Program Overview

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Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation programme at the University of Winchester is a dynamic three-year course that engages students with the key issues surrounding forensic detection methods. Combining elements of criminology, psychology, and archaeology, students are introduced to a wide range of applied investigative techniques, grounded in both classic and contemporary theoretical perspectives.

Course Features

• Learn from a teaching team with wide-ranging practitioner experience offering genuine insight into Forensic Investigation
• Benefit from interactive and practical teaching approaches that bring theory and practice to life
• Focus on professional employability throughout the programme
• Experience real-world criminology in action by reviewing actual cases at The Justice Project

Course Details

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent Learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall Workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity. While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

• Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
  • Independent learning: 912 hours
• Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
  • Independent learning: 912 hours
• Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 240 hours
  • Independent learning: 960 hours

Modules

Year 1

• Skills for Forensic Practitioners (30 Credits)
• Fundamentals of Forensic Investigation (30 Credits)
• Introduction to Forensic Evidence (30 Credits)
• Historical and Contemporary Perspectives (30 Credits)

Year 2

• Case Review and Investigation (30 Credits)
• Evidence Based Approaches in Forensics (30 Credits)
• Crime Scene Investigation (30 Credits)
• Optional Modules (15 Credits)
  • Forensic Medicine
  • Digital Forensic Evidence
  • Forensic Ecology
  • Missing Persons

Year 3

• Independent Research Project (30 Credits)
• Crime Scene Management (30 Credits)
• Evidence Analysis and Interpretation (30 Credits)
• Optional modules (15 Credits)
  • Anatomy and Anthropology
  • Fakes, Forgeries and Fraud
  • Forensic Archaeology
  • Ballistics, Fire and Explosives

Entry Requirements

• UK: 112-120 points
• International: Equivalent qualifications and English language requirements

Tuition Fees

• UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man/Republic of Ireland: £9,535 (2025/26)
• International: £16,700 (2025/26)

Additional Costs

• Trips: £20 per academic year
• Core texts: £100 per academic year
• Equipment: Costs will vary
• Crime scene suit: One provided, additional suits £3-£8
• Clothing: £0-£50 for smart attire for final oral assessment
• Travel to placements: £0-£50

Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course.

Career Prospects

Graduates find work in a variety of Criminal Justice agencies and related employment fields. These include the police service, the prison service, youth and probation work and Government research units, such as the Home Office.

Programme Leader

Selena Robinson, a former Counter-Terrorism Prevent Officer and Crime Scene Investigator, leads the programme.