Forensic Investigation
UCAS Code: F411
Foundation Degree in Science - FdSc
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff
A levels required; 2 A levels not subject specific. BTEC/Access required; A BTEC National or a full Access Certificate not subject specific. GCSEs required; 3 GCSEs at grade C or above in English, Mathematics and Science
About this course
'Forensic Investigation' is the new name for 'Crime and Investigative Studies'.
Are you interested in crime, forensic science and policing, but unsure which subject to study? If so, you will cover them all on our course. We combine the crime scene examination part of forensic science with other crime-related subjects, such as policing and criminal justice.
We will help you to understand both the theoretical and practical aspects of forensic and criminal investigations. We will look at the impact of various crime types on victims and how the police deal with the investigation to bring about justice.
In the classroom, you will explore the investigative techniques used by police services, alongside contemporary issues including evidence based policing and crime prevention. You will also gain experience in dealing with a wide range of crime scenes, from burglaries to murders.
Learning about the criminal justice system in the UK, you will find out how your investigation of different crimes can have a significant impact, and how to report your investigative findings to other professional colleagues.
Our lecturers have first-hand experience of crime scene analysis, policing and criminal justice. As well as benefiting from their knowledge, you will have guest lectures from visiting professionals and get an understanding of the workplace through visits to places such as the Crown Court, and other field trips.
The courses at University Centre Peterborough are studied in smaller class sizes compared with other universities, a typical class size is under 30 students.
Modules
You must take modules worth 120 credits at each level of the course. Each module is worth a specified number of credits.
Year one for full-time students (Level 4)
Introduction to Forensic Techniques (15 credits)
Academic Skills (15 credits)
Introduction to Criminal Justice (30 credits)
Introduction to Policing (15 credits)
Introduction to Fingerprint Techniques (15 credits)
Introduction to Body Fluids and DNA Techniques (15 credits)
Crime Scene Recording (15 credits)
Final year for full-time students (Level 5)
Evidence Based Policing and Crime Prevention (15 credits)
Crime Scene Investigation (15 credits)
Major Crime Investigations (15 credits)
Cyber Crime Investigations (15 credits)
Research Methods (15 credits)
Working in the Criminal Justice Sector (15 credits)
Police Investigations (30 credits)
A typical 15 credit module is 150 hours includes 36 hours of tutor led delivery and 114 hours of recommended independent study. A typical 30 credit module is 300 hours includes 72 hours of tutor led delivery and 228 hours of recommended independent study. A full-time student should expect to undertake 30 additional hours per week during term-time.
Assessment methods
Year one for full-time students (Level 4)
•50% Coursework
•20% Written Exams
•30% Practical Exams
Final year for full-time students (Level 5)
•50% Coursework
•20% Written Exams
•30% Practical Exams
We will provide, by the beginning of the first week of each semester, a current module guide with all the information you need for each module, including details of assessment tasks, the deadlines for these tasks, the required format and any relevant guidance.
A formative assessment workshop is written into all module plans and usually take place in weeks 9 or 10 of the semester. Each course includes a summative feedback session where marked work is returned.
When a student has achieved 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5 they become eligible for a foundation. The award classification is determined by calculating the credit weighted arithmetic mean of the module results for all modules at level 5.The following classifications are determined by the above calculation:
70%+ Distinction
60-69% Merit
40-59% Pass
0-39% Fail
A Forensic Investigation student who has achieved 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5 has three options.
1.They may choose to accept their foundation degree, with the classification calculated as described above, and cease their studies.
2.Alternatively they may choose to apply for the level 6 BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation course as a new student in order to achieve a second qualification based solely on their level 6 credits.
3.A third option allows students to decline conferment of their FdA qualification and continue as an existing student so that both level 5 and level 6 credits are used in the calculation of their BSc (Hons) award. Guidance will be provided to students making this decision.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
University Centre Peterborough
University Centre Peterborough Campus
What students say
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