Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation
Discover the tools crucial to solving crime, with a degree built around the practical skills and scientific understanding of the collection and analysis of evidence.
Our Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation BSc (Hons) course offers the skills to recognise and recover all evidence types from crime scenes, and to analyse that evidence in the laboratory. With the guidance of former CSIs, you’ll develop a broad understanding of forensic science, covering areas like fingerprint recovery, crime scene photography and the analysis of trace evidence like hairs, fibres and body fluids.
You’ll have the option of specialising in either crime scene investigation or forensic anthropology, charting a path you’ll take right up to your final-year dissertation. And, thanks to our close links with Lancashire and Greater Manchester constabularies, you could even find yourself working alongside police CSI and scientific support teams.
It’s a solid and well-respected programme of study, not only accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences but also further enhanced through our ground-breaking Lancashire Forensic Science Academy partnership. As such, the modules you’ll take go beyond the basic vocational standards for CSI roles – ensuring you’ll have all you need to start a career in the competitive but rewarding world of forensic science and criminal investigation.
Why study with us
- Our strategic alliance with Lancashire Constabulary offers a wealth of opportunity for gaining vital experience and practical work placements in real-world operational environments.
- Forensic and Archaeological Sciences with us are 1st in the North West for overall student satisfaction, teaching quality and academic support (National Student Survey 2019).
- We offer the possibility for extra study at home and abroad – including an air crash investigation short course in Arizona, ballistic reconstruction course and ERASMUS exchange opportunities.
Lancashire Forensic Science Academy
This ground-breaking partnership gives you the opportunity to shadow real CSI's and gain industry-demanded placement experience.
Read moreWhat you’ll do
- You’ll choose one specialist stream, focusing on either crime scene investigation or forensic anthropology, which you’ll follow throughout the course.
- As well as the core modules and your chosen stream, you’ll have some flexibility to tailor your studies to your personal strengths and professional ambitions.
- You’ll get hands-on with state-of-the-art facilities, including our dedicated crime scene houses, vehicle examination bay, laboratories and a Hydra Minerva simulation suite.
Module Overview
Course Delivery
This course is taught face-to-face at one of our UK campuses.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
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Accreditations
- This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, demonstrating that it provides a solid, widely respected route into the highly competitive field of forensic and criminal investigation.
Future careers
In a competitive job market, Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation BSc (Hons) graduates stand out – with the specialist skills and real-world experience to ensure they’re ready to get to work.
This is a programme that offers a clear path into professional roles. While it was created to give you the scientific understanding and techniques vital for becoming an investigator or forensic scientist, it actually goes beyond the national occupational standards for VCSIs or CSIs. In short, when you graduate, you’ll be equipped to compete.
While you’re with us, we’ll be ready to support you through a 48-week sandwich placement in industry. It’s a great chance to make a start on your workplace skills and experience, radically enhancing your employability. Your employability is further developed through the opportunities provided by the Lancashire Forensic Science academy, such as the opportunity to shadow crime scene investigators as they conduct their work.
Today, you’ll find our graduates at work as crime scene investigators, police intelligence analysts, police officers and forensic scientists and analysts, in both private companies and for the police force.
Fees and Funding
Scholarships and Bursaries
We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.
Select your country and see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.
This course is based in the School of Natural Sciences located in the Faculty of Science and Technology
For information on possible changes to course information, see our Essential and Important Course Information
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Central Lancashire on our Student Contract page