BSc (Hons) Forensics, Policing and Investigations

Program Overview

Taught by experts in policing and forensics, the program offers a comprehensive understanding of crime scene management and forensic science. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, graduates are well-prepared for careers in investigative and evidence-gathering fields.

Program Outline

It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of key strategies for effective crime scene management and the application of forensic science in investigative practices.

• To equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective crime scene management.
• To provide students with a critical exploration of contemporary policing issues.
• To prepare students for a wide range of rewarding career options in investigative, forensic, and evidence-gathering fields.

Outline:

The BSc (Hons) Forensics, Policing and Investigations degree is a three-year full-time program delivered at the Mount Pleasant campus. The program is structured across three levels, with core and optional modules at each level.

Level 4:

Core Modules:

• Exploring Policing and Investigation Studies - Skills for Success (20 credits): This module focuses on developing academic skills, including referencing, writing, and teamwork.
Students will research the court system in England and Wales and participate in a shared research project.
• Introduction to Policing and Investigation (20 credits): This module introduces key theories and concepts related to policing and the criminal justice system, examining the historical development of policing institutions, landmark events, and their interrelationships.
• Crime Scene Investigation (20 credits): This module provides an introduction to crime scene investigation, developing skills in analysis, problem-solving, written communication, and teamwork.
Students will learn basic crime scene skills such as photography, note-taking, sketching, and the concepts of fingerprint recovery, enhancement, and comparison.
• Practice, Procedure and the Criminal Law 1 (20 credits): This module explores the roles, responsibilities, and powers of the police in various societal and operational environments.
It provides a critical introduction to the foundations of criminal law and the criminal justice system, including the elements of a criminal offense, liability of third parties, common defenses, and the importance of police integrity.
• Forensic Science (20 credits): This module introduces students to a wide range of scientific areas and methods used in forensic science.
• Technology and Policing and Investigation (20 credits): This module examines the legal, professional, and ethical issues surrounding the use of technology in policing and law enforcement.
Students will explore social media use in personal and professional contexts, the criminal use of technologies, and the challenges they present.

Level 5:

Core Modules:

• Conducting Investigations (20 credits): This module develops students' understanding of the legislative and policy framework governing criminal investigations.
Students will demonstrate and explain investigative procedures through case studies and crime scene practicals. It also explores regulatory processes, professional values, teamwork, communication, and working across organizational boundaries.
• Psychology of Investigation (20 credits): This module helps students understand how psychology can support them in conducting interviews and applying qualitative methodology.
• Policing Communities (20 credits): This module focuses on the concept of equality and diversity, exploring factors that influence policing environments and practices.
Students will critically examine how personal behaviors can promote equality and diversity in the workplace and the wider community.
• Practice, Procedure and the Criminal Law 2 (20 credits): This module delves deeper into aspects of criminal law and police powers, exploring relevant legislation, policy, and practice guidance.
• Forensic Methods (20 credits): This module builds upon the practical skills and knowledge of forensic analysis and concepts introduced at Level 4.
Students will also develop knowledge of the court system and the legal context of the discipline.
• Policy, Practice and the Evidence Base (20 credits): This module develops students' understanding of the literature related to evidence-based practice in policing.
Students will explore the epistemological, methodological, and ethical underpinnings of the study.

Optional Modules:

• Study Year Abroad - Policing Studies (120 credits): This module allows students to spend an additional year studying at an approved overseas partner institution, complementing their LJMU program.
• Study Semester Abroad - Policing Studies (60 credits): This module allows students to spend a semester studying at an approved overseas partner institution, replacing one semester of their LJMU program at Level 5.

Level 6:

Core Modules:

• Applying Forensics to Investigations (20 credits): This module helps students apply forensic science and analysis to investigations, covering basic forensic concepts, evidence recognition and recovery, crime scene integrity, the interplay between investigative processes and forensics, and cold case analysis.
• Research Project (40 credits): This module enables students to develop a detailed knowledge of their chosen field and build a critical understanding of relevant policy and procedural guidance in practice.
• Approaches to protecting vulnerable people and the management of offenders (20 credits): This module develops students' understanding of the legislative and policy framework governing multi-agency working arrangements across the sector.
Students will gain experience through work-related learning using real-life case studies.

Optional Modules:

• Comparative Studies in Policing (20 credits): This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research in an international context on an area related to policing.
• Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (20 credits): This module examines key concepts related to terrorism, exploring definitions, ideologies, typologies, group structures, tactics, target selection, state response, technology use, funding, and media impact.
Students will also explore counter-terrorism initiatives in the UK and compare them to strategies in the US and Canada.
• Application of Intelligence to Policing (20 credits): This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the role, uses, and application of intelligence in contemporary policing and partner agencies.
Students will develop an understanding of ethical intelligence collection, collation, evaluation, management, and analysis, including the impact of the National Intelligence Model within policing and the wider criminal justice arena.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the modules chosen but typically include a combination of exams and coursework. Students receive feedback on their work within 15 working days of submission.

Teaching:

The program utilizes an active blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning. Teaching is delivered through lectures, online activities, workshops, and seminars. Students are expected to participate in online activities and discussions using the virtual learning environment, Canvas. The program also provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a house that can be used to create crime scenes.

Careers:

Upon successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Forensics, Policing and Investigations degree, graduates are well-prepared for a range of careers in investigative, forensic, and evidence-gathering fields. Potential career paths include:

• Police Officer: Graduates can pursue careers as police officers, applying their knowledge of forensics, investigation, and policing practices.
• Forensic Scientist: Graduates can work as forensic scientists, analyzing evidence and providing expert testimony in criminal investigations.
• Crime Scene Investigator: Graduates can work as crime scene investigators, collecting and preserving evidence at crime scenes.
• Investigator: Graduates can work as investigators in various sectors, including private investigation, insurance, and corporate security.
• Criminal Justice Professional: Graduates can pursue careers in other criminal justice professions, such as probation officers, parole officers, and social workers.

Other:

• The program is accredited by The College of Policing and has been developed to reflect changes in police recruitment practices.
• Students are encouraged to gain practical experience through volunteering as Special Police Constables, police volunteers, or in the criminal justice field.
• The program provides access to a dedicated personal tutor, study skills support, and a range of career and employability services.
• The program is based in the John Foster Building, which houses well-equipped IT suites, a student common room, and dedicated study areas.
• Students have 24-hour access to the Aldham Robarts Library, which provides a wide range of resources to support their studies.

Tuition fees Home full-time per year £9,250 International full-time per year £17,750 All figures are subject to yearly increases. Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.