Program Overview

Crime and Investigative Studies

Overview

Learn about forensic science, crime scene processing, policing and the law, and experience the real world of crime and investigation.

Course Options

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years with foundation year
• 4 years with placement

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 3 years
• START DATES: January, September
• LOCATION: Cambridge
• ENTRY: UCAS code: F412
• FEES:
  • £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £17,500 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

Year 1

• United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists (15 credits)
• Applied Science for Forensic Investigators (30 credits)
• Introduction to Forensic Photography and Methodologies (30 credits)
• Investigative Skills (15 credits)
• Biological and Trace Evidence Analysis (30 credits)
• Professional and Personal Development - Level 4
• Group Tutorial
• Into ARU

Year 2

• Forensic Scene Examination (15 credits)
• Police and Forensic Investigations (15 credits)
• Introduction to Fire Investigation (15 credits)
• Professional and Personal Development - Level 5
• Ruskin Module (15 credits)
• Mass Fatality Incidents (15 credits)
• Evidence Based Policing (15 credits)
• Digital Forensics (15 credits)
• Group Tutorial
• Project Preparation (15 credits)

Year 3

• Undergraduate Major Project (30 credits)
• Management of Major Investigations (30 credits)
• Specialised Topics in Investigative Science (15 credits)
• Forensic Pathology (15 credits)
• Forensic Anthropology (15 credits)
• Major Investigations (15 credits)
• Group Tutorial

Student Experience

• Collect and analyse evidence from authentic crime scene rooms.
• Work with Cambridgeshire Police or a forensic laboratory on your dissertation.
• Learn in our £45m Science Centre in the heart of Cambridge.
• Work on real-world problems presented by organisations such as public services, local councils and charities.
• Work with practitioners and academics to support children and young people in the community.

Facilities

• Cutting-edge facilities, including 360-degree camera and technology systems in our £45m Science Centre.
• Authentic crime scene rooms.
• Creative resources such as 3D printers.
• Award-winning IT and library facilities.

Accreditation

• Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

Careers

• Policing, crime scene examination, prisons and security.
• Government intelligence agencies.
• Social and youth work, crime analysis, victim support and legal work.
• ARU graduates of this course earn on average £2,500 more per year than the sector average 15 months after graduating.

Entry Requirements

• 104 UCAS Tariff points.
• 5 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths.
• If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification.

Fees and Paying for University

• Tuition fees for UK students: £9,535 (2025/26, full-time, per year).
• Tuition fees for international students: £17,500 (2025/26, full-time, per year).
• Living costs at university can range from around £7,000–£9,000 per year.

Apply

• UK students: Apply through UCAS.
• International students: Apply direct.