UCAS code
LF34Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placementDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023, September 2024Overview
If you want to help solve crimes, it pays to understand criminality from many different angles. This course gives you much broader skills, knowledge and experience than a more traditional ‘forensic science’ degree. Using facilities shared with a real police force, this degree is always relevant, innovative and up-to-date.
From crime scene to evidence lab to court room, you’ll find out how forensic investigation fits into the history, policy and practice of the criminal justice system. And you’ll study the causes of crime, learning what really makes a criminal.
Course highlights
- Develop specialist forensic skills in simulated crime scene and laboratory practical sessions
- Explore new experimental techniques including the use of Virtual Reality, inspired by innovative VR research at the University of Portsmouth
- Learn from criminology, probation and policing experts who are actively involved in industry, and who shape its future with ground-breaking research in areas like forensic interview techniques and wildlife crime
- Benefit from our strong partnerships and links with the criminal justice and forensic investigation industry
- Hear from guest speakers such as fire investigators, crime scene managers, pathologists, specialist police officers, firearm officers and forensic archaeologists
- Tailor your degree from a wide range of modules, including crime and mental health, hate crime, dangerous offenders and public protection
- Gain pre-entry qualifications for careers in the police or probation service, and develop skills in problem solving and analysis that all kinds of employers value
Recognised by:
The module Economic Crime and Fraud Examination is recognised by ACFE (a global professional body for counter fraud professionals) and undertaking it provides opportunities for full-time students to complete the Certified Fraud Examiner qualification at a subsidised rate.
Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – AAB–BBB
- UCAS points – 120–136 points from 3 A levels or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit – Distinction
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – AAB–BBB
- UCAS points – 120-136 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels – Merit - Distinction
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
- International Baccalaureate – 29–31
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Facilities and specialist equipment
Crime scene simulation spaces
Use the latest forensic advances and immersive learning technologies, including virtual reality, to delve into crime scene investigation in our realistic simulation areas.
Forensic facilities in action
Specialist equipment with an impact on professional forensic practice and research
Explore the forensic facilities you might use at Portsmouth, and see the real, professional impact of our close working relationships with the Defence School of Policing and Hants Constabulary Forensic Innovation Partnership.
Dr Kat Brown: The University of Portsmouth has unique, long-standing relationships with many local and national agencies.
We are here today at Southwick Park, which is the Defence School of Policing and Guarding. We're able to have these partnerships through our Forensic Innovation Centre and that allows us to build on their expertise as well as their facilities.
The facility that we have here is particularly useful for complex and serious crimes around body recovery, taphonomy and entomology. We can use our SIM bodies in these situations to accurately mimic crimes and this means that our students can get really involved in the science, but also think critically about why they're doing what they're doing and what the bigger context and the bigger picture is.
Dr Helen McGonigal: As well as the indoor teaching facilities here, we also have this wonderful outdoor space. We're developing a unique aquatic decomposition facility here which allows us to explore the decomposition of insect carcases and associated evidence, for recreating death scenes.
For our postgraduate researchers and also for our undergraduates, it gives them a valuable insight into some of the work that they could be doing after graduation.
We also have training opportunities here for the military, policing and mass fatality incident colleagues for them to be able to use cutting edge research as part of their work.
Dr Katie Jetten: Our undergraduate degree programme, criminology and forensic studies, enables students to get practical experience alongside their classroom based studies. Some of the things we might get students to do are work in crime scene investigation simulation suites in a wide range of environments, but also with our extensive research capabilities in our research facility, which we call The Stables. The purpose of our stables is to facilitate academic research and also student research projects.
Some of the spaces we might have our forensic ecology laboratory spaces. We also have a dedicated fingerprint visualisation room. We have an imaging studio with a wide range of techniques and we also have biological and chemical spaces in order to do work such as DNA work.
Dr Helen Earwaker: Our students have a really broad range of interests that sit right across the spectrum of the criminal justice system. I'm incredibly proud of the work that our students do as part of the course and the programme. The research that they undertake has the potential for huge impact, for practice and for those partner organisations that we work with.
This is really enhanced through the use of the facilities that we have here at the University of Portsmouth.
Careers and opportunities
Because this course blends criminology and forensic studies, you’ll graduate with a particularly broad range of careers open to you. Your lecturers can help you identify the options that excite you most, so you can choose to study modules that fit your ambitions.
You’ll be especially well-prepared for the wide variety of criminal justice careers where forensic awareness plays a key role – from forensic practitioner in the police, probation or prison services, through to rewarding areas of expertise like community safety, crime prevention and criminological research. More broadly, the impressive problem-solving skills you develop could prove valuable in all kinds of careers.
A global survey of 1000 business leaders by the Harvard Business Review [...] found that the skills most in-demand by employers are those in which Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts graduates specialise – from communication, problem solving and creativity, to research and analysis.
What jobs can you do with a criminology and forensic studies degree?
Our graduates have gone on to roles including:
- crime scene investigator
- investigative data analyst
- police officer
- intelligence researcher
- probation officer
- youth offending support officer
- emergency planning officer
- prison officer
- forensic and other laboratories
- teaching (with further training)
You could also do postgraduate study in areas such as forensic science.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Placement year (optional)
After your second year of study, you can choose to do a paid work placement year. This lets you put your new skills to work while developing valuable links with employers in the crime and forensic investigation field.
It’s fantastic for your CV and will really help you stand out when applying for jobs after graduation.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. With mentoring and support throughout your placement, you’ll have our support to get the most from the experience.
Previous placement destinations have included:
- Hampshire Constabulary
- Hampshire Fire and Rescue
- University of Portsmouth Forensic Technician Team
You can also spend this year studying overseas at one of our partner universities in Europe, South Asia or North America.
Read about Kristie's placementWithout my placement experience, I wouldn’t have considered this aspect of forensic work. I’m looking to complete a Master's in this subject area as a result.
What you'll study on this BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies degree
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Articulate the core processes of forensic investigation practice.
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Discuss forensic preservation techniques and how to properly maximise evidence potential.
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Describe and identify different ways in which forensic evidence is uncovered and documented.
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Outline and explain evidence recovery procedures, for evidence taken from the scene and from individuals.
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Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental forensic investigation techniques.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Recognise the historical development of criminal justice.
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Describe the key functions of current criminal justice agencies.
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Obtain knowledge contributing to the ability to make informed career decisions within the sector.
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Discuss philosophies and methods of punishment used within criminal justice.
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Recognise and reflect upon examples of multi-agency working in criminal justice.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Recognise the fundamental aspects of academic scholarship.
- Differentiate between the quality of academic sources.
- Reflect on personal developmental needs and make informed career decisions.
- Understand fundamental elements of research in criminology.
- Understand basic principles of quantitative and qualitative research.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the subject area and interrelationships with other relevant subjects.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Engage creatively across disciplines.
- Locate and access information relevant to the subject area.
- Consider applications of theories to solve problems in society.
- Develop appreciation of ethical practice.
- Communicate ideas effectively in written form.
- Develop a reflective understanding of the subject area.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Outline the historical context and origins of the subject area.
- Describe the key ideas that drove the development of the social sciences.
- Think independently and creatively across discipline boundaries.
- Recognise and apply new and existing knowledge in relation to explaining criminal behaviour.
- Outline and describe the social, cultural, political and economic contexts that influenced the development of criminology and criminological thinking.
Core modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Describe and discuss the role of forensic science practitioners within the investigative process.
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Examine the current techniques used for forensic science analysis.
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Recognise good practice methodologies for analysing evidence.
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Compare and contrast the application of scientific methodology in the analysis of evidence.
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Critically discuss the broader issues prevalent in analysing forensic evidence and its application to investigations and legal proceedings.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Describe and discuss the core sciences fundamental to the forensic investigation process.
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Demonstrate knowledge of forensic evidence types and the interpretative techniques of these evidence types used in the forensic investigation.
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Critically evaluate methodologies used in the interpretation of forensic evidence.
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Communicate the results of a forensic investigation effectively to key partners within the criminal justice system.
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Explain the importance of the interpretation of forensic evidence and the impact this has on legal proceedings.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Develop knowledge and understanding of the subject area that is reflective and questioning.
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Think independently, analytically and creatively about the subject area.
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Appraise different critical standpoints of social control.
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Locate, access and critically engage with information pertinent to the subject matter.
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Recognise and discuss the importance of social justice.
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Develop and further intellectual curiosity for the subject area.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Develop knowledge and understanding of the subject area in such a way as to be able to apply it to their own research projects.
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Think analytically and critically about research in criminology.
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Provide opportunities for students to develop their skills in research for wider application.
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Identify the ethical issues inherent in research in criminology and to develop responses to these issues.
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Consider how research can generate creative solutions to societal issues.
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Work independently and in groups on research projects, and to deliver the results of these projects in a variety of forms.
Optional modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop critical, reflective knowledge and understanding of state crimes concepts (of commission and omission), examining and critiquing the boundaries of subject knowledge in a disciplinary context.
- Appraise the nature of state crimes of commission, including crimes against humanity and State Crimes Against Democracy.
- Appraise the nature of state crimes of omission, including state-corporate and environmental market-based crimes, contemporary slavery and trafficking of human beings.
- Critically examine by synthesising existing knowledge to generate ideas and creative solutions in the international communities' response to state crimes that is infused with a sense of responsibility allied to a commitment to ethical practice and social justice.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Engage with contemporary debates regarding colonialism, decolonisation and its legacies in Europe and Africa.
- Critically analyse primary and secondary sources.
- Present a reasoned argument in written form, using appropriate terminology.
What you'll do
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Communicate clearly and effectively about social problems and their consequences.
- Evaluate strategies for addressing forms of inequality and/or sustainability and obstacles to their implementation.
- Demonstrate the ability to be an effective team player able to support others.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Analyse and compare police working practices in the investigation of firearms incidents.
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Reflect upon the challenges faced by police in differing contexts when investigating firearms incidents.
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Examine and apply methods of evidence recovery from firearms.
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Examine and deploy methods of evidence recovery from scenes involving deployment of firearms.
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Critically evaluate the criminological aspects of gun crime with reference to the literature.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically examine the language of the law and the discourse of courtrooms in relation to the exercise of power.
- Critically discuss the tools and principles of authorship identification and plagiarism in order to determine the origin of a text and establish its authenticity.
- Recognise and critically analyse different forensic text types in order to be able to establish their veracity.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of theories related to gang crime.
- Explore cross-cultural perspectives of group offending.
- Demonstrate critical awareness of the social constructions of gang crime and deviancy.
- Critically analyse new and existing theoretical principles surrounding gang crime.
- Compare and contrast empirical research methods within the area of gang crime.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appraise theoretical perspectives on environmental (in)justices.
- Analyse the nature, scale and range of perpetrators and victims of environmental crimes and harms.
- Evaluate approaches to managing environmental harms as applied across a range of settings, countries, contexts and systems.
- Examine the breadth of organisations engaged in the policing and investigation of environmental crime at a national and international level.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Recognise the varying disciplinary perspectives on the concept of security within a criminological framework.
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Critically discuss the drivers of societal risk and insecurity.
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Recognise the nature and impact of economic and political developments.
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Explain and assess the many forms of threat to the security of states, corporations and individuals.
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Identify and assess responses to security threats at the global, national, local, corporate and individual levels.
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Locate, interpret, question and summarise information from a number of different sources.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the subject area that is reflective and questioning.
- Independently, analytically and creatively think about the subject area.
- Analyse and appraise both new and existing knowledge.
- Locate, access and engage with information pertinent to the subject area.
- Recognise and discuss the importance of social justice issues.
- Develop further intellectual curiosity for the subject area.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Assess key theories in intercultural communication research.
- Collect data/information and analyse it from an intercultural perspective.
- Research a certain aspect of culture and communication.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
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Develop an understanding of the big issues and contemporary debates in education and teaching.
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Apply the fundamental concepts of teaching and learning theory to the planning and evaluation of a lesson plan.
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Understand the importance of safeguarding children.
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Reflect on current developments in teaching and learning.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Critically discuss key marketing concepts.
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Retrieve and analyse appropriate real world marketing information.
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Apply theories of marketing to real world contexts.
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Distinguish between different forms of communication within the marketing context.
What you'll learn
The learning objectives of this module are to be confirmed.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key sources, concepts, ideas, substantive analyses, and contemporary relevance.
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Demonstrate ability to compare and contrast analytical approaches to the study and explanation of themes and issues explored on the module.
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Communicate understanding and knowledge of complex ideas, concepts and themes and issues explored on the module clearly, effectively, and creatively.
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Work effectively, both independently and as a member of a group, to research, prepare and deliver a report.
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Produce an organised, well-structured and concise answer to an essay question demonstrating critical engagement with relevant texts and analyses.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Critically and reflectively engage with literature exploring nationalism from various disciplines
- Analyse current political and economic debates surrounding immigration
- Evaluate how global inequalities relate to nationalist social and political structures and ideologies
- Demonstrate an understanding of how the issues discussed are relevant at micro and macro levels globally
- Understand and critically question how nationalism and national identities are often taken for granted in Western societies, and how this relates to contemporary global power relations
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Examine current issues relative to traditional (i.e. print and/or broadcast) media
- Empirically analyse media texts in terms of ideological representation
- Identify and justify the selection of appropriate media texts and appropriate analytical frameworks in the formulation of a short empirical research project
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop knowledge of the principles and practices of penology.
- Engage creatively with the multi disciplinary basis of the subject area.
- Apply knowledge for the development of creative solutions to intractable problems.
- Engage in an ethical evaluation of the justifications for punishment.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Evaluate the history and sociology of policing organisations.
- Explain the role, organisation, and governance arrangements of policing in the UK.
- Analyse issues of trust and legitimacy within the police.
- Identify and analyse major challenges confronting policing agencies nationally and internationally.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Know and recognize the varying disciplinary perspectives on the concept of the principles of economic crime investigation within criminological, legal, and economic frameworks
- Become familiar with the main types of organisations involved in investigating economic crime including SFO, NCA and FCA etc.
- Identify the different modes of investigative techniques employed in investigating economic crime
- Analyse information on the investigation techniques employed in real economic crime cases
- Gather, retrieve, and analyse information from a variety of sources
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Reflect on their learning and experience to date and use this as a basis to plan and organise suitable work experience(s) that will enable the development of their professional profile.
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Propose a programme of learning that enables the development and demonstration of specified professional skills.
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Critically evaluate their learning and experience and relate this to their future career goals.
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Communicate the outcomes of their experience, through the effective use of reflective practice.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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To think independently and analytically about psychology and security.
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To be able to locate, access and engage with information pertinent to psychology and security.
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Be creative in the development of a solution that could address a real-world security issue.
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Defend a reasoned position about the ethics of security practices.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Discuss conceptual and thematic aspects of the literature.
- Reflect on the ways that subjectivity is formulated at specific periods and is related to place and/or gender.
- Recognise the materiality and historicity of philosophical and theoretical concepts.
- Comprehend the significance of perception for the subject and in narrative voice.
- Define and critically assess key terms and concepts for theoretically-informed literary analysis.
- Demonstrate critically-informed close reading skills and contextualised literary analysis.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Analyse the mechanisms employed in the pursuit of truth, justice and reparation for human rights abuses in selected countries.
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Analyse the effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms in selected countries.
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Analyse how political, social, cultural, and legal factors facilitate or hinder transitional justice in selected countries.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate a variety of sources relating and appraise different aspects of the history of crime.
- Assess methods of social control used at different periods of time, and the extent to which these were challenged.
- Differentiate between different historiographical approaches and arguments within the history of crime.
- Review how legal records can be used as a primary source for the understanding of social history.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the subject area that is reflective and questioning.
- Think independently, analytically and creatively about the subject area.
- Analyse and appraise new and existing knowledge.
- Locate, access and engage with information relevant to the subject area.
- Recognise and discuss the importance of social justice.
- Develop and further intellectual curiosity for the subject area.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Analyse the different types of wildlife crime and summarise environmental factors
- Recognise and examine the importance of environmental justice and sustainability
- Locate, access and engage with information pertinent to environmental justice and wildlife crime
- Interpret and assess new and existing knowledge
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and identify further opportunities within the subject area
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the subject area that is reflective and questioning.
- Independently, analytically and creatively think about youth crime and youth justice.
- Analyse and appraise both new and existing knowledge.
- Locate, access and engage with information pertinent to youth crime and youth justice.
- Recognise and discuss the importance of youth justice issues.
- Develop further intellectual curiosity for the subject area.
Optional modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Manage and complete tasks in a study relevant to their course, with an appropriate level of skill, initiative, independence and performance.
- Critically reflect on the formal learning experience and student ambassadorial role for the University, and consider the relevance of this learning to future study and employability and personal development.
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Critically assess how activities relate to disciplinary knowledge and practice covered on the student's undergraduate course, within a global context.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically reflect on the competencies required within a placement environment.
- Identify and evaluate the learning experience and the relevance of this learning to future careers and professional development, identifying areas for improvement or further training.
- Self-evaluate their success in meeting the objectives identified in the learning agreement.
Core modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Design a viable dissertation/project proposal.
- Utilise a range of current research or equivalent advanced scholarship in the relevant field.
- Deploy established and relevant techniques of analysis and enquiry in an ethical framework to a specific and focused area relevant to the subject.
- Critically evaluate assumptions, arguments and data (which may be incomplete) to form a judgement, frame further questions and identify potential solutions.
- Manage and reflect on your learning and communicate in writing to a specified audience relevant to either the academic or workplace community.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the subject area that is reflective and questioning.
- Independently, analytically and creatively think about the subject.
- Analyse and evaluate both new and existing knowledge.
- Develop further intellectual curiosity for the subject matter.
- Critically analyse information from a variety of sources and develop an argument.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Contextualise the current landscape of the forensic sciences.
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Critically evaluate key current issues with the forensic sciences.
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Explain the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to forensic investigation, both in terms of practice and a robust evidence base.
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Critically discuss the value of forensic techniques.
Optional modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the theories related to Black criminology, race and the criminal justice system.
- Explore cross-cultural perspectives of race in the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrate critical awareness of racialised experiences of the criminal justice system.
- Critically analyse historical and contemporary theoretical principles around race and criminology.
- Compare and contrast empirical research methods within the subject area.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Conduct a multidisciplinary theoretical analysis of terrorism studies, terrorism, terrorists and pathways to terrorism and political violence.
- Systematically compare and contrast differing forms of terrorism.
- Critically reflect on differing counter terrorist strategies and tactics, policies and practices.
- Locate, access and critically engage with digital information related to terrorist groups globally.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Collect and organise knowledge and understanding of the subject and assess its practical application.
- Compare and contrast knowledge from several areas of expertise to draw informed conclusions.
- Critically assess and compare ideas related to crime and new technologies.
- Evaluate the impact of new technologies in relation to crime.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Differentiate between serious offending and the application of the dangerous label in criminal justice.
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Think independently and develop knowledge and comprehension of risk assessments, including the metrics of risk of harm and reoffending.
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Critically consider the development and implementation of relevant policies and legislation.
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Critically demonstrate knowledge of the key profile types of behaviour, including the main theoretical explanations, the nature and extent of the behaviour concerning certain populations of offenders.
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Evaluate and apply offender information, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of contributing agency role and function.
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Critically explore the management of dangerous offenders by different agencies within the criminal justice system.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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To critically evaluate the drivers of societal risks associated with economic crime drawing on criminological, legal, and sociological perspectives.
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To critically analyse economic crime cases without guidance, using a range of techniques appropriate to the subject.
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Locate, access and critically engage with available digitally based information in relation to economic crime and fraud examination.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Locate and combine information relevant to the subject area.
- Critically consider applications of psychological theory to solve problems in a forensic setting.
- Communicate ideas effectively in written form.
- Develop a critical understanding of the subject area.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Critically appraise the varying methods available to assist investigations of unidentified and decomposed remains.
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Demonstrate critical awareness of synthesising scene and investigative data to formulate appropriate interpretations and conclusions.
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Critically appraise the challenges of death investigation and factors constraining or affecting interpretations.
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the biological, chemical and environmental factors relevant to the decomposition of artefacts and remains.
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Critically compare existing research for the purpose of formulating new ideas and methodologies.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically analyse the importance of understanding crime from a gendered perspective.
- Evaluate the influence of gendered perspectives on our understanding of crime and criminology.
- Compare and contrast gendered pathways into crime.
- Critically analyse gendered responses to crime.
- Examine the impact of gender on professionals working in criminal justice agencies.
- Critically analyse the female experiences of the criminal justice system.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically appraise environmental criminology and other theoretical perspectives on 'green crime'.
- Critically analyse the nature, scale and range of perpetrators and victims surrounding environmental crime.
- Examine the role of environmental law and regulation.
- Assess the importance of environmental risk assessments.
- Examine the organisations engaged in the policing and investigation of environmental crime at a national and international level.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop a critical understanding of security risk analysis and management.
- Design and manage a security policy.
- Evaluate various security solutions and their appropriate deployment in an organisational context.
- Create and critically evaluate a disaster recovery plan for business continuity.
- Assess human, legal, ethical and professional factors in developing security policies.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Analyse the fundamentals of intelligence analysis in terms of the different practices, types and products.
- Develop an understanding of the role of the intelligence analyst and their role in an investigative team.
- Critically examine and demonstrate how strategic intelligence analysis helps inform policy and decision-making in public and private organisations.
- Appraise how intelligence analysis technologies and techniques can support investigations into forms of serious and organised crime.
- Critically examine and demonstrate how social network analysis represents a scientific alternative to conventional intelligence analysis.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Develop a critical understanding of the big issues and contemporary debates in education and teaching.
- Analyse and apply the fundamental concepts of teaching and learning theory to the planning and evaluation of a lesson plan.
- Understand the importance of safeguarding children.
- Critically reflect on current developments in teaching and learning.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically and reflectively assess the causes of miscarriages of justice.
- Critically analyse miscarriages of justice using a holistic and cross-disciplinary approach.
- Using a range of theoretical approaches, assess the impact that forensic science advances have had on the detection and prevention of miscarriages of justice.
- Critically examine the basic rights of suspects from the initial investigation and first trial to the appeals process and beyond, including the role of the Criminal Cases Review Commission.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Apply your knowledge and understanding of core terms and concepts relating to economic explanation for law, organisation and compliance in the area of anti-money laundering (AML).
- Apply the knowledge and understanding of the main AML legal and regulatory structures to new situations.
- Critically evaluate AML legal and regulatory structures and develop arguments while being aware of the limits of knowledge.
- Apply written communication skills and make use of library-based and community-based research opportunities.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Critically examine national policing models of intelligence and decision-making.
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Articulate the principles of community policing.
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Critically apply approaches to intelligence to policing.
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Evaluate the police role in countering terrorist activities and other serious and organised crimes.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Critically discuss the purpose of the police service.
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of the necessity for maintaining professional standards and values, and how these relate to the concept of policing by consent.
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Apply and evaluate core principles of ethics, equality, diversity and human rights in professional policing.
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Summarise strategies to develop resilience and maintain personal well-being within policing.
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Critically examine the application of law within policing.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically appraise key debates from political science on the extreme right.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the historical development and current position(s) of the extreme right.
- Critically analyse and evaluate contemporary criminological arguments on the extreme right.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate personal professional profile and relate this to the development of effective job application strategies.
- Research, compare and contrast and critically evaluate employers expectations in terms of candidates' skills, attributes and competences in different sectors of employment.
- Reflect on and evaluate their scores from a range of Psychometric tests to prepare for an upcoming employment assessment.
- Communicate professionally the outcomes of their experience to potential employers via the production of a CV, statement, video pitch and a mock and formal job interview.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Reflect on their learning and experience to date and use this as a basis to plan and organise suitable work experience(s) that will enable the development of their professional profile.
- Propose a programme of learning that enables the development and demonstration of specified professional skills.
- Critically evaluate their learning and experience and relate this to their future career goals.
- Communicate the outcomes of their experience, through the effective use of reflective practice.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically analyse concepts of treatment and rehabilitation towards people in the criminal justice system.
- Evaluate theoretical approaches to treatment and rehabilitation.
- Critically examine and apply theoretical debates around rehabilitation to criminal justice practice.
- Compare and contrast different approaches to rehabilitation.
- Effectively communicate research and theories related to the treatment and rehabilitation of specific offender groups and offending behaviours.
- Critically analyse future directions for the treatment and rehabilitation of those in the criminal justice system.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Demonstrate critical understanding of the construction of media accounts of crime in the True Crime genre.
- Critically evaluate how the media portrays True Crime.
- Critically analyse new and existing knowledge across disciplinary boundaries.
- Critically discuss the importance of social justice issues.
- Critically apply theory to the genre.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
My favourite part of my course is the passionate lecturers who are experts in their field who make the course not only up-to-date, but keep the content exciting!
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- group discussions
- practical workshops
- forensic crime scene examinations
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- coursework
- reports
- presentations
- group projects
- a dissertation
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Criminology and Forensic Studies degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and workshops for about 10 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Common questions about this subject
Can't find the answer to your questions about this course or anything else about undergraduate life? Contact us.
Common criminology and forensic studies questions
Criminology is the study of crime and criminal justice, including its causes, responses and prevention.
Forensic studies is the study of forensic, crime scene and criminal investigation, including forensic evidence analysis and interpretation.
This Criminology and Forensic Studies degree brings together these topics, providing an integrated understanding of criminal investigation with the application of forensic methods.
Because of ongoing funding pressures, criminal justice roles outside the usual policing and probation networks are expanding. Populations are increasing, crime is not disappearing and society needs more support than ever.
This means the future demand for criminology and forensic studies graduates is likely to be high.
People who work in this area do so because they want to have a significant, positive impact on society.
Careers in this area are hugely rewarding, because you work with vulnerable people, victims of crime, and sometimes perpetrators of crime, helping get them back into society.
Every day is different. Every crime scene is different.
As well as preparing you for employment in areas such as policing, probation, forensic investigation, intelligence or counter-fraud, this degree allows you to gain valuable transferable skills including research skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail and social policy knowledge that you can apply to many careers.
Keeping up to date with crime and forensic investigation in the media is good preparation for this course. For example, watching crime, criminal justice and forensic documentaries gives you a realistic perspective of processes involved in this area, which you'll study in more detail on the course.
It's also a good idea to read a range of tabloid and broadsheet articles on crime, and related subjects.
As well as meeting the entry requirements, it's useful if you're inquisitive, hard working and have the ability to pay attention to detail.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees (2024 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £18,100 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You’ll need to cover additional costs, such as travel costs, if you take an optional placement or placement abroad.
These costs will vary depending on the location and duration of the placement, and can range from £50–£1000.
During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, this discount amounts to 90% of the year’s fees.
Tuition fees for that year are:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – LF34
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – LF34
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.