Forensic Investigations BSc (Hons)

Why you should study this course

Forensic investigation is an exciting and challenging area of study, which focusses on understanding and developing an expansive array of investigative techniques, including the interpretation and presentation of analytical evidence to explain or solve criminal or civil cases.

The course brings together a range of important disciplines within investigative processes – digital forensics, social media, fraud, photography and sociology in criminal and civil investigations.

Although we aim to cover the essentials of forensic science, our degree is not intended to be a forensic science course. Instead, we seek to broaden your perspective by providing an understanding of both forensic science and forensic investigation. Officially recognised by Skills for Justice for the quality of our teaching, our degree is concerned primarily with the identification, collation and reporting of evidence to a forensic hearing.

There is a valuable element of laboratory work and our course touches upon a huge range of forensic science and investigative techniques. We’ll examine blood splatter; fingerprints; DNA; semen analysis; footwear; trace; ballistics; explosive residues; hairs and fibres; interviewing victims, suspects and witnesses; surveillance techniques; how to recover passwords and deleted files in digital forensics; mobile phone forensics; fraud investigation; and how to use social media in investigations.

We focus on providing a practical experience, using real-life case studies and scenarios, work placements*, industry visits* and skills development, as well as traditional academic approaches. We aim to host regular guest lectures led by investigative professionals who provide specialist and up-to-date knowledge and understanding of their particular fields (subject to availability).

Our teaching team currently has a wide range of professional experience and includes a qualified solicitor, trained barrister and senior investigating police officers, as well as current expertise in surveillance and investigative interviewing, pathology, fraud and financial investigations. Recognising the continual advancements in scientific analysis, we will monitor and discuss contemporary issues such as those concerning victims of serious crime, the impact of the media upon major investigations and the investigation of major disasters.

What you'll study

Year one
In your first year, we will introduce you to the study of criminal and civil law, investigative practice, forensic science and forensic interviewing.

We focus on developing transferable skills such as analysis, strategy evaluation and reasoned argument. For example, when teaching you how to plan and prepare interviews with co-operative and non-co-operative subjects, we will use role play to help you to develop advanced questioning skills, useful in any interview or analytical situation.

Modules

• Criminal and Civil Law - 20 credits

• Investigative Practice - 20 credits

• Critical and Digital Communication - 10 credits

• Introduction to Forensic Science - 20 credits

• Forensic Interviewing - 20 credits

• Data Collection and Presentation Skills - 20 credits

• Add+vantage - 10 credits

Year two

In your second year, as well as delving further into crime scene analysis and the understanding of evidence, we will also cover fraud investigation and digital forensics of many devices including mobile phones.

We will encourage you to consider your professional development and the career options available to forensic investigators. We will look at how you may relate the skills and abilities you have developed to a number of different employment opportunities.

Modules

• Research Methods - 20 credits

• Professional Development - 10 credits

• Forensic Crime Scene Analysis - 20 credits

• Understanding Evidence - 20 credits

• Basic Digital Forensics - 20 credits

• Fraud Investigation - 20 credits

• Add+vantage - 10 credits

Final year

In your final year, you will collaborate with a member of academic staff and apply the knowledge of research methods obtained during the first two years of your degree to design and conduct your own piece of research in an area of your choice.

In the past students have conducted research projects in subjects such as the use of ballistic examination, Islamic feminism, Artificial Intelligence and social media in investigation.

Modules

• Advanced Forensic Crime Scene Analysis - 20 credits

• Specialist Inquiry - 20 credits

• Surveillance Studies - 20 credits

• Situational Analysis - 20 credits

• Individual Research Project - 30 credits

• Add+vantage - 10 credits

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

International Fees
£15,950 per year

International Pathways 2022 Scholarship
You could enjoy a £3,000 reduction in tuition fees.
Our high-quality foundation, international year one and pre-masters courses are for international students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry to their preferred Coventry University undergraduate or postgraduate course. We can support you to achieve the academic and/or English grades you need and help you gain the personal and professional skills required to study at university.

We want to encourage ambitious international students like you to study at Coventry University, so we’ve secured extra financial support for you worth £3,000, to help with the cost of tuition fees, living expenses and accommodation.

The scholarship application deadline is:
September 2022 intake: 31 July 2022

Successful completion of this course will support you to develop a wide range of skills in the collection, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence, all of which are useful for a diverse range of careers in areas such as the intelligence services, insurance companies, banking, the prison service, accountancy firms, trading standards, fraud investigation organisations, social care, environmental or financial services and teaching.