Forensic Investigation

BSc (Hons)

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

UCAS code

FM13

Start dates available

  • September 2026

Start dates available

  • September 2026

Start dates available

  • September 2026

Our Forensic Investigation degrees are ideal for those who have a strong interest in criminalistics, forensics, crime scene science and evidence analysis. We will equip you for a career working with the police, a forensic provider or any other investigative or intelligence agency, such as the Home Office, HM Customs and Excise. Our industry standard facilities include a crime scene house, specialist laboratories and equipment to give you practical skills and knowledge for when you graduate.

The Foundation Year option is available for those who may not have the academic profile for direct entry onto the 3-year degree. It will prepare you for the Forensic Investigation degree by studying modules such as Crime in Context and Theories of Criminality.

The Foundation year is taught with the City of Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College, so you will be on the Staffordshire University Stoke on Trent campus and the college's campus for the first year. 

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation

Duration

University of Staffordshire undergraduate courses are usually 3 years for full-time study.

Courses which offer other study options have longer durations:

  • Full-time with a placement year, 4 years
  • Full-time with a foundation year, 4 years
  • Part-time, 4-9 years

Work placements

If you choose to transfer to the Placement Year route or MSci route after your foundation year, then you will have the opportunity to complete a placement. If you choose to study the Forensic Investigation with a Placement Year course, you will complete a placement after the third year of the course, whilst the MSci route has an integrated masters placement in the final (what would be the fifth) year.

Learn how to manage crime scenes, analyse crucial evidence and help with real forensic cases on this exciting hands-on course.

From day one, you’ll learn real-world skills including crime scene photography. To prepare you for the ever-evolving nature of crime, we’ve also brought digital forensics into the heart of the course. You’ll be able to handle video and audio evidence and extract data from mobile phones, computers and drones.

Using our £2m simulation facilities, you’ll use real-world techniques to process realstic crime scenes, interview witnesses and present your findings in our mock courtroom. In our specialist labs, you’ll analyse hairs, fibres, glass marks and documents, and use our automated fingerprint ID system. There will be strong support from our technical team.

You’ll also have the chance to apply your skills as a forensic investigator in the real world, enhancing your experience for employability.

Through our Staffordshire Forensic Partnership, our forensics students can apply for exclusive placement and volunteering opportunities with Staffordshire Police across a range of specialisms including digital, fingerprint visualisation and examination, submissions, and forensic investigation.

Students can apply to join our Cold Case Unit, supporting investigators on missing person cases.

The degree prepares students for varied careers with police forces, forensic providers and investigative agencies.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation

Duration

University of Staffordshire undergraduate courses are usually 3 years for full-time study.

Courses which offer other study options have longer durations:

  • Full-time with a placement year, 4 years
  • Full-time with a foundation year, 4 years
  • Part-time, 4-9 years

Work placements

If you choose to study Forensic Investigation with a Placement Year, you will complete a placement between the second and final years of the course. If you opt to study the MSci Forensic Investigation, then you will complete an integrated masters placement in your fourth year. Our placement staff will work with you to identify a suitable location for your work placement. Please also note that you are responsible for any costs incurred in travelling to and from your work placement, and for any accommodation costs.

Our Forensic Investigation degrees are ideal for those who have a strong interest in criminalistics, forensics, crime scene science and evidence analysis. We will equip you for a career working with the police, a forensic provider or any other investigative or intelligence agency, such as the Home Office, HM Customs and Excise.

Our industry standard facilities include a crime scene house, specialist laboratories and equipment to give you practical skills and knowledge for when you graduate.

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation with a Placement Year has been designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience by taking a year-long placement in industry. The placement takes place between the second and final year of study.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation

Duration

University of Staffordshire undergraduate courses are usually 3 years for full-time study.

Courses which offer other study options have longer durations:

  • Full-time with a placement year, 4 years
  • Full-time with a foundation year, 4 years
  • Part-time, 4-9 years

Work placements

If you choose to study this Forensic Investigation with a Placement Year course, you will complete a placement between the second and final years of the course. Our placement staff will work with you to identify a suitable location for your work placement. Please also note that you are responsible for any costs incurred in travelling to and from your work placement, and for any accommodation costs.

Course content

In Year 1, you will build on your academic skills by discussing the different Theories of Criminality and Crime in Context, as well as learning about the Principles of Law.

In Year 2, you will be introduced to Forensic Scientific Techniques, including Digital Evidence Processing and Crime Scene Processing.

During Year 3, You will enhance your investigative skills, analyse and interpret a range of criminalistic and biological evidence types and you will build on your Digital Evidence Processing knowledge with an advanced module. You will begin designing your final year research project and choose one option module, such as Firearm Investigation, Forensic Archaeology and Vehicle Collision Investigation.

In Year 4, our BSc (Hons) students put forensic knowledge into practice by working on simulated crime scenes, analysing the evidence and presenting in court as an Expert Witness. You’ll also complete your independent research project in a current forensic field

First year:

Using our simulation facilities, you’ll learn how to process a crime scene, including sketching and photographing the scene, protecting evidence from contamination, and packaging samples. These are important skills if you want to become a scenes of crime officer (SOCO) or investigator.

We’ll start to build your digital forensic skills, including extracting evidence from mobile phones and other equipment. There will be an introduction to forensic scientific techniques in our labs.

You will also cover policing theory and the role of evidence-based policing. Optional modules delve into topics like missing person investigations and techniques used to detect fraud and forgeries.

Second year:

You’ll look at biological and chemical concepts, including DNA, how to test for the presence of body fluids and interpret blood spatter patterns. We will explore techniques for analysing fingerprints, footwear impressions, fibres and glass.

You’ll look at more complex software for processing digital evidence. To build your skills as an investigator, you will learn how to manage a crime scene and interview witnesses and complainants.

For one of the optional modules, you can find out how vehicle collision investigators reconstruct crashes and examine human, mechanical and environmental factors. Other options include firearms investigations and forensic anthropology.

Third year:

You’ll bring together everything you’ve learnt by experiencing a case from crime scene to court. As part of small team, you’ll process a mock crime scene and document your evidence, then analyse samples in the lab. You will compile a report and be cross-examined on your findings in a mock courtroom.

Other modules explore the role of expert witnesses and new and emerging forensic technologies. You can also join our forensic field school and gain practical experience alongside forensic investigators.

You will complete an in-depth forensic research project.

In Year 1, you will be introduced to Forensic Scientific Techniques, including Digital Evidence Processing and Crime Scene Processing.

During Year 2, You will enhance your investigative skills, analyse and interpret a range of criminalistic and biological evidence types and you will build on your Digital Evidence Processing knowledge with an advanced module. You will begin designing your final year research project and choose one option module, such as Firearm Investigation, Forensic Archaeology and Vehicle Collision Investigation. You will look for and apply for placement opportunities supported by the careers team and placements lead in the department.

Students successful in finding a placement will spend Year 3 on placement and will be visited by their University placement tutor.

In Year 4, our BSc (Hons) students put forensic knowledge into practice by working on simulated crime scenes, analysing the evidence and presenting in court as an Expert Witness. You’ll also complete your independent research project in a current forensic field

Professional body accreditation

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.

Professional body accreditation

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

Professional body accreditation

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 0 compulsory modules
Year 0 compulsory modules
Academic Skills 20 credits
Crime In Context 20 credits
Introduction To Critical Thinking And Argument 20 credits
Sociology Of Crime 20 credits
Theories Of Criminality And An Introduction From Crime Scene To Courtroom 40 credits
Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Case Studies In Criminal Justice 20 credits
Crime Scene Processing 20 credits
Digital Evidence Processing 20 credits
Introduction To Forensic Scientific Techniques 20 credits
Policing Theory 20 credits
Show 2 optional modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Digital Evidence Processing 20 credits
Bodies Of Evidence 20 credits
Investigative Skills 20 credits
Marks And Traces 20 credits
Research Skills In Forensics 20 credits
Show 4 optional modules

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Case Studies In Criminal Justice 20 credits
Crime Scene Processing 20 credits
Digital Evidence Processing 20 credits
Introduction To Forensic Scientific Techniques 20 credits
Policing Theory 20 credits
Show 2 optional modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Digital Evidence Processing 20 credits
Bodies Of Evidence 20 credits
Investigative Skills 20 credits
Marks And Traces 20 credits
Research Skills In Forensics 20 credits
Show 4 optional modules

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Case Studies In Criminal Justice 20 credits
Crime Scene Processing 20 credits
Digital Evidence Processing 20 credits
Introduction To Forensic Scientific Techniques 20 credits
Policing Theory 20 credits
Show 2 optional modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Digital Evidence Processing 20 credits
Bodies Of Evidence 20 credits
Investigative Skills 20 credits
Marks And Traces 20 credits
Research Skills In Forensics 20 credits
Show 4 optional modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Criminal Justice And Forensic Science Industrial Placement 120 credits

Entry requirements

What do I need?

UCAS

48 UCAS points

A Levels

A, DD, EEE

BTEC

PPP

Work out your estimated grades using the UCAS calculator

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

What do I need?

UCAS

112-120 UCAS points

A Levels

BBC

BTEC

DMM

Work out your estimated grades using the UCAS calculator

Other UK qualifications

  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

We welcome applications from students studying a range of international and UK qualifications, including Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers and the Irish Leaving Certificate. Offers will normally be made in line with our standard entry requirements and may include specific grade requirements in relevant subjects.

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

What do I need?

UCAS

112-120 UCAS points

A Levels

BBC

BTEC

DMM

Work out your estimated grades using the UCAS calculator

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

Careers

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Graduates from our BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation degree have progressed onto a wide range of careers: 

  • Crime scene officers (progressing to managers)
  • Police officers
  • Prison officers
  • Intelligence research officers
  • Laboratory analysts
  • Fraud investigators
  • Digital forensic examiners
  • Teachers
  • Forensic technicians
  • Forensic imaging analysts 
  • Fingerprint analysts

Some also undertake further study, including on our MSc Digital Forensic Investigation masters course. 

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Fees

For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time, with a foundation year
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,790 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £17,085 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time, with a foundation year
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,790 per year of study £17,085 per year of study

For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time, with a foundation year
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,790 per year of study £17,085 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Apply now to Forensic Investigation

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time, with a foundation year 21 September 2026 Apply now

Apply now to Forensic Investigation

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 21 September 2026 Apply now

Apply now to Forensic Investigation

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time, with a placement year 21 September 2026 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

Information from discover uni

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of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021