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BSc (Hons) Forensic and Police Investigation
- Course Type: Undergraduate Degree
- Institution Code: P56
What can this course lead to?
Just some of the future careers for graduates after completing the course include:
Crime Scene Investigator
Fingerprint Laboratory and Identification Officers
Disaster Victim Identification Practitioner
Evidence Recovery Specialists in Forensic Laboratories
Border Force Officer
Scenes of Crime Officer (CSI)
Intelligence Development Officer (MoD)
Forensic Vehicle Examiner
Police Officer
Who is it for?
Are you interested in crime, forensic science and policing, but unsure which subject to study? If so, you will cover them all on our course. We combine the crime scene examination part of forensic science with other crime-related subjects such as policing and criminal justice.
We will help you to understand both the theoretical and practical aspects of forensic and criminal investigations. We will look at the impact of various crime types on victims and how the police deal with the investigation to bring about justice.
In the classroom, you will explore the investigative techniques used by police services, alongside contemporary issues including evidence based policing and crime prevention. You will also gain experience in dealing with a wide range of crime scenes, from burglaries to murders, including scenes of mass disaster and skeletal remains.
Learning about the criminal justice system in the UK, you will find out how your investigation of different crimes can have a significant impact, and how to report your investigative findings to other professional colleagues.
Our lecturers have first-hand experience of crime scene analysis, policing and criminal justice. As well as benefiting from their knowledge, you will have guest lectures from visiting professionals and get an understanding of the workplace through visits to places such as the Crown Court, and other field trips. The course has close links with Cambridgeshire Constabulary and we ensure that you learn from industry experts.
The courses at University Centre Peterborough are studied in smaller class sizes compared with other universities, a typical class size is under 20 students.
To view the course specification, click here.
What is covered?
You must take modules worth 120 credits at each level of the course. Each module is worth a specified number of credits.
Level 4 for Full-Time students
Introduction and Working in the Criminal Justice System (30 Credits)
Forensic Techniques (30 Credits)
Laboratory Skills and Data Analysis (15 Credits)
Policing and Evidence-Based Investigations (30 Credits)
Body Fluids and DNA (15 Credits)
Level 5 for Full-Time students
Emerging Techniques and Digital Forensics (30 Credits)
Ethics and Research Methods (30 Credits)
Crime Scene Recording and Investigation (30 Credits)
Major Police Investigations (30 Credits)
Level 6 for Full-Time students
Undergraduate Major Project (30 Credits)
Pathology and Anthropology (30 Credits)
Crime Scene Management (30 Credits)
Disaster Victim Identification and Family Liaison (30 Credits)
You can view The Open University regulations here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
GCSE English Language, mathematics and a science at a minimum of grade C/4.
88 UCAS points with at least one qualification in a science related subject:
- A-levels
- BTEC
- Cambridge Technicals
- Access to HE
Mature students or students who do not have the above qualifications can contact our admissions team on 01733 214466 or admissions@ucp.ac.uk to discuss equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience. For more information on EU and overseas qualifications, UCAS, accreditation of prior learning and failure to meet the entry requirements please visit ucp.ac.uk
When studying this course at University Centre Peterborough, we will timetable your lectures as two full days a week over two semesters per year (part-time will be one to two full days a week over two semesters per year).
We are able to offer this convenient timetabling to our students as we are a smaller institution so we can timetable our staff and resources more efficiently.
Over the duration of your course, teaching will be delivered by the following methods:
Year one for full-time students (Level 4)
50% Lectures
25% Seminars
25% Workshops
Year two for full-time students (Level 5)
50% Lectures
25% Seminars
25% Workshops
Final year for full-time students (Level 6)
50% Lectures
25% Seminars
25% Workshops
Throughout the duration of your course you will be assessed by the following methods:
Year one for full-time students (Level 4)
- 50% Coursework
- 20% Written Exams
- 30% Practical Exams
Year two for full-time students (Level 5)
- 50% Coursework
- 20% Written Exams
- 30% Practical Exams
Final year for full-time students (Level 6)
- 45% Coursework
- 10% Written Exams
- 45% Practical Exams
Your final degree classification is calculate as an average of all Level 5 and Level 6 credits with the Level 6 credits given twice as much weighting as the Level 5.
Visit our published documents and policies page for The Open University regulations.
There may be additional costs for this course which are not covered by the tuition fee.
As the course is timetabled as full days during the week when studied full-time, this also gives you the flexibility to find a work placement, internship or volunteering opportunity which will improve your employability after you graduate. All students are encouraged to identify work experience to aid their career development.
Course information
Ucas Code
5N28
Location
Peterborough
Start Date
September
Fees
Tuition fees are £9,000 per year for full-time students and £6,750 for part-time students, which is lower than many other universities.
Duration
Full-time: 3 years (2 full days a week over two semesters per year)
Part-time: 4 years (1-2 full days a week over two semesters per year)
Validated by
The Open University
Tariff points
88
Incredible courses in partnership with The Open University
Validated Excellence
Our partnership with The Open University ensures that a significant number of our foundation diplomas and undergraduate degrees are validated by one of the UK’s most respected institutions, enhancing the credibility and recognition of your qualification.
Quality Assurance
Each course validated by The Open University undergoes rigorous quality assurance checks, guaranteeing that our curriculum meets high academic standards and delivers an exceptional educational experience.
Flexible Pathways
Through our collaboration with The Open University, students at University Centre Peterborough benefit from flexible learning options and expertly designed courses that support both part-time and full-time studies, tailored to accommodate diverse student needs.
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enquiries@ucp.ac.uk
01733 214466
University Centre Peterborough
Park Crescent, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE1 4DZ
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