BSc (Hons)
Criminology and Forensic Studies
Applying science to crime detection
Course Overview
Why take this course?
Are you interested in DNA profiling, blood-spatter analysis and the range of forensic science? This course allows you to study the early theories of Bertillon and Locard to the latest methods and equipment used in forensics, allowing you to explore ways in which you may combine methods of crime detection, classification and prevention with classical criminological ideas.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Engage with and evaluate current critical debates in criminology, crime science and forensic science
- Discuss career options with our panel of recent graduates working in the criminal justice sector
- Include languages or work experience placements alongside your degree study
What opportunities might it lead to?
You will be able to pursue a variety of criminal justice, local government and charity sector careers such as police and probation officers, Home Office researchers, scenes of crime officers and research, intelligence and crime analyst positions, as well as a wide range of private and public industries.
The things I like about my course are the broad range of topics, the experienced lecturers, and the mixture of academic and vocational learning.
Ayden Munns, BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies student 2012
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- LF34
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Entry
240-300 points from 3 A Levels or equivalent, to include a minimum of 100 points in a relevant subject.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £8,750 p/a*
International full-time students: £10,500 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 8299 - Department
- Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Subject:
Law and Criminology
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- Putting their knowledge into practice in real and mock situations
- Practical hands-on opportunities to extend experience and practical skills
- Lecturers with practical experience in the subjects
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
Year one
- Introduction to Criminology
- Introduction to Crime Scene Examination
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Forensic Science and Detection Methods
- Skills for Criminologists
- Researching Criminology 1
Year two
Core units:
- Researching Criminology 2
- Criminal Investigation
- Techniques of Scientific Investigation
Optional themes in year two may include:
- Punishing Offenders
- Police, Law and Community
- Criminal Law and Psychology
- Crime, Media and Culture
- Victims of Crime: Key Players in Criminal Justice
- Policing a Diverse Society
- Crimes of the Powerful
- Substance Use and Misuse
- Contemporary Terrorism and the Global Response
- Forensic Biology and Earth Sciences
- Global, State and Corporate Security
- Youth Crime, Youth Justice
- Crime Reduction, Partnerships and Community Safety
- Learning From Experience
- Languages
Year three*
Core units:
- Dissertation/Major Project
- Crime Reconstruction and Offender Profiling
- Management of Criminal Investigations
Optional themes in year three may include::
- Safer Communities and Neighbourhood Policing
- Dangerous Offenders and the Criminal Justice System
- Fighting Fraud and Corruption
- Hate Crime
- Crime Analysis and Crime Mapping
- Advocacy, Presentation and Persuasion
- Crime, Exclusion and Mental Heath
- Forensic Psychology
- Treatment and Rehabilitation of Offenders
- Cyber Crime: Virtual-Realities, Control and Mitigation
- Miscarriages of Justice
- Forensic Photography
- Learning from Experience
*Please note that whilst a range of options will be offered, there will inevitably be some variation in the availability of individual units at any given time.
Teaching and Assessment
Our teaching approach involves lectures, seminars, tutorials, group discussions, practical workshops and forensic crime scene examinations. We will teach you the necessary skills for degree-level work through study skills tutorials in year one and two, and focus on dissertation supervision in year three. You will also be introduced to the software and web-based learning materials.
How are you assessed?
Assessment is through a combination of coursework, practical crime scene assessments and examinations. These include open, pre-seen papers and closed traditional examinations. Coursework involves seminar papers, presentations, group projects and a 10,000-word dissertation. Full support is given to help you develop the necessary techniques so you'll be able to excel in your assessed work.
Tutor's view
Dr Paul Smith
Criminology and Forensic Studies
This course provides a holistic understanding of the core theories underpinning criminology, criminal justice and investigation. It is designed to address a range of criminal justice issues and topics, with a focus on the application of forensic science methods and procedures in a social science framework.
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
ICJS
One of the UK's leading centres for research and course provision in criminology, criminal justice and police studies
Professional Links
Links with the criminal justice sector: local, national and international
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
ICJS
The Institute of Criminal Justice Studies was founded in 1992 and has since grown to comprise 50 academic staff and more than 1,800 students. Now an internationally-renowned focal point for the study of crime and criminal justice processes, it draws together expertise in criminological analysis, applied psychology, police governance and management, victimology, penology, risk and security.
Professional Links
Our extensive experience and close professional relationships with the police service and criminal justice agencies ensure that our courses reflect the changing needs of the profession. You may benefit from these links by hearing guest speakers, listening to leading-edge research and being helped to find professional work placements.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
I've been working on the Innocence Project, a student-run project which deals with alleged miscarriages of justice so I'm learning from real-life cases.
Lauren Thompson, BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies student 2013
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
You can expect to work within the police, probation and prison services, in the fields of community safety, crime prevention and criminological research, or the forensic science services.
Our graduates have gone on to jobs as:
- paralegal executive
- investigative data analyst
- police officer
- probation officer
- youth offending support officer
- emergency planning officer
- offender case administrator
Work experience
This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option, which lets you earn credits toward your degree for work/research placements, volunteer roles or internships undertaken alongside your studies. This gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, reflect on the ways in which you've done so and learn to express this to potential employers.
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more