Criminology & Forensic Investigation BSc (Hons)

This programme, which is aimed at those looking to progress to a career in criminology, forensic investigation or investigative policing, will enable you to understand the core causes of criminal behaviour and the principles of crime scene investigation.

Overview
About the course
Structure
Fees
Entry requirements
Applying

Society needs to deal with crime more effectively, which requires an understanding of the underlying causes of criminal behaviour. This programme, which is aimed at those looking to progress to a career in criminology, forensic investigation or investigative policing, will enable you to understand the core causes of criminal behaviour and the principles of crime scene investigation, giving you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the industry.

As a student on this programme you will have access to extensive study resources including our automotive workshop for mock crime scenes, a dedicated computer room for digital forensics, a mock court room for students to learn how to give evidence and specialist software programmes for photography and computer examination.

Why should I do this course?

This programme, which is aimed at those looking to progress to a career in criminology, forensic investigation or investigative policing, will enable you to understand the core causes of criminal behaviour and the principles of crime scene investigation, giving you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the industry.

As a student on this programme you will have access to extensive study resources including our automotive workshop for mock crime scenes, a dedicated computer room for digital forensics, a mock court room for students to learn how to give evidence and specialist software programmes for photography and computer examination.

What's covered?

Subjects you will study on this course include:

introduction to criminology
crime scene investigation
introduction to biology
introduction to policing studies
criminological research methodology
the criminal justice system
heroes and villains
prisons, probation and rehabilitation
advanced crime scene analysis
anatomy, physiology and post-mortem processes
contemporary and social issues in criminology
investigation and e-forensics.
penology and penal policy
gender, crime and criminal justice
hate crimes and genocide
spirituality through belief
persecution and myth
cybercrime and society
forensic entomology/anthropology
advanced investigation

What can I do after this?

Potential career routes include working in mainstream policing (possibly as a crime scene technician), the criminal justice system (in the probation or prison services) or in financial institutions that may be at risk from financial fraud. Graduates from this degree programme may also seek employment in related areas such as teaching after a period of further study.

Careers

Education and training

Medicine and nursing

Security and uniformed services

Year 1: In the first year you will gain the foundation of underpinning knowledge in each of the disciplines in criminology and forensic investigation and will also be introduced via presentational modules to the relevant concepts, theories and methods of working relevant to these industries. These skills will form the foundation of what you will need to succeed in this challenging programme.

Areas of study: Include introduction to criminology, crime scene investigation, introduction to biology and introduction to policing studies.

Year 2: Building upon the foundation laid down in the previous year, you will look at the subject area in greater depth and learn how to apply and evaluate the underlying theories. You will play a more active, hands-on role via formal presentations, seminars and through interaction with your peers and you will have the opportunity to put into practice some of the theories and concepts you have been introduced to.

Areas of study: Include criminological research methodology, the criminal justice system, heroes and villains, prisons, probation and rehabilitation, advanced crime scene analysis, anatomy, physiology and post-mortem processes, contemporary and social issues in criminology, investigation and e-forensics.

Year 3: In the final year you will be in a position to concentrate on your own personal development. You will undertake a final year project which you will manage from start to finish as well as writing a dissertation that will also include an original research project.

Areas of study: Include penology and penal policy, gender, crime and criminal justice, hate crimes and genocide, spirituality through belief to persecution and myth, cybercrime and society, forensic entomology/anthropology, advanced investigation, employment and dissertation.

Low-cost higher education

Our fees are well below the national average and are among the lowest in the region, so studying with us is great value for money!

Click for more about higher education funding.

Entry requirements

160 UCAS Points.

GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above (or equivalent).

You will need to obtain a CSI kit which can be purchased from the College at a cost of £50.

Full-time courses

Applications for full-time courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), quoting institution code S43 and the UCAS code for your chosen course.

Part-time courses

Applications for all part-time Honours Degree, Foundation Degree, Certificate of Higher Education and Diploma of Higher Education courses at South Essex College should be made directly to the College using the online application form or by completing a paper application form and mailing it to our freepost address:

HE Admissions
South Essex College
Freepost SMU 110
Luker Road
Southend on Sea
Essex
SS1 1BR

Click for more about applying for your course.