Introduction
Get exposure to the real world of crime and investigation. Our Cambridge-based degree course covers forensic science, crime scene processing, policing and the law.
Are you interested in crime, forensic science, policing and the law, but unsure which subject to study? You’ll cover them all on our Crime and Investigative Studies degree course.
We combine crime scene examination and procedures around ISO accreditation with other crime-related subjects, such as policing, intelligence and the law. You’ll learn about forensics, policing, the law and the important of a methodical crime-scene process from lecturers with first-hand experience in the field.
One of the few degree programmes accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, our course offers you real-world experience through work placements, internships and field trips, and career possibilities in criminal justice, crime analysis, fire investigation, fraud, policing and victim support.
Use our superb crime scene rooms to learn the skills of a crime scene examiner, as well as industry-standard technology such as 360-degree camera and technology systems. The crime scene rooms feature video and audio CCTV so you can be assessed and receive valuable feedback.
We’ll help you to understand the practical aspects of crime, and how they affect everyday investigations. You’ll look at different types of crime – from burglary through to murder – and find out how these are investigated by the Police, and how other agencies such as fire and rescue contribute to investigations.
As a BSc (Hons) Crime and Investigative Studies student at ARU, you’ll learn not only how to process a crime scene but also how to investigate a crime from scratch. We’ll consider all the processes involved through modules including Forensic Scene Examination.
Our three-year degree course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) and explores traditional investigative methods used by the Police, as well as newer approaches such as evidence-based policing. You will also learn how to present professional reports in both a policing environment and within a court of law.
As well as benefitting from our tutors’ knowledge, you’ll attend 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.
You have the option to take a placement year as part of your course, and gain valuable work experience.
TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
Year 1
In your first year you’ll look at the development of law in the legal systems as you explore the legal systems within the United Kingdom and the different requirements of these systems. You will focus on seizure, rules of evidence and codes of practice as well as forensic scientist and expert witness, and the common types of evidence will be introduced, along with the techniques used to examine them.
You will focus on the use of photographic evidence and other image recording methods used in the documentation of police and forensic evidence and be introduce to the process of investigation.
You will conduct practical work on simulated cases in addition to attending conventional lectures and tutorials using photographic equipment available within our department. You will learn in lectures from practicing investigators, take part in workshops and practical activities and complete group activities.
Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to measure your progress. Our course has a hands-on approach, so a lot of your assessment will be through practical work. Your assessments will include traditional exams and assignments, as well as your performance in practical work, presentations, mock courts and group work.
Modules are subject to change and availability.
Year 2
In your second year you will build your knowledge you gained in your last year in relation to contamination issues and issues in the chain of continuity of evidence, and undertake practical work in the recovery of evidence at various scenes and highlight the problems that different types of scenes can bring.
You will be introduced and explore different elements of fire scenes, including fire behaviour and fire scene examination, and you will develop an understanding of the correct procedures by following nationally recognised standards.
You will acquire skills such as applying for ethical approval and accessing relevant sources of published information, as you start to prepare for your final year major project which involves initially researching and selecting a suitable project.
Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to measure your progress. Our course has a hands-on approach, so a lot of your assessment will be through practical work. Your assessments will include traditional exams and assignments, as well as your performance in practical work, presentations, mock courts and group work.
Modules are subject to change and availability.
Year 3
Your main project for the year will be to create an individual piece of research or product focused on a topic of your choice. This will be monitored by your project supervisor through regular meetings to make sure your project is steered in the right direction.
As well as this, you’ll gain the theoretical and practical skills necessary for examining crime scenes and analysing evidence collected. You will also develop your knowledge of the role of the forensic anthropologist which will cover search, recovery and identification of human remains.
You will also look in depth at various roles within the major investigation team and how these roles interact with the strategic plan of the investigation management.
Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to measure your progress. Our course has a hands-on approach, so a lot of your assessment will be through practical work. Your assessments will include traditional exams and assignments, as well as your performance in practical work, presentations, mock courts and group work.
Modules are subject to change and availability.
Facilities and accreditation
Outstanding facilities and support
As a Crime and Investigative Studies student at ARU you’ll be able to:
- use cutting-edge facilities, including our new Science Centre with its range of laboratories
- learn from expert tutors and visiting professionals
- use creative resources such as 3D printers
- benefit from award-winning IT and library facilities.
Practical experience
Choose Crime and Investigative Studies at ARU and:
- get an understanding of the workplace through visits to places such as the Crown Court, and other field trips
- benefit from ongoing careers and employability support
- access business support and mentoring through our start-up hub
- take an optional placement year as part of your course, and gain valuable work experience.
Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
Our three-year degree course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, the professional body for forensic practitioners in the UK and internationally.
Careers
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.
As a Crime and Investigative Studies graduate, you’ll be ready to work in various areas of the criminal justice system – particularly policing, crime scene examination, prisons and security – as well as government intelligence agencies.
The legal and criminology elements of the course open up career possibilities in social and youth work, crime analysis, victim support and legal work.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. If you’d like to continue your studies we offer a wide range of full-time and part-time postgraduate courses. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
