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
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Criminal and Civil Law - 20 credits
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Investigative Practice - 20 credits
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Critical and Digital Communication - 10 credits
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Introduction to Forensic Science - 20 credits
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Forensic Interviewing - 20 credits
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Data Collection and Presentation Skills - 20 credits
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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
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Research Methods - 20 credits
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Professional Development - 10 credits
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Forensic Crime Scene Analysis - 20 credits
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Understanding Evidence - 20 credits
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Basic Digital Forensics - 20 credits
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Fraud Investigation - 20 credits
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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
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Advanced Forensic Crime Scene Analysis - 20 credits
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Specialist Inquiry - 20 credits
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Surveillance Studies - 20 credits
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Situational Analysis - 20 credits
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Individual Research Project - 30 credits
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Add+vantage - 10 credits
