Criminology and Forensic Investigation

Do you have a passion for understanding the intricacies of the criminal mind? Do you want to understand what causes criminals to offend, and how to bring offenders to justice through the practice of forensic investigation?

This programme was designed by experts with a wealth of real-world experience within the field of criminology and forensic investigation. You will benefit from their unwavering personal support throughout your course.

You will immerse yourself in core aspects of criminology to understand how and why crime occurs and how forensic investigation uncovers hidden details of crimes already committed. Using our cutting-edge laboratory facilities, you will learn the latest evidence enhancement techniques, gaining a toolkit of skills that will prepare you for a fascinating and fulfilling career.

Our strong links with criminal justice and community-based organisations and groups in Cumbria will provide you with excellent volunteering opportunities and job prospects.

COURSE OVERVIEW

With hands-on experience and access to industry-standard equipment, you'll be primed to lead and innovate in the criminal justice field. From immersive simulations to expert-led research, every step prepares you for a dynamic career.

You will discover the foundational principles of criminology and forensic investigation in your first year (Level 4), covering crime scene investigation, criminal justice institutions, and core theories. Your second year will see you explore advanced analysis techniques (Level 5), delving into crime causation, punishment, and rehabilitation. You will refine forensic skills and learn to use digital tools for evidence evaluation and presentation.

By your final year, you will have evolved into a multi-skilled practitioner (Level 6), conducting independent research, leading complex investigations, and presenting expert witness evidence. Throughout your journey, we will support you to develop digital research capabilities and ethical awareness, preparing you for diverse professional careers.

The diverse skills you’ll acquire will equip you with the skills needed to navigate the various aspects of Criminal Justice practice, helping you to stand out from other candidates in the job market.

ON THIS COURSE YOU WILL


• Gain the knowledge and confidence to operate as a multi-skilled and ethical criminal justice practitioner.



• Learn to critically apply key elements of criminological theory, forensic principles, and research to a range of practical and professional contexts in a digitally developing world.



• Be able to develop creative, innovative, and critical approaches to provide solutions, generate ideas, and communicate issues aligned with criminological and forensic practice.



• Be able to perform techniques involved in crime scene investigation whilst operating within a quality management system.



• Engage critically with contemporary social problems, recognising systemic and cultural discrimination, social inequalities and how these issues interact with crime, deviance, and harm locally, nationally and globally.

With campuses in the Lake District, Carlisle, Lancaster, Ambleside, Barrow, and London, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty, supportive communities, and real opportunities.

With strong links to law firms, schools, NHS Trusts, creative agencies, and employers nationwide, we connect your learning directly to your future career.

Ranked the No. 1 university in the Northwest and in the Top 5 in the UK for Graduates into employment or further study within 15 months (97.5% of Graduates – Graduate Outcomes Survey, HESA 2026), Cumbria is a university focused on your future from day one.