Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Crime Scene Examination
This module develops your range of oral, written and professional skills needed to work as a member of an investigative team dealing with the wide range of challenging situations you are likely to encounter in the workplace. You will be involved in simulated crime scenes and practical exercises.
You develop the knowledge and skills to work effectively as a member of a team within a criminal or civil law enforcement investigation.
A series of keynote lectures from qualified crime scene examiners, police and forensic personnel are linked to tutorials dealing with study skills, simulated crimes scenes, role-plays and practical exercises.
Assessment
Typically a trial is used for this 250 word report, an example is: In 250 words describe the outcomes of a recent criminal trial and how it affected the admissibility of evidence, such as the 1993 Daubert ‘v’ Merrell Dow Pharmaceutical Incorporated (30%).
You also submit a portfolio which may contain a range of simulated court attendance and associated statement; fibre tapings from seat; fibre tapings from window; blood swab; powdered footwear mark; powdered and lifted fingerprint from flat surface; powdered and lifted fingerprint from a curved surface; set of ten prints; hair combings from suspect; item of clothing packaged; and a presentation.
This portfolio meets a number of Skills for Justice National Occupational standards for crime scene investigators and the Crime Scene Investigation component for the Forensic Science Society.
Foundations of Investigation
This module begins by examining the historical role of the enforcement of laws, within England and Wales. Particular attention focuses upon the historical development and contemporary role and function of policing, forensic investigation, the investigation of sudden death, the process of criminal investigation and the role of victims and witnesses. The module also introduces you to a range of theoretical explanations of crime and deviance.
Foundations of Law
This module is the foundation of the programme. It introduces the English legal system and equips you with the methods and skills you need to study law at undergraduate level. You cover legal research and writing - essential skills for success throughout the degree. You also develop your key skills and begin to critically reflect on your own performance. In this module you are introduced to the University’s replica courtroom where you begin to develop law-specific and general presentation skills.
Introduction to Digital Investigation
You explore digital data, devices in modern society, and digital investigation principles and guidelines.
Learning the Lessons – Historical Investigations
This module begins by introducing you to historical, criminal investigations. This will then develop your awareness of some of the most important investigations in criminal history in England and Wales.
Studying Skills for Professional Practice
This module develops and strengthens the skills which are essential for study within a higher education environment. These skills include the ability to work effectively and independently within the guidelines operated by the school and the University, such as; adherence to academic regulations, time management and the organisation of academic work, analytical thinking and writing skills, the use of basic research and data presentation technique(s), referencing and employability related skills such as developing a CV and building/seeking opportunities to develop work related experience through volunteering and placements.
Year 2 core modules
Exploring Investigation
This module introduces you to issues relating to contemporary investigation practices. Building on knowledge gained in level 4 modules, it will expand your existing knowledge of criminal investigations, broadening the focus to include state and political crime, and issues relating to the recording of crime and the sentencing of offenders. Assessment focuses around researching a topic, presenting it, and reflecting upon that process.
Fingerprints and their Uses in the Investigative Process
This module allows you to demonstrate a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of fingerprints and their use in the investigative process. It lets you synthesise, appraise and evaluate data and evidence from relevant and reliable sources to make independent judgements on the analysis, comparison, verification and evaluation of fingerprints.
This module will be assessed by the completion of practical sessions classifying and verifying fingerprints and the writing of a 2,000-word critical discussion.'
Investigating Research Methods
This module introduces you to the range of research methodologies used by social scientists. You acquire an understanding of how research informs your academic discipline: why researchers use particular research methods to investigate specific issues and how to evaluate methodological decisions. The module also introduces you to key research design, data collection and analysis techniques through practical activities and engaging with existing research. Ethics and practical issues will form a central theme of the module.
Investigation in Context
This module will develop your existing knowledge in relation to crime and its investigation, drawing on existing cases to offer an updated context, focusing on current investigative practices, preparing you for your final year of study.
Law and Procedure
In this module you are provided with an opportunity to develop a critical knowledge and understanding of the nature and purpose of the criminal law, the basic elements of a crime, and a variety of specific criminal offences and defences. You will also develop a detailed and critical understanding of the rules and regulations which impact on the modern investigation of crime, with a particular focus on human rights.
and one optional module
Final-year core modules
Applied Investigation
You will explore a number of key issues in this module including new police products such as the core investigative doctrine, the impact of the growth in serious and organised criminal activity upon national and transnational investigations, the increasing use of technology within investigation and the role of other professionals in investigation.
Criminalistics
This module allows you to demonstrate a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of fingerprints and their use in the Investigative Process. It will allow you to synthesise, appraise and evaluate data and evidence from relevant and reliable sources to make independent judgements on the assessment, comparison, evaluation and verification of fingerprints.
Defendants and Witnesses in the Criminal Justice System
This module focuses on the law concerned with the obtaining and admissibility of evidence at trial. It challenges you to explore the relevance of evidence in the investigatory process and during the criminal trial. Whilst the module is suited for those who wish to continue their studies and join various legal or investigative professions, it is an academic module and examines the law of evidence from an academic viewpoint.
Dissertation
This module begins with formal lectures and seminars covering topics like how to conduct a dissertation and the research process – timetabling, supervision, structure and guidelines will be covered. You will be provided with a supervisor to support and guide you through the dissertation process. Personal development is embedded within the process as you are expected to complete a reflective diary.
