Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Investigation (Integrated Foundation Year)

Embark on a thrilling journey with our BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Investigation programme! Dive into the heart of crime and justice as you combine criminology and forensic investigation, gaining the expertise needed for real-world impact. Uncover the causes and consequences of crime, master crime scene investigation, and refine skills sought in areas like victim support and probation.

Course Overview

Our integrated foundation year course has been designed to provide you with the confidence and essential university skills needed to progress onto our degree level programme in your first year of study. You will start by exploring the foundational principles of criminology and forensic investigation, recognising where each discipline compliments the other to support event analysis through the criminal justice system. Exploring the reasons for crime, investigating incidents and presenting evidence you will refine forensic skills and digital tools for evidence, evaluation and presentation. Evolving into a multi-skilled practitioner, conducting independent research and presenting expert evidence you will be ready to become a change maker in the Criminal Justice System.

On this course you will...

• Gain the knowledge and confidence to operate as a multi-skilled and ethical criminal justice practitioner.
• Learn to critically apply key elements of criminological theory, forensic principles, and research to a range of practical and professional contexts in a digitally developing world.
• Be able to develop creative, innovative, and critical approaches to provide solutions, generate ideas, and communicate issues aligned with criminological and forensic practice.
• Be able to perform techniques involved in crime scene investigation whilst operating within a quality management system.
• Engage critically with contemporary social problems, recognising systemic and cultural discrimination, social inequalities and how these issues interact with crime, deviance, and harm locally, nationally and globally.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Carlisle - Fusehill Street
• Institute: Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership
• UCAS Code: L618
• Delivery Style: In Person
• Course Duration: Full-time: 4 Years
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: BSc (Hons)

Minimum entry requirements

• 48 UCAS Tariff points

Tuition fees

• £9,535 (UK, Year)
• £14,900 (International, Year)

Related Courses

• BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Investigation
• BSc (Hons) Professional Policing

Course Structure

What you will learn

This course will equip you with a broad range of skills which can be deployed in a range of Criminal Justice careers, as well as in private sector and non-governmental organisations. It can also lead to postgraduate-level study options. You will progress through the stages of Discovery and Exploration, to Evolve into a well-rounded expert, gaining skills in Crime Scene investigation and management, Criminological theories and research, and solid grounding in matters relating to the Criminal Justice System.

Year one

The integrated foundation year provides an opportunity for you to settle into University life and gain the confidence and skills to succeed in your chosen degree. The Law and Social Science foundation year entry route aims to provide you with an excellent grounding in criminology, law, policing and investigation. You will take subject specific modules along with modules that prepare students for achievement in Higher Education. You will be participating in a supportive academic, personal and professional development programme, with volunteering opportunities to further underpin your learning. You will be immersed in the culture of interprofessional learning, by taking some modules alongside students from other routes and departments. You will develop problem solving skills, disciplinary knowledge and a grounding in essential academic skills whilst nurturing career aspirations. You will make links with the careers team, to discuss your key soft skills such as communication, team working, self-management and organization, to help you reflect on how these link to your employability. This will be accompanied by working on your digital skills profile, ensuring you have access to the universities MOOC’s and ‘Linked in Learning’ to help build upon your current level of IT literacy.

• Introduction to Criminology, Policing, and Law
• Contemporary Issues and the Media
• Families, Communities and the Criminal Justice System
• Professional Practice in the Community
• Essential University Skills 1 & 2

Year two

Discover: The first year (Level 4) introduces you to the building blocks of criminology and forensic investigation – from the practicalities of crime scene investigation, through key institutions of the criminal justice system, crime policy and practice, to core concepts and theories on crime and deviance. You will develop your digital learning skills during your first year and be equipped with the essential knowledge needed to flourish in Levels 5 and 6.

• Crime Scene Investigation
• Crime and Deviance
• Criminal Justice System
• Professional Skills for Criminal Justice

Year three

Explore: During the second year (Level 5) you will learn the tools of qualitative and quantitative analysis to enable you to critically explore the complexities of crime and deviant behaviour, which you will use to conduct your own independent research in Level 6. You will also probe deeper into the study of crime causation, and examine punishment and rehabilitation, whilst refining your skills in forensic investigation. You will use digital tools to gather, assess, and evaluate evidence, reach decisions and solve problems using digital data and media to present the outcomes of learning. You will forensically examine a variety of evidence types and participate in moot court sessions.

• Forensic Examination
• Expert Witness
• Crime, Punishment and Rehabilitation
• Exploring Research

Year four

Evolve: In your final year (Level 6) you will demonstrate your evolution into a multi-skilled and ethical criminal justice practitioner, by working on your own independent research, through a leadership role in a complex crime scene investigation, and through giving expert witness evidence in a mock trial. Your digital skills will have evolved to be able to take part in digital research or professional practice and you will be aware of digital safety and privacy. Throughout your studies, there is an emphasis on developing skills, attributes and experiences that are relevant to professional careers, including links to volunteering opportunities, and independent project work.

• Leading Complex and Major Crime Scene Investigation
• Victimology
• Death Investigation (Optional)
• The Outsiders (Optional)
• Dissertation

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

We aim to deliver an accessible, inclusive and quality assured programme that provides academic inspiration and intellectual challenge, with emphasis on the development of professional and transferable skills, so that you can optimise your potential. Our approach to learning and teaching recognises each student as an individual and, as a student at the University of Cumbria, you will be part of an inclusive and diverse learning community. Equally important are the opportunities to interact with others in an interdisciplinary, collaborative and active learning environment, so you can explore complex issues, positively challenge assumptions and reflect on ways of thinking. Campus based learning is central to the learning experience, with attendance across the range of lectures/seminars/practical sessions/Simulations/group work projects seen as essential. This is enhanced and given flexibility by use of an online virtual learning environment so that information and activities can be accessed at your convenience. Study resources at other campuses and learning gateways of the University are also available for your use. Typically, you will have around 72 contact hours (at Level 4) and 54 contact hours (at Levels 5 and 6) per module.

This programme has adopted a 30-credit modular structure which has been designed to allow you to immerse yourself in greater depth of the subject areas. Some of the benefits of using this model include you gaining greater knowledge and understanding of the discipline, reduced assessment burden due to studying fewer modules and more opportunities for formative assessment. When not attending scheduled learning activities you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study, engagement with resources and peer-reviewed literature.

How you will be assessed

Our approach to assessment is centred on authenticity. Forms of assessment reflect what criminal justice practitioners might typically do in their professional roles, creating opportunities for you to develop contemporary knowledge and skills needed in a range of careers. The mix of assessment methods includes:

• Crime scene reports
• Witness statements
• Practical skills assessments
• Reflective oral presentations
• Reflexive debriefs
• Podcasts
• Portfolios
• Real World Case Study Scenarios
• Reports
• Oral presentations
• Poster presentations
• Dissertation

Within this authentic approach, formative and summative assessment is used. Formative assessment helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses to improve your learning. Summative assessment is designed to enable you to engage deeply with the subject and is used to evaluate your achievement of module learning outcomes. Where individuals may be disadvantaged by an assessment method, reasonable adjustments are considered, while ensuring fairness across the full cohort and adherence to professional standards.

Informal and formal feedback mechanisms are included within the learning design to support your progression and professional development. The feedback will demonstrate how the grade was derived in relation to performance against grading criteria and identify ways for you to improve in future.

Career Outcomes

This course sets the students up for a wide range of careers in the Criminal Justice System, enabling them to chose their own path - keeping the Crime Scene Investigation route open, but not limiting them to this career choice. It remains robustly academic and can be a stepping stone to postgraduate options and graduate only schemes. Former students on precursor programme secured employment as CSIs, in HM Courts & Tribunals, as firearms officers with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), became Police Officers, work in the charity sector, youth work and probationary support work. Others are studying at doctoral level and lecturing at Universities.

Funding

Please see the University of Cumbria information on Scholarships and Bursaries.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs associated with the course including stationery, textbooks, field trips and membership fees although some of these features are optional.

• Books and Journals: Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.
• Stationery: Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.
• Clothing and Equipment: A lab coat is required and can be ordered via the University's store. There is also an option to purchase CSI-branded clothing (polo shirts and softshell jackets) but these are optional.
• Field Trips: Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, society membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.