Law and Criminal Justice

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Top 20 Forensic Science

Guardian University Guide 2026

Top 20 Criminology

Guardian University Guide 2026

25 years of Forensics

In 2026 we are celebrating 25 years of Forensics

Learn how to investigate crimes, analyse forensic evidence, help victims and bring offenders to justice with our hands-on degrees.

You can choose from courses across Criminology, Forensics, Law and Policing and Investigation. 

Studying with us means you’ll have lots of opportunities to gain experience, such as working with the police through our Staffordshire Forensic Partnership. Law students can also volunteer to help real clients as part of our Legal Advice Service, or deliver ‘street law’ sessions on useful topics to schools, charities and community groups.

Whichever course you study, you’ll get to practise your skills in simulated environments. In law, you could be presenting cases in our mock courtrooms. On the forensic side, it could involve processing crime scenes, interviewing witnesses, analysing digital evidence and performing DNA and drug profiling. In policing, you could be applying for a search warrant and booking a suspect into our mock custody suite. The perfect launchpad for your future career.

Courses

Criminology BSc (Hons)/ MSci

Optional pathways in Victimology, Offender Management, Organised Crime and Terrorism.

Study options
Full-time
Foundation year
Placement year
Integrated Masters

Related courses

Law LLB (Hons)

Study options
Full-time
Full-time, accelerated
Part-time
Foundation year

Why study with us?

  • Top 20 for Forensics - Guardian League Table 2026
  • Top 20 for Criminology - Guardian League Table 2026
  • Cutting-edge simulation and immersive facilities where you can develop real-world skills in lifelike environments
  • Benefit from the latest insights in the sector through our partnership with Staffordshire Police - The Staffordshire Forensic Partnership, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2026 
  • Opportunities for Law students to gain real-world experience advising clients in our Legal Advice Service 
  • Opportunities to work on missing persons cases through our Cold Case Unit
  • Learn from experts in their fields, from ex-police officers to academics who are active in research
  • In 2026, we are celebrating 25 years of Forensics, with many of our alumni in exciting roles within fields such as police forces, private forensics organisations and research

Cutting-edge simulation facilities 

We've recently invested in our facilities, which range from our simulated prison cell and custody suite, to realistic living spaces and a shop. These environments can be turned into crime scenes and various other scenarios to re-create what you would find in real life.

We also have specialist forensics labs where you can get to grips with using equipment to analyse evidence.

Students can practise skills and processes that they'll need to know for their future career, so when they graduate they feel fully prepared. 

Careers and connections

Our graduates go on to work in a wide variety of fields across the criminal justice system, the emergency services and armed forces, civil service and related areas of the public and private sector. 

Below are just a few of the rewarding and varied roles our Law and Criminal Justice degrees could lead to: 

  • Prison and probation services 
  • Third sector (victim support, drug and alcohol support)
  • Crime scene officer
  • Police officer
  • Fraud investigator
  • Digital forensic examiner
  • DNA analyst 
  • Forensic biologist 
  • Firearms analyst
  • Further training to become a solicitor
  • Further training to become a barrister
  • Police staff investigator
  • Criminal justice worker
  • Border force officer
  • Police constable or detective constable 
  • Roles in the army as an officer or the Royal Military Police

Work placements

Through placements, internship, industry visits and volunteering opportunities, you can see what you learn put into practice in the workplace.

Our Staffordshire Forensic Partnership with Staffordshire Police and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner brings the latest insights from the sector, as well as networking and work placement opportunities.

There are also opportunities to work in our Cold Case Unit which provides the opportunity to work on cold missing persons cases.

Our Legal Advice Service offers Law students the opportunity to gain real-world experience interviewing and advising members of the local community on a wide range of legal matters. This helps build their skills while providing a vital service to those who need legal support.

The most rewarding area of my job is being able to provide evidence to go to court for charges and sentencing of criminals.
Sian Hill

Forensics graduate

Our students

They encourage me to always aim higher.

My lecturers are considerate, approachable and really professional, they encourage me to always aim higher. It is a very vibrant learning environment with networking events, competitions and a thriving Legal Advice Clinic. I find it an exciting and stimulating place to read law.

Leona Shala

Law LLB (Hons) Student

The staff pushed me to my absolute best. The teaching standard is second to none.

The staff pushed me to my absolute best. The teaching standard is second to none - enormously engaging teaching methods that mixed theoretical law with practical skills. Lecturers are approachable at any time and are always willing to assist you in any way that they can.

Thomas Hunt

Law LLB (Hons)

One of the many things I loved about the Forensic Science course was having hands on experience of mock criminal investigations, from collecting a piece of evidence in the crime scene house to analysing it in the laboratory.  This meant I was able to use a number of biological, chemical and analytical techniques to obtain as much information from that evidence as possible, so I have graduated with great knowledge and practical experience.

Tom Bird

Forensic Science Graduate

The Forensic science course at Staffs offered learning about a wide range of different fields within forensics; crime scene investigation, forensic biology, chemistry, digital forensics, firearms, court reporting, taught in the crime scene house, the court in Hanley…  

All of this was great because I hadn't known what type of work I wanted to pursue a career before university, and by learning all of these different fields provided tasters of the work they involved.  

Tina Kaur

MSci Forensic Science

You’re actually out in the field gaining experience

What I enjoy most about the course is that you’re not just sitting in a lecture theatre all of the time being spoken to. You’re actually out in the field gaining experience, you’re very practical, visiting prisons and having prison officers and governors come in and speak to us.

Danielle Hackett

Criminal Justice with Offender Management

It provides a real rich learning experience

The staff have got such a wide range of skills, from ex police officers and chief constables, all the way through to academics, it provides a real rich learning experience.

Alistair Morgan - Policing and Criminal Investigation Gradaute

It provides a real rich learning experience

The staff have got such a wide range of skills, from ex police officers and chief constables, all the way through to academics, it provides a real rich learning experience.

Alistair Morgan - Policing and Criminal Investigation Gradaute

Features

Student Experience - Trip to Lower Saxony Police Academy

Policing and Criminal Investigation student, Daniel Yasein, talks about the opportunity to visit Lower Saxony Police Academy in Germany, and the highlights of the experience.
Laws Students group photo at Manchester Civil Justice Centre

Laws Students Trip to Manchester Civil Justice Centre

Undergraduate law student Olivia Van Spriel, shares her experience on the opportunity to visit Manchester Civil Justice Centre.

Freedom Law Clinic

Law and Criminology students from the University of Staffordshire are currently developing their knowledge and professional skills in the field of criminal appeal cases.

Facilities

Grow real-world skills with the latest tools, tech and spaces.

We champion innovative teaching, bridging the gap between learning and real-world practice. You'll put theory into action by getting hands-on experience in our facilities, preparing you for your future career.

Simulation suites

We've recently invested in state-of-the art simulation facilities that are used to re-create realistic scenarios for you to practise techniques needed for the real world. From processing crime scenes and collecting evidence, to arresting suspects and working with offenders, our facilities provide a wealth of experiences in safe learning environments. Our mock courtrooms can also be used across several courses, you could be representing clients on legal matters, presenting forensic evidence or act as an expert witness.  

Specialist Labs

Our specialist forensics labs house equipment that you'll find in practice - this means you'll build your confidence before you go out into the workplace, helping you prepare for your future career. You could be analysing a wide range of physical evidence including fingerprints, footwear marks, glass, paint, documents, tools marks and firearms devices. 

 

Mock Courtrooms

One room is designed as a crown courtroom and the other for cases at magistrates’ court. Read more

Students can present legal arguments, act as expert witnesses, or take part in mooting.

Our digitally enabled mock court rooms are designed to create simulated scenarios for students to put theory in to practice and gain confidence, skills and knowledge to take forward in to their career. 

One room is designed as a crown courtroom and the other for cases at magistrates’ court. Students can present legal arguments, act as expert witnesses, or take part in mooting. Each space includes a dock, lawyers’ area and a bench for the judge or magistrates.

The courtrooms are used by a wide range of students from different perspectives including law students, policing, forensics, international relations and more, to give practice with not only mooting but also in presenting evidence and various other aspects of trials.

In our video, learn about simulation in our Mock Court Room, used by students to practice their skills to prepare them for their future career.
Watch video

Lifelike living space

The lifellike living space in Ashley 2 lets you practice your skills in a variety of non-clinical settings, including bedroom, bathroom, lounge and bedsit. Read more

Bedrooms:

The bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and is used for simulated crime scenes where students can practise investigative skills or social work and healthcare can use the space for urgent situations and interviews.

Lounges:

The lounges have a homely feel, with comfy furniture and framed photos. Students can use these spaces for policing or forensic investigations. Social work and healthcare can also use the space for realistic interviews and clinical emergencies.

Bathroom:

The bathroom provides a lifelike backdrop for students to practise their skills. It can be used a range of simulation scenarios, such as domestic crime scenes or clinical emergencies.

Bedsit:

With a kitchen diner, bedroom and bathroom, the bedsit provides a lifelike backdrop for students to practise their skills. Scenarios can range from gathering evidence at simulated crime scenes to dealing with clinical emergencies.
Watch video

Custody suite

There is a front desk where suspects are booked in after arrest. Read more

Other features include equipment for measuring height and taking fingerprints and custody photos, along with evidence bags and lockers for personal belongings.
Watch video

Prison cell

With its single bed and toilet, this space can be arranged as a holding cell for detainees. It’s where students can practise offender management techniques. The room can also be turned into a more long-term prison cell.

Watch video

Shop simulation space

The is ideal for simulated commercial crime scenes, where students can collect evidence and speak to witnesses or victims. Read more

They can also learn about retail law and deal with medical emergencies that occur to customers in the retail space. The space includes shelves, a counter and a small café. It’s ideal for simulated commercial crime scenes, where students can collect evidence and speak to witnesses or victims. They can also learn about retail law and deal with medical emergencies that occur to customers in the retail space.
Watch video

Office simulation space

The office space is kitted out with computers and desks, making it ideal for students’ digital forensic investigations. Read more

Students from a range of courses can also practise their interview skills using an appropriate scenario. 
Watch video

Outdoor simulation space

This area is used for forensic investigations, such as examining vehicles after crashes or collecting evidence from a crime scene. It can also double up as a clinical simulation area, with space for our training ambulance.

Watch video

Blood Room

Simulate blood spatter in our Trauma Analysis facility. There are two wet rooms with resources to help you recreate a crime scene and see what kind of blood spatter occurs from different scenarios with different weapons.  Read more

Simulate blood spatter in our Trauma Analysis facility. There are two wet rooms with resources to help you recreate a crime scene and see what kind of blood spatter occurs from different scenarios with different weapons. Resources include rails to hang materials on, paper rolls to place on the walls to record the spatter for analysis (or you can use the walls themselves), and a range of weapons and materials to simulate a physical body.
Watch video

Criminalistics Facilities

The equipment housed in our Criminalistics Laboratories enable our students to analyse a wide range of physical evidence including fingerprints, footwear marks, glass, paint, documents, tool marks and firearms evidence. Read more

We also have a DCS5 Fingerprint Imaging Workstation, Comparison Macro- and Microscope, a SuperFume Room, Visual Spectral Comparators and an Evidence Store, which equips our Forensic graduates with the skills and knowledge needed for future employment.
Watch video

Analytical Laboratory

Our Analytical Methods Laboratory has a comprehensive range of instrumentation for chemical analysis including chromatography, electrochemistry, molecular and atomic spectroscopy.

Watch video

Science Centre

Our £30 million Science Centre in Stoke-on-Trent contains specialist laboratories with the latest state-of-the-art equipment. Read more

Find out more about our Science Centre Facilities. 

Expertise

Natasha Thomas

Senior Lecturer

Natasha is a Solicitor & Senior Lecturer and the Course Lead for the LLB (HONS) Law degree. She is the clinic manager for the Legal Advice Service which provides free legal advice to the public in conjunction with our law students.

Natasha's profile

Dr Jodie Dunnett

Senior Lecturer

I am a senior lecturer and Course Leader for Forensic Science. I specialise in forensic chemistry, particularly forensic drug analysis.

Jodie's profile

Sarah Watson

Senior Lecturer

Sarah Watson is a Senior lecturer in Policing with an academic background with an interest in crime and human behaviors. And currently Undertaking a PhD that explores mass shooting incidents across Europe.

Sarah's profile

Justin Mason-Spanner

Lecturer

I spent 30 years in the Police completing my service as a nationally trained and accredited Senior Investigating Officer, managing murder investigations. I use my knowledge and experience to deliver modules within the course.

Justin's profile

Keith Wharton

Senior Lecturer

Keith served with West Midlands Police and the National Crime Squad and became a specialist in pro-active paedophile investigation and Head of Intelligence and Prison Intelligence. He is the Course Leader for LLB Law (Criminal Justice).

Keith's profile

David Flatman-Fairs

Senior Lecturer

David has been a lecturer at Staffordshire University since 2002, and is now Course Leader for Forensic Investigation. His expertise are in Chemical Analysis, Criminalistic Methods and Crime Scene Processing.

David's profile

Dr Claire Gwinnett

Professor

I am a Professor in Forensic and Environmental Science. I specialise in forensic fibres analysis, mircoplastics and plastic pollution, hair analysis, paint analysis and glass analysis.

Claire's profile

Donna Graham

Lecturer

I am the Course Leader for the LLB (Hons) Law 2 Year Accelerated Course and Course Leader for LLB (Hons) Law with Specialisms at the University of Staffordshire.

Donna's profile

Dr Samantha Spence

Course Director Associate Professor

Dr Spence is an Associate Professor of International Human Rights and Social Justice and Course Director for Law and International Relations programmes. Her focus is on advancing human rights protections for marginalised and vulnerable groups.

Samantha's profile

Aidan Flynn

Senior Lecturer

Aidan worked in three Law firms, before becoming a lecturer at Staffordshire University in 2016. He is Course Leader for the LLB (Hons) Law (Accelerated) and has expertise in Constitutional, EU and Human Rights Law.

Aidan's profile

Giles Gater

Senior Lecturer

Giles is a solicitor, senior lecturer, and course leader for the two-year accelerated law degree programme. Giles is a University of Staffordshire alumni, specialising in property law, tax law, cyber law, and artificial intelligence law.

Giles's profile

Dean Northfield

Senior Lecturer

Dean worked for West Yorkshire Police as a VIPER Officer (2 Years) then an Imaging Officer (6 years). He progressed to Senior Imaging Officer, before finishing his time at West Yorkshire Police in the Forensic Multimedia Unit

Dean's profile

Adam Newberry

Senior Lecturer

Adam, is the Course Leader for MSc Digital Forensic Investigation, specialising in Digital Forensics and Forensic Quality Standards. Adam worked in UK policing, performing a variety of operational digital investigations for several years.

Adam's profile

Dr Md Jobair Alam

Lecturer

I lead the LLM in International Law. I teach and conduct research in international law, refugee law, human rights, and minority studies. My research addresses the challenges vulnerable groups and refugees face in securing their rights.

Md Jobair's profile

Dr Rachael Stretch

Lecturer

I am a Lecturer in Law, specialising in Family Law, Law and Disability and SEND, Equity and Trusts, Quantitative Methodology, Comparative Methodology and Professionals and Mandatory Reporting.

Rachael's profile
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Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

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The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

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The Mail University Guide 2026

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