Forensic Investigation (Criminal Investigation) Canterbury Christ Church University

Overview

You will be taking a step towards a career that is interesting, exciting, varied and challenging. Through this degree, you'll have the opportunity to gain an excellent grounding in the theory, processes and procedures associated with forensic investigation. You will study the practical investigation of crime to establish the facts and evidence that contribute to the resolution of crime by the police and the courts and crime prevention.

You will receive a specific focus on crime scene investigation which will allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of criminal investigation theory and the practical application to real life crime scenarios.

Why study Forensic Investigation (Criminal Investigation) at Canterbury Christ Church University?

A career in forensic investigation and criminal investigation is challenging, exciting and rewarding. It involves the investigation of crime by the police and requires people who are inquisitive, resilient, dedicated, good at problem-solving and enjoy working in a team.

Our course, which has a strong focus on criminal investigation, will provide you with an in-depth and practical insight into the concepts and procedures used by the police to investigate crime and manage criminals, victims and witnesses to ensure that the facts of the case are identified and justice is achieved.

You'll gain practical skills and an in-depth understanding of crime investigation from the police and forensic perspectives, so that you are prepared to follow your career aspirations. This may include working with the police, a forensic provider or any other investigative or intelligence agency, for example, the Home Office or HM Customs and Excise.

All about the course

You'll start the course by exploring core themes, concepts, practices and perspectives of forensic investigations, as well as essential concepts and practices within the criminal investigation processes.

From this solid foundation, you'll explore forensic investigation in more depth and you'll develop personal skills and qualities that are needed to work in the field.

Throughout the course, you'll consider aspects of police function that relate to the National Intelligence Model, including how investigation of specific crimes link to the intelligence function, and the use of covert strategies within criminal investigations.

To ensure you reach your full academic and career potential, you'll develop study and employability skills and, where possible, you'll have opportunities to participate in trips or visits to gain insight into the workings of forensic investigation. Previous students have attended mock crime scene exercises within police forces, post-mortem examinations, a shooting range trip and court trips. 

Your future career

You will have the potential to enter a range of careers in crime, criminal justice and related fields on completion of this course, as the design of the Forensic Investigation with Criminal Investigation course at CCCU gives you the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills that are core to criminal justice careers and transferable to other related careers.

Graduates of the course typically secure posts within the police, the prison service, the probation service, youth work, private companies working in security, and third sector organisations working in crime control and victim support.

Further opportunities exist as investigators for: National Crime Agency, the Military, Independent Office for Police Conduct, Criminal Cases Review Commission, Security Services, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and so on. Postgraduate study is also an option for Applied Criminology with Criminal Investigation graduates and you will be encouraged to make the most of the volunteering and networking opportunities available throughout your degree course in addition to your studies in order to enhance your employability.