Criminology and Forensic Science BSc Hons with placement

at Northumbria University

The early stages of the course are designed to give you a solid theoretical and practical grounding in the key science areas and criminological theory applicable to the degree. This foundation is built on in subsequent years as you develop natural curiosity and critical thinking, ensuring greater independent learning and thought.

You will develop critical thinking skills and the ability to present clearly supported/evidence-based opinions as you progress through the course. The problem-based approach to teaching establishes these skills at an early stage and culminates in the final year project in your chosen specialism.

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one

• AP0400 -Practical Skills in Forensic Science (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0401 -Process and Practices in Forensic Science (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0418 -Fundamentals of Biology and Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)
• CR4001 -Explaining Crime (Core,20 Credits)
• CR4013 -Crime Myths and Realities (Core,20 Credits)
• CR4015 -The Criminal Justice System 1 (Core,20 Credits)
• JE5001 -Academic Language Skills for Applied Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

 Year two

• AP0503 -Body Fluids and Blood Pattern Analysis (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0504 -Drugs and Toxicology (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0551 -DNA Profiling (Core,20 Credits)
• CR5001 -Concepts, Perspectives and Theories in Criminology (Core,20 Credits)
• CR5007 -Sex Work: Theory, Practice, Regulation (Optional,20 Credits)
• CR5020 -The Criminal Justice System 2 (Core,20 Credits)
• CR5022 -Drugs, Crime and Society (Optional,20 Credits)

 Year three 

• AP0536 -Study Abroad (Optional,120 Credits)
• AP0550 -Academic Exchange Semester Study Abroad (Optional,60 Credits)
• AP0552 -Industrial Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
• AT5004 -Year in International Business (This is made up of modules studied in Newcastle (Semester 1) & Amsterdam (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)
• AT5007 -Year in International Multidisciplinary Innovation (4 modules studied in Amsterdam (Semester 1) & Newcastle (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)

Year four

• AP0601 -Complex Casework (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0603 -Advanced Forensic Investigation (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0629 -Interdisciplinary Criminology and Forensic Science Dissertation (Core,40 Credits)
• CR6002 -Contemporary Policing and Security (Optional,20 Credits)
• CR6004 -Crimes of the Powerful (Optional,20 Credits)
• CR6007 -Mentally Disordered Offenders (Optional,20 Credits)
• CR6018 -Crime, Animals and the Environment (Optional,20 Credits)
• CR6020 -Understanding Extreme Violence (Optional,20 Credits)
• CR6021 -Life after Crime (Optional,20 Credits)
• CR6025 -Crime, Technology and Surveillance (Optional,20 Credits)
• CR6026 -Social Harm (Optional,20 Credits)
• CR6028 -Intimate Partner Violence (Optional,20 Credits)

Entry Requirements 2022/23

Standard Entry

120 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths, English Language and a Science at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this course.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*). 

Fees and Funding 2022/23 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.

EU Fee in Year 1: £16,500

International Fee in Year 1: £16,500

The course has a strong industry-related focus. It includes an optional one-year work placement, STEM ambassador activities, volunteering activities within the local communities, work-based learning and/or study abroad. We offer an innovative approach to work-based learning with an emphasis on problem-solving. The curriculum has been specifically designed to enhance your subject knowledge and practical skills while providing opportunities for personal and professional development.

Your positive attitude, ethics and approach is developed through team working, independent learning, professional practice and volunteering opportunities. You will graduate able to articulately and effectively communicate with a wide range of audiences through a variety of platforms.

The fundamental practices and procedures of criminology and forensic science, together with logical thinking, attention to detail and a questioning mind, establish transferable skills to a range of careers and disciplines. Confidence, developed through intellectual curiosity, practical and theoretical problem solving, enables criminology and forensic science graduates to respectively interact in professional arenas.

Many of our recent alumni now work in roles within the police, forensic science laboratories and analytical chemistry laboratories, criminal justice and social work settings, or in varied careers in teaching, research, local and national government and third sector employment. Others have moved on to postgraduate study.