Forensics, Policing and Investigations with Foundation Year

Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Forensics, Policing and Investigations with Foundation Year

Why study this course with LJMU?

• Explore, in-depth how forensics links to the field of investigation
• Innovative and thought-provoking modules both reflect and challenge current investigative practices and debates
• Taught by lecturers with academic and professional backgrounds in policing and the use of forensic science
• Access our innovative Crime Scene Investigations facilities
• Field trips include Merseyside Firearms Training Centre and the Emergency Services Training Centre as part of your core modules
• Opportunities to volunteer as a Special Constable in Merseyside Police and other local forces

About your course

Love murder mysteries and true crime? While reality is very different from what you see on the media, this is a fast-paced, rewarding career field that combines science, keen powers of observation, and evidence-based strategies.

The BSc Forensics, Policing and Investigations degree at Liverpool John Moores University will engage you in the understanding and development of key strategies for effective crime scene management and how forensics link to the field of investigation and policing.

Students will experience a critical exploration of contemporary policing issues as they develop skills and prepare for professional practice.

We have developed this programme over many years of policing studies degree delivery, working with Merseyside Police Constabulary, College of Policing and other key stakeholders in the policing and criminal justice sectors.

This degree prepares students for the diverse world of investigative, forensic and evidence gathering techniques, leading to a wide range of rewarding career options.

Each student is allocated a personal tutor whose role is to offer general advice, guidance and support regarding the broader aspects of your studies and university life in general.

You will be taught at Mount Pleasant Campus in the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing, a pioneering research centre for interdisciplinary law enforcement, and is licensed by the College of Policing to deliver degree programmes.

Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the interest and ability to study for a degree, but do not have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Forensics, Policing and Investigations honours degree programme yet. Once you pass the Foundation Year (level 3) you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

Course modules

What you will study on this degree

This course is currently undergoing its scheduled programme review, which may impact the advertised modules. Programme review is a standard part of the University’s approach to quality assurance and enhancement, enabling us to ensure that our courses remain up to date and maintain their high standard and relevancy.

Once the review is completed, this course website page will be updated to reflect any approved changes to the advertised course. These approved changes will also be communicated to those who apply for the course to ensure they wish to proceed with their application.

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Foundation Year

• Preparing for Academic Success (30 credits)
• Investigating Liverpool (30 credits)
• Contemporary Issues in Policing, Security and Criminal Justice (30 credits)
• Crime, Justice and Diversity (30 credits)

Year 1

• Introduction to Policing and Investigation (20 credits)
• Crime Scene Investigation (20 credits)
• Practice, Procedure and the Criminal Law 1 (20 credits)
• Forensic Science (20 credits)
• Technology and Policing and Investigation (20 credits)
• Exploring Policing and Investigation Studies - Skills for Success (20 credits)

Year 2

• Policing Communities (20 credits)
• Practice, Procedure and the Criminal Law 2 (20 credits)
• Conducting Investigations (20 credits)
• Forensic Methods (20 credits)
• Policy, Practice and the Evidence Base (20 credits)
• Psychology of Investigation (20 credits)

Year 3

• Research Project (40 credits)
• Approaches to protecting vulnerable people and the management of offenders (20 credits)
• Applying Forensics to Investigations (20 credits)

Optional modules

• Study Year Abroad - Policing Studies (120 credits)
• Study Semester Abroad - Policing Studies (60 credits)
• Comparative Studies in Policing (20 credits)
• Investigating Serious and Complex Cases (20 credits)
• Application of Intelligence to Policing (20 credits)
• Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (20 credits)

Professional accreditation

All of our qualifications conform to the professional and regulatory guidelines established by The College of Policing and have been developed to reflect changes in the way that police constabularies are recruiting new constables nationally.

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching Support Assessment

Excellent facilities and learning resources

As part of this degree programme, you have access to our innovative Crime Scene Suites on campus and also take part in role-play and scenario tasks at the Emergency Training Centre in Birkenhead.

The programme is delivered by academic staff and practitioner academics, who are former serving officers of all ranks and roles, from Constable to Chief Constable. All staff are experienced in a wide range of subject areas and specialisms.

Throughout the programme there is a student mentoring scheme that supports students in their academic, professional and personal development.

There is also a wider School of Justice Studies Mentoring Programme that works with criminal justice agencies, such as policing, crime prosecution services, prison, probation and youth justice.

Both employers and students should benefit significantly from this programme. Students gain employability skills and insights into specific careers, while employers experience the rewards of mentorship and the opportunity to share their knowledge with enthusiastic students.

Work-related Learning

Work-related learning is incorporated into every level of this programme so that once you graduate you will be equipped with a range of transferable skills and knowledge in analysis and interpretation, presentation, teamwork, initiative and research.

You will be strongly encouraged to become a Special Police Constable, a police volunteer or to volunteer within the criminal justice field throughout your studies so that you can gain practical insight into operational practices, build professional relationships and enhance your employability skills for police and related criminal justice professions after graduation.

Blended learning

We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.

Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, online activities, workshops and seminars all of which you are expected to attend. In addition you will be supported to develop your skills relating to independent study and group work. You will need to participate in online activities and discussions using our virtual learning environment, Canvas.

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

It is often useful to discuss course-related issues on a one-to-one basis and for this reason we will assign you a personal tutor for the duration of your studies at LJMU. Your tutor will also help you put together your personal development plan so that you can monitor progress and set your own targets.

Module tutors also provide support in the form of online learning materials, course guides and one-to-one consultations if you need them, and there will be study skills sessions to help you prepare for assessments.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

Your marks and feedback will be available within 15 working days of submitting a piece of work. That's because we believe that constructive feedback is vital in helping you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to develop further.

Career paths

Graduates find themselves working a variety of policing roles, such as operational officers, police staff, or wider law enforcement agencies.

Employability is a core module of the degree, where in your final year you will be encouraged and supported to consider your career path in policing.

For graduates who wish to apply for police constable roles in England and Wales, need to do so within five years of graduating. Achieving this degree is a requirement but does not guarantee appointment to a police force. Recruitment and appointment is subject to the relevant regulations and requirements of police recruitment and selection processes. This includes medical and fitness testing along with background and security checks.

Candidates applying to join a police constabulary must also undertake a series of assessments including National Recruitment processes and Force vetting. Guidance on recruitment can be found on the College of Policing website.

For graduates who seek careers outside of police constable roles, may find themselves working in:

• Border Force Control
• National Crime Agency
• Police Staff - Researchers, Analysts or Advisors

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.

Tuition fees and funding

Home

• Foundation first year: £5,760
• Second and subsequent years: £9,535

International

• Full-time per year: £17,750

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

• Grades/points required from qualifications: DDD-CDD (72-80)

Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

GCSEs and equivalents

• Evidence of Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/Numeracy on their application form.

GCSE Equivalences accepted:

• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

A levels

• DDD-CDD

BTECs

• Extended Diploma: MMP

Access awards

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Pass overall with a minimum of 72 points, including relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications From a relevant subject

Irish awards

• Irish Highers: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.

T levels

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.

You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.

International requirements

• Any Applicant whose first language is not English will be required to have IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each component)

Find your country

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

Program Outline

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BSc (Hons) Forensics, Policing and Investigations with Foundation Year

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Degree Overview:

This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how forensics links to the field of investigation and policing. It explores contemporary policing issues and prepares students for professional practice in investigative, forensic, and evidence-gathering techniques. The program is taught by lecturers with academic and professional backgrounds in policing and the use of forensic science. Students have access to LJMU's ground-breaking Crime Scene Investigations facilities and can gain real-life experience through opportunities like becoming a Special Police Constable or police volunteer.

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Outline:

The program is structured over four years, including a Foundation Year for students who lack the qualifications for direct entry into the honors degree program. The program is full-time and delivered at the Mt Pleasant campus.

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Level 3 (Foundation Year):

• Core Modules:
• Preparing for Success: Academic Skills (20 credits) - Develops academic skills like poster creation, bibliography construction, sourcing materials, academic writing, and referencing techniques.
• Investigating Liverpool (20 credits) - Develops research skills through a project on the Liverpool City region, focusing on academic research methods, writing, and locating relevant research.
• Contemporary Issues in Security and Policing (20 credits) - Explores contemporary issues in security and policing, identifying themes, explaining crime through theory, understanding challenges to mainstream security and policing, and developing written communication skills.
• Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice (20 credits) - Provides a foundation-level understanding of the Criminal Justice system in 21st-century England and Wales.
• Crime, Justice and Diversity (20 credits) - Raises awareness of social factors impacting crime, victimisation, and criminal justice.
• Society, Status and Social Policy (20 credits) - Provides a sociological context for understanding key contemporary social issues affecting the UK.

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Level 4:

• Core Modules:
• Exploring Policing and Investigation Studies - Skills for Success (20 credits) - Develops academic skills, including referencing, writing, researching the court system in England and Wales, and teamwork through a shared research project.
• Introduction to Policing and Investigation (20 credits) - Examines key theories and concepts related to policing and the criminal justice system, exploring the chronological development of policing institutions, landmark events, and their inter-relationship.
• Crime Scene Investigation (20 credits) - Introduces crime scene investigation, developing skills in analysis, problem-solving, written communication, and teamwork.
Covers basic crime scene skills like photography, note-taking, sketching, and the concept of fingerprint recovery, enhancement, and comparison.
• Practice, Procedure and the Criminal Law 1 (20 credits) - Introduces the role, responsibilities, and powers of the police in different societal and operational environments.
Provides a critical introduction to the foundations of criminal law and the criminal justice system, including key ingredients of a criminal offense, liability of third parties, common defenses, police integrity, and the role of police officers in applying criminal law sanctions.
• Forensic Science (20 credits) - Introduces a wide range of scientific areas and methods used in forensic science.
• Technology and Policing and Investigation (20 credits) - Explores legal, professional, and ethical issues related to the use of technology in policing and law enforcement.
Covers social media use in personal and professional contexts, criminal use of technologies, and the challenges they present.

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Level 5:

• Core Modules:
• Conducting Investigations (20 credits) - Develops understanding of the legislative and policy framework for investigating criminal offenses, demonstrating investigative procedures through case studies and crime scene practicals.
Explores regulatory processes, professional values, teamwork, communication, professional status, power, and working across organizational boundaries.
• Psychology of Investigation (20 credits) - Helps students understand how psychology can support conducting interviews in relation to qualitative methodology.
• Policing Communities (20 credits) - Develops understanding of equality and diversity, exploring factors influencing policing environments and practices, and promoting the principles of equality and diversity in the workplace and community.
• Practice, Procedure and the Criminal Law 2 (20 credits) - Introduces aspects of criminal law and police powers, critically appraising their extent and exploring relevant legislation, policy, and practice guidance.
• Forensic Methods (20 credits) - Develops practical skills in crime scene investigation, extending knowledge of forensic analysis and concepts introduced at Level 4.
Also develops knowledge of the court system and the legal context of the discipline.
• Policy, Practice and the Evidence Base (20 credits) - Develops understanding of the literature relevant to evidence-based practice in policing, exploring epistemological, methodological, and ethical underpinnings of the study.
• Optional Modules:
• Study Year Abroad - Policing Studies (120 credits) - Provides an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner, complementing the LJMU program.
Modules must be agreed upon in advance and be appropriate for the student's program of study.
• Study Semester Abroad - Policing Studies (60 credits) - Provides a semester of study at an approved overseas partner, replacing one semester of Level 5 study at LJMU.

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Level 6:

• Core Modules:
• Applying Forensics to Investigations (20 credits) - Helps students consider and apply how forensic science and analysis can support investigations, covering basic forensic concepts, evidence recognition and recovery, crime scene integrity, the interplay between investigative components and forensics, and cold case analysis.
• Research Project (40 credits) - Enables students to develop detailed knowledge of their chosen field, building a critical understanding of relevant policy and procedural guidance as applied in practice.
• Approaches to protecting vulnerable people and the management of offenders (20 credits) - Develops understanding of the legislative and policy framework for multi-agency working arrangements across the sector, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary work and experience through work-related learning using real-life case studies.
• Optional Modules:
• Investigating Serious and Complex Cases (20 credits) - Develops understanding of the legislative and policy framework for investigating criminal offenses, demonstrating investigative procedures through case studies and crime scene practicals.
• Comparative Studies in Policing (20 credits) - Provides an opportunity for focused independent work in an international context on an area related to the Policing program, encouraging critical reflection on learning.
• Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (20 credits) - Examines key concepts related to terrorism, exploring definitions, ideologies, typology, group structures, tactics, methods of operation, target selection, state response, use of technologies, funding, and media impact.
Also explores counter-terrorism initiatives, focusing on measures adopted in the UK and drawing on comparative strategies from the US and Canada.
• Application of Intelligence to Policing (20 credits) - Provides a comprehensive understanding of the role, uses, and application of intelligence within contemporary policing and partner agencies.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the modules chosen but typically include a combination of exams and coursework. Feedback on submitted work is provided within 15 working days.

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning. Teaching is delivered through lectures, online activities, workshops, and seminars. Students are expected to participate in online activities and discussions using the virtual learning environment, Canvas. The program also incorporates work-related learning at every level, equipping students with transferable skills in analysis, interpretation, presentation, teamwork, initiative, and research.

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Careers:

Successful completion of the program does not guarantee recruitment as a trainee Police Constable. Each police force in England and Wales has its own recruitment process and selection policy, with varying entry requirements. Students are advised to check the specific requirements of their chosen force before undertaking study. Alternative career paths include pursuing an academic career through postgraduate study or working in related fields like:

• Forensic Science
• Criminal Justice
• Security
• Investigation
• Law Enforcement

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Other:

• The program is accredited by The College of Policing and reflects changes in police constable recruitment nationally.
• Students are encouraged to become Special Police Constables, police volunteers, or volunteers in the criminal justice field to gain practical insight, build professional relationships, and enhance employability skills.
• The program is delivered in the John Foster Building, which includes well-equipped IT suites, a student common room, dedicated study areas, and access to the Aldham Robarts Library.
• The university provides support services like personal tutors, study skills sessions, and online learning materials.

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• Foundation first year: £5,760
• International full-time per year: £17,750
• Second and subsequent years: £9,250
All figures are subject to yearly increases. Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.