Northumbria University Newcastle - Criminology and Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

Northumbria University Newcastle

Criminology and Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

Our Criminology and Forensic Science degree is taught by research-active criminologists and experienced former forensic practitioners and will give you an insight into the study of crime and its investigation within the criminal justice system.

  • The course has two distinct themes – the criminological theme covers the theory of crime, how society is policed and the issues and alternatives to custodial sentencing. The forensic science theme addresses the scientific theory and practical techniques that are used in crime scene examination and the laboratory to allow you to locate, examine and interpret evidential material for the courtroom. In doing so you will be provided with significant hands-on laboratory experience in, for example, analytical chemistry, blood pattern interpretation, DNA analysis and fibre examination.  You will have the opportunity to undertake a one-year placement within the scientific field after the second year of study.
  • This degree is designed to support and inspire you to high achievement and professionalism in your future career. Building on fundamental knowledge and laboratory skills, you will develop into an independent graduate who can tackle complex problems with confidence, skill and maturity.

Entry Requirements

Standard Entry

120 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths, English Language and a Science at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

Career Prospects

The course has a strong industry-related focus. It includes an optional one-year work placement, STEM ambassador activities, volunteering activities within the local communities, work-based learning and/or study abroad. We offer an innovative approach to work-based learning with an emphasis on problem-solving. The curriculum has been specifically designed to enhance your subject knowledge and practical skills while providing opportunities for personal and professional development.

Your positive attitude, ethics and approach is developed through team working, independent learning, professional practice and volunteering opportunities. You will graduate able to articulately and effectively communicate with a wide range of audiences through a variety of platforms.

Course Details

  • The course has a strong industry-related focus. It includes an optional one-year work placement, STEM ambassador activities, volunteering activities within the local communities, work-based learning and/or study abroad. We offer an innovative approach to work-based learning with an emphasis on problem-solving. The curriculum has been specifically designed to enhance your subject knowledge and practical skills while providing opportunities for personal and professional development.
  • Your positive attitude, ethics and approach is developed through team working, independent learning, professional practice and volunteering opportunities. You will graduate able to articulate and effectively communicate with a wide range of audiences through a variety of platforms.
  • The fundamental practices and procedures of criminology and forensic science, together with logical thinking, attention to detail and a questioning mind, establish transferable skills to a range of careers and disciplines. Confidence, developed through intellectual curiosity, practical and theoretical problem solving, enables criminology and forensic science graduates to respectively interact in professional arenas.

Year One

Practical Skills in Forensic Science (Core,20 Credits)
Process and Practices in Forensic Science (Core,20 Credits)
Fundamentals of Biology and Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)
Explaining Crime (Core,20 Credits)
Crime Myths and Realities (Core,20 Credits)
The Criminal Justice System 1 (Core,20 Credits)
Academic Language Skills for Applied Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Year Two

Body Fluids and Blood Pattern Analysis (Core,20 Credits)
Drugs and Toxicology (Core,20 Credits)
DNA Profiling (Core,20 Credits)
Concepts, Perspectives and Theories in Criminology (Core,20 Credits)
Sex Work: Theory, Practice, Regulation (Optional,20 Credits)
The Criminal Justice System 2 (Core,20 Credits)
Drugs, Crime and Society (Optional,20 Credits)

Year Three

Study Abroad (Optional,120 Credits)
Academic Exchange Semester Study Abroad (Optional,60 Credits)
Industrial Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
Year in International Business (This is made up of modules studied in Newcastle (Semester 1) & Amsterdam (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)
Year in International Multidisciplinary Innovation (4 modules studied in Amsterdam (Semester 1) & Newcastle (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)

Year Four

Complex Casework (Core,20 Credits)
Advanced Forensic Investigation (Core,20 Credits)
Interdisciplinary Criminology and Forensic Science Dissertation (Core,40 Credits)
Contemporary Policing and Security (Optional,20 Credits)
Crimes of the Powerful (Optional,20 Credits)
Mentally Disordered Offenders (Optional,20 Credits)
Crime, Animals and the Environment (Optional,20 Credits)
Understanding Extreme Violence (Optional,20 Credits)
Life after Crime (Optional,20 Credits)
Crime, Technology and Surveillance (Optional,20 Credits)
Social Harm (Optional,20 Credits)
Intimate Partner Violence (Optional,20 Credits)

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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