Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Forensics at the University of Portsmouth
Studying forensics at ICJS is both fascinating and challenging. It involves the convergence of forensic detection and crime scene examination techniques with criminological, criminal justice and legal issues and problems. Within the criminal justice system numerous agencies and groups are involved in dealing with crime and criminality. Forensic techniques are at the forefront of perhaps the most crucial issues for all those agencies - identifying, catching and prosecuting offenders. Criminology and forensic studies deals with all these important aspects in detail. In doing so, students are trained in a broad range of core employability skills that include:
- Data/evidence identification, assimilation, collection and recovery
- Data/evidence analysis and interpretation
- Crime reconstruction and behavioural analysis
- Criminal investigation and forensic strategies
ICJS has excellent contacts with all major criminal justice agencies. We use our associations to foster research and work experience opportunities and much of our academic research is enhanced by close working with key partners, both within forensic departments and more generally the police and probation services. We have developed programmes which offer our students a considerable advantage if they plan to join the police service. Forensics in the 21st century is a fascinating subject which covers a range of disciplines (forensic science, crime scene examination, criminology, psychology, criminal investigation, social policy and politics to name but a few) and our wide academic disciplinary staff group offers students the opportunities to explore forensics in its broadest sense.
Courses with forensic content
- FdA Investigation and Evidence - part time
- BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies - full time
Students with a Master's qualification can progress to a professional doctorate:
ICJS also contributes to the following courses: