BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies with Foundation Year

Why study this subject?

Forensic science has addressed the need for scientific specialties within the investigation and prosecution of crime. At the heart of every major case is evidence, and Forensics are an essential part of uncovering the full story.

As someone who works in Forensics, you are interested in the facts, and you extract them from the background noise with precision, care and skill. You will build up your analytical mind, able to recognise patterns and inconsistencies and communicate this in reports.

If you choose to study this subject at BNU, you will have a more complete understanding of the personal aspect of Criminology, and the scientific aspect of Forensics. You will be well versed in psychology, social science, interpersonal relationships and the motivations of crime, as well as the scientific process of collecting evidence, court processes and criminal prosecution.

Demand has increased for Forensic Science and obtaining a Criminology and Forensics degree is now more essential to your professional development than ever before. Whether you want to work as a Detective, Forensic Analyst, Prison Worker, Probation Worker, or more, our degree is how you stand out in a crowded market.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

It’s important to study a degree which helps you excel in the future. So why not study a degree that has been created with input from your future employer? Your degree takes information from various organisations to steer your learning towards the demands of employers across the country.

Due to BNU’s strong reputation in this sector, we can often use our influence to encourage visits from experts whenever it’s possible to do so. You can see how your new skills are being used in the world of work right now! In addition, we use our insight to focus on those practical skills you really need, based on current demand.

With this degree, there is a unique 50/50 split between the two disciplines, so you can be ideally suited for a career within both fields. Some of your key employers may be the Civil Service, Local Government, NGOs, the NHS, Probation Service (NPS and CRCs), Prison Service, Social Services, Housing Associations, and more.

BNU is a vibrant and diverse university, and our high lecturer to student ratio means you will receive continual one-on-one support throughout your degree. The collaborative environment we have created ensures you can really see the effect professional feedback has on your learning and skills.

At BNU, you don’t just learn from a textbook, you learn about yourself and the students around you. You can have a truly positive experience with Criminology and Forensics at BNU.

What facilities can I use?

During this Criminology and Forensics course you have access to a range of facilities to support you in your studies. This includes the use of VR technology, and in addition, simulations where crime scene evidence can be collected. You can also take part in the analysis of eye-tracking data to understand court-presented evidence.

You could have the opportunity to use our police practice suite which is connected to a classroom by audio and video links enabling participation, observation, discussion and feedback of the various police related scenarios.

Where possible, you will also have the opportunity to visit and hear from professionals working in Forensic Science (and Digital Forensics) Labs. Additionally, incorporated into several modules, are Forensic science related simulations, which enable you to get to grips with the techniques used on the frontlines of Forensic science.

What will I study?

This Criminology and Forensic Studies degree is designed to give you an in-depth understanding of many aspects of the Criminal Justice System. We provide you with knowledge of several key areas such as: Biomedical Criminology; Economy and Crime; Forensic Analysis, Serious & Organised Crime (and the role of the NCA), Forensic Science, Terrorism, Internet sex-offences, and Cybercrime.

In addition, we introduce and raise awareness of core aspects of Forensic science, to examine and question the process, quality standards and the ethical oversight of evidence gathering. We also debate and discuss ideas such as diversity together as a class.

With the Criminology aspect of the degree, you can expect to understand the factors that cause major offences, motivation and origin, and you can also delve into the investigation and criminal behaviour.

You will gain a solid grounding in research methods and current Forensic theory and processes. You will also develop valuable critical thinking skills, including analytic and logical reasoning, which can benefit your future job.

The course offers both a subject-specific and a general knowledge base, with skills and competences that will enable students to pursue a career in any of the applied Criminology professions.

On our BSc (Hons) in Criminology and Forensic Studies, we will help you to:

• understand, evaluate and apply criminological theory to real world crime
• understand and evaluate the regulations and procedures of Forensic Science and demonstrate a critical knowledge of the application of laboratory methods
• understand the character, causes and effects of crimes and crime prevention in contemporary societies
• demonstrate a critical understanding of criminal justice systems locally and globally
• demonstrate awareness of cultural diversity and its relevance for understanding crime

How will I be taught and assessed?

Specific assessment methods are determined at modular level but are designed to reflect the programme aims and learning outcomes.

All assessments are designed to equip you with important transferrable skills and so prepare you for the world of work. These include:

• poster presentations
• blogs
• courtroom and crime scene simulations
• verbal cross-examination
• portfolios
• seminars.

Other modules will be assessed by time limited assessment. A case-study will be released via our online virtual learning environment with an established time limit to undertake the required task and submit a written report.

Some sessions may require reading and analysis to be completed beforehand, where it is expected you will be able to discuss and debate the text. Reading materials will be known to you with additional time to prepare.

Placement Plus

BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.