, 7% by practical exams and 66% by coursework
- Year 2 students: 3% by practical exams and 97% by coursework
- Year 3 students: 8% by written exams, 5% by practical exams and 87% by coursework
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- group discussions
- practical workshops
- forensic crime scene examinations
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
Careers and opportunities
When you complete the course, you’ll be prepared for a range of criminal justice careers where forensic awareness plays a key role. You can work as a forensic practitioner within the police, probation and prison services or in the fields of community safety, crime prevention and criminological research.
What jobs can you do with a Criminology and Forensic Studies degree?
Roles previous graduates have gone on to include:
- investigative data analyst
- police officer
- probation officer
- youth offending support officer
- emergency planning officer
- offender case administrator
- prison officers
- civilian investigator
You could also do postgraduate study in areas such as forensic sciences.
Work experience and career planning
To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience during your course. We can help you identify placements, internships and voluntary roles that will complement your studies and build your portfolio.
We'll also be available to help, advise and support you for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.
This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option. This means you can earn credits towards your degree for work, volunteer and research placements that you do alongside your study.
Placement year
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the crime and forensics field.
Previous students have secured placement positions at organisations such as Hampshire Constabulary and Hampshire Fire and Rescue.
You can also spend this year studying overseas at one of our partner universities in Europe, south Asia and North America.
We’ll help you secure a work or study placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
