Applied Criminology with Forensic Investigation with Foundation Year

How can science help us solve historic criminal cases? What causes miscarriages of justice? What can be done to prevent suicides in prison? Studying Applied Criminology with Forensic Investigation at Canterbury Christ Church University involves exploring answers to some of society’s biggest questions. Our applied focus encourages you to explore problems and challenges related to criminology and forensic investigation in addition to developing sustainable solutions.

Our innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum provides you with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects related to crime, criminal justice and the role of forensics in investigative processes. You’ll dive into the fascinating world where science meets the legal system to learn how forensic investigators play a crucial role in solving crimes. Through forensics modules you’ll develop practical skills, engaging with mock crime scenes and real-world scenarios.

You'll learn to recover, interpret, evaluate, and present forensic evidence just like the experts. Applied Criminology modules broaden your skills and knowledge, focusing on the intersections between crime, justice and society and enabling you to understand the importance of cooperation and communication between agencies within criminal justice. You’ll develop a strong foundation in criminological theories and a critical understanding of criminal justice processes. You’ll explore the complex cycles of violence which can make groups vulnerable to both victimization and violent offending and the impacts of mental health and trauma on individuals and society. Content helps you critically consider who commits crime and why, how the criminal justice system treats victims and why the law criminalizes some harmful behaviours but not others.

Professional accreditation

The Applied Criminology course adheres to and is guided by the Criminology Benchmark Statements, which define expectations as part of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education.

Specialist facilities

The Criminology team have access to the Canterbury Prison site as this is part of the University estate and our students are able to get involved in research and work in this area. In addition, the staff arrange visits and trips to allow students to experience a range of criminal justice settings where operationally possible.

The forensic facilities include a range of crime scenes, including cars, crime scene rooms, fire scenes and outside scenes and a forensic workshop and range of science laboratories. A wide range of forensic equipment is housed within these areas and the facilities and equipment used depends on whether you study Forensic Investigation as a single or combined honours degree.

We have a dedicated crime scene facility containing eight internal rooms and two outdoor scenes, a forensic workshop, five science laboratories, an incident room, a Hydra simulation centre and facilities to simulate courtroom scenarios, all with relevant equipment attached. One of our teaching rooms is an old courtroom, attached to the former Canterbury Prison.

Location

This course is run at our Canterbury Campus in Kent. Canterbury is just 50 miles south-east of London and less than an hour by high-speed train from St Pancras. Located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site the campus offers state-of-the-art buildings, right in the centre of a vibrant and world-famous cathedral city. You’ll benefit from a campus with excellent learning and teaching resources, music venues, a superb sports centre, a well-stocked bookshop and plenty of coffee bars and places to eat. A short walk away is Augustine House our award-winning library and home to a vast range of learning resources and student support teams.