Applied Criminology with Criminal Investigation with Foundation Year Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Top 10 in the UK for satisfaction with teaching in the subject area of Criminology.

Complete University Guide 2027

Get ready with a foundation year and learn the foundational skills and knowledge to complete a full Honours degree. You'll be able to embark on this qualification without meeting the level 3 entry requirements, giving you the opportunity to study at degree level through this four-year course.

How can we improve services for crime victims? What causes miscarriages of justice and how can we prevent them? What should we do when children commit crime?

Study Applied Criminology with Criminal Investigation at Canterbury Christ Church University and explore answers to some of society’s biggest questions. You’ll develop a thorough understanding of the theories, methods and practices involved in studying crime and conducting criminal investigations, benefiting from over 25 years’ experience of police education at the home of the UK’s first university detective education degree.

What you’ll learn

* Explore the relationship between crime, justice and society, developing a critical understanding of criminal justice processes.

* Examine who commits crime and why, including the impact of social problems, structures and inequalities.

* Understand how victims, offenders and criminal justice agencies interact within the justice system.

* Explore why the law criminalises some harmful behaviours but not others.

* Practise investigative interviewing and ethical decision-making, while analysing police investigations from a range of perspectives.

* Apply criminological theories and criminal investigation methods to real-world examples and contemporary issues.

* Develop transferable skills to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multiagency environments.

The course is innovative and industry-led, developed by staff with extensive experience as practitioners and researchers. Through applied learning, you’ll connect theory to practice and develop the knowledge, confidence and skills needed for a wide range of careers in criminal justice and beyond.

You’ll also have opportunities to explore real cases, including miscarriages of justice and missing people, helping you apply your learning and develop communication skills with industry professionals.

This course also offers the opportunity to take a placement year in industry or spend a year abroad at one of our prestigious partner institutions in North America. You’ll gain valuable real-world experience, build your professional skills and networks, broaden your horizons, and enhance your employability.

Professional accreditation

The Applied Criminology course adheres to and is guided by the Criminology Benchmark Statements, which define expectations as part of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education.

Specialist facilities

The Criminology team have access to the Canterbury Prison site as this is part of the University estate and our students are able to get involved in research and work in this area. In addition, the staff arrange visits and trips to allow students to experience a range of criminal justice settings where operationally possible.

The forensic facilities include a range of crime scenes, including cars, crime scene rooms, fire scenes and outside scenes and a forensic workshop and range of science laboratories. A wide range of forensic equipment is housed within these areas and the facilities and equipment used depends on whether you study Forensic Investigation as a single or combined honours degree.

We have a dedicated crime scene facility containing eight internal rooms and two outdoor scenes, a forensic workshop, five science laboratories, an incident room, a Hydra simulation centre and facilities to simulate courtroom scenarios, all with relevant equipment attached. One of our teaching rooms is an old courtroom, attached to the former Canterbury Prison.