Discover the tools crucial to solving crime, with a degree built around the practical skills and scientific understanding of the collection and analysis of evidence.
Our Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation BSc (Hons) course offers the skills to recognise and recover all evidence types from crime scenes, and to analyse that evidence in the laboratory. With the guidance of former CSIs, you’ll develop a broad understanding of forensic science, covering areas like fingerprint recovery, crime scene photography and the analysis of trace evidence like hairs, fibres and body fluids.
Thanks to our close links with Lancashire and Greater Manchester constabularies, you could even find yourself working alongside police CSI and scientific support teams.
It’s a solid and well-respected programme of study, not only accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences but also further enhanced through our ground-breaking Lancashire Forensic Science Academy partnership. As such, the modules you’ll take go beyond the basic vocational standards for CSI roles – ensuring you’ll have all you need to start a career in the competitive but rewarding world of forensic science and criminal investigation.
Why study with us
- Our strategic alliance with Lancashire Constabulary offers the opportunity to gain vital experience and practical work placements in real-world operational environments.
- Forensic and Archaeological Sciences at UCLan is ranked 4th in the UK with 93% overall satisfaction, whilst being ranked 2nd in the UK for the teaching on the course (National Student Survey 2022).
- We offer the possibility for extra study at home and abroad – including an air crash investigation short course in Arizona, ballistic reconstruction course and Study Abroad exchange opportunities.
What you’ll do
- You’ll be taught by numerous experienced professionals with a range of specialisms, such as CSI, counter-terrorism, or fire investigation.
- In year 3 you can tailor your studies to your personal strengths and professional ambitions.
- You’ll get hands-on with state-of-the-art facilities, including our dedicated crime scene houses, vehicle examination bay, laboratories and a Hydra Minerva simulation suite.
Module overview
Year 1Compulsory modules
• FZ1036: Crime Scene Photography
• FZ1037: Crime Scene Science
• FZ1038: Academic Skills
• FZ1039: Bodies of Evidence
• FZ1051: Forensic Case Studies
Year 2
Compulsory modules
• FZ2004: Forensic Casework
• FZ2005: Professional Practice
• FZ2037: Advanced Crime Scene Investigation
• FZ2038: Research for Forensic Investigators
• FZ2039: Major Crimes - The Evidence
•
FZ2053: Advanced Photography
Year 3
Compulsory modules
• FZ3038: Crime Scene Management
• FZ3501: Forensic Science Dissertation
Optional modules
• FZ3003: The Interpretation of Forensic Evidence
• FZ3006: Fire Scene Investigation
•
FZ3007: Forensic Digital Imaging
Course delivery
This course is taught face-to-face at one of our UK campuses.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Future careers
In a competitive job market, Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation BSc (Hons) graduates stand out – with the specialist skills and real-world experience to ensure they’re ready to get to work.
This is a programme that offers a clear path into professional roles. While it was created to give you the scientific understanding and techniques vital for becoming an investigator or forensic scientist, it actually goes beyond the national occupational standards for VCSIs or CSIs. In short, when you graduate, you’ll be equipped to compete.
While you’re with us, we’ll be ready to support you through a 48-week sandwich placement in industry. It’s a great chance to make a start on your workplace skills and experience, radically enhancing your employability. Your employability is further developed through the opportunities provided by the Lancashire Forensic Science academy, such as the opportunity to shadow crime scene investigators as they conduct their work.
Today, you’ll find our graduates at work as crime scene investigators, police intelligence analysts, police officers and forensic scientists and analysts, in both private companies and for the police force.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.