COURSE CURRICULUM

This Criminal Investigation course develops students’ understanding of crime, justice, forensic investigation, and evidence-based approaches used in modern criminal justice systems. The programme combines criminological theory with practical investigative skills, enabling students to analyse crime patterns, understand criminal behaviour, and explore how investigations progress from crime scenes to court proceedings. In the first year, students build a strong foundation in criminology and criminal justice by studying contemporary crime issues, research methods, true crime, digital crimes, social harms, and global perspectives on crime and justice. They learn how crime is defined, investigated, and interpreted within different social and cultural contexts while developing critical thinking and evidence-based analysis skills. The second year focuses on specialist investigative knowledge through modules such as Crime Science, Forensic Investigative Case Studies, and Forensic Techniques in Crime Scene Investigation. Students explore scientific approaches used in crime prevention, offender profiling, risk assessment, digital technologies, and evidence analysis. They develop practical skills in evaluating crime scenes, interpreting forensic information, and understanding how scientific methods support criminal investigations. The final year allows students to explore advanced areas of criminology, including homicide, forensic and applied criminology, crime scene investigation, courtroom processes, and children within the justice system. Students examine serious offences, investigate the causes and consequences of homicide, and analyse how legal and social systems respond to complex criminal cases. Through practical learning, research projects, case studies, and forensic investigation activities, students develop skills in critical analysis, problem-solving, research, communication, and professional decision-making. Graduates are prepared for careers in policing, criminal investigation, crime analysis, intelligence services, forensic support, probation, security, research, and criminal justice organisations. The course provides a strong combination of academic knowledge and practical investigative experience, helping students understand the complexities of crime and develop the expertise required to contribute effectively to modern crime prevention and justice systems.