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BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies

UCAS CODE: CJF1 (Full-time) or CJF4 (Foundation Year)
TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)
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  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Three or Four Years
  • Start Date: September 2025

Gain experience that enhance your employability and critical skills in the forensics and criminology sector. We will build up your knowledge of forensics and criminology from a range of different perspectives, with professional insight and in demand skills to empower you in this competitive area. 

If you have an interest in preventing crime and helping victims and perpetrators alike this course is the perfect opportunity for you to get involved at an exciting level. 

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No. 1 in the UK for Student Satisfaction*
*Positivity ranking amongst registered students (NSS 2024)
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No. 1 Students' Union in the UK*
*Based on responses from registered students (NSS 2024)
Why study BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies?

Criminology and Forensics teaches you some key criminology modules and also dives into some of our forensic modules too. Our course covers the methods police use to do forensic investigations. This can take a lot of different forms, including digital forensics such as online profiles and activity and physical forensics such as fingerprints and DNA evidence. We will give you a comprehensive overview of the methods used nationally and internationally so you could use your knowledge globally. 

Gain access to a simulated crime scene where you can learn how to collect forensic evidence or test your own research. You'll be able to use our VR system to test body reactions and reaction time, study police interviews in our interview suite and more. Take the lead with your newfound skills and you’ll find opportunities in the probation services, police, cybercrime, national security, law and more.

Many of our graduates have gone on to work in the police, national security, and prison services, either in probation or in crime prevention and policy. If you dream of working in forensics helping to solve cases and prevent crime this course is a perfect stepping stone towards that.

We believe in giving you the freedom to make your career your own. That's why we introduce you to various different subjects in your first year, and then allow you to choose a course after you've got a taste of them all, if your goals change. You can choose to stay on BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies or switch to BSc (Hons) Criminology or BSc (Hons) Criminology and Law.

These specialisms are also offered as four-year programmes, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme and are available if you didn't meet the entry requirements. Our university is close to London and the capital is on your doorstep, this is perfect if you want to commute to university while remaining close to friends and family.

Criminology and Forensic Studies working at table with items
table of items for criminology and forensic studies sessions
Criminology and Forensic Studies students in protective clothing
student holding criminology items during forensic studies
Criminology and Forensic Studies students acting out a scenario

What facilities can I use?

Our criminology degree has a wealth of opportunities for you to get stuck into thanks to our diverse range of facilities. You can get access to a simulated crime scene and learn how to collect forensic evidence or can test your own theories and get to grips with VR, police interviews and more. This facility is complete with bloodstains, fingerprints and a range of evidence. It is lead by a former member of the police detective unit. 

We have a full range of facilities that can help prepare you for whatever career you choose to pursue within criminology. Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments, with diverse reading material and there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study. 

You can also use our AppsAnywhere web service, which provides access to many of the software applications you use for learning and studying. AppsAnywhere can be used from your own device or from a University owned PC or laptop, from any location.

Criminology testing equipment of table shown as evidence
police

What will I study?

Our criminology course shares its first year with the other criminology courses. This means we can introduce you to various specialisms at the start, and if you want to study a different specialism you can choose to switch to a different criminology course after the first year.

On this course you will be able to combine the study of criminology with the study of forensic science. This course will give you the opportunity to examine skills necessary for the collection and preserving of forensic evidence, reporting and analysing this information for practical application in court, prison services and other areas.  

Current issues and challenges faced in this sector are all discussed within a scientific and evidence-based framework with a focus on applied actions and potential solutions. Criminological theories are therefore applied to potential practice scenarios throughout the degree, which you may encounter throughout the course of your career. 

You’ll be able to benefit from skills, experience and our knowledge from industry, as we prepare you with the confidence and ability to pursue a career in the subject you love. We will ensure you leave BNU prepared the best you can be to chase your dreams after graduation.

How will I be taught and assessed?

Assessments vary according to modules and are designed to test your understanding of the modules. Some of the ways you will be assessed include:

  • reports
  • exams
  • presentations
  • workshops

BSc (Hons) Criminology Programme Specification

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Two male students reading at the library
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Criminology testing equipment of table shown as evidence

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

For details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our .

Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BSc (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Core Modules
Learn the key principles of human behaviour and how they relate to other fields of study and practice. Discover more about the cognitive and social aspects of human behaviour such as how we perceive, remember and think, what motivates us, and how we interact with others. You will also develop your academic writing skills for research.
Discover how research drives the fundamentals of science degrees. You will explore the fascinating world of research and its different types, such as: Quantitative and qualitative research, Primary and secondary research, Experimental and observational research. You will also learn how to apply research methods in your studies.
Dive into the core principles and theories that form the foundation of education, sport, psychology, criminology, health and social sciences. This module will enable you to identify the principles of human science across different disciplines and apply them as you progress to your chosen pathway.
ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ the theoretical underpinnings of communication. We equip you with the skills to navigate various communication scenarios. You will develop an understanding of effective communication techniques, the influence of context, and the nuances of verbal and non-verbal cues. You’ll be better able to present your ideas to others.
Make the connections between multiple subjects within human and social science with this module. You will explore the theories at the intersection of human sciences. This will provide you with a platform to examine how different theories shape our understanding and contribute to the complexities of shared human experience.
Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, testing your problem-solving abilities. The module will see you taking part in industry focused studies in a group project. By the end of this module, you will learn how to think on your toes, lead and innovate to get the knowledge you learned from your degree into practice.
Core Modules
Credits
This module introduces you to the core concepts of ‘crime’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’, and debates around these that form the foundation of understanding in criminology. You’ll explore key criminological approaches/theories to understanding ‘crime’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’ and the impact of the historical and social contexts within which they have emerged.
This module has two strands, the first introduces you to issues in contemporary British (and other) societies. You’ll explore debates relating to society, identity and diverse social groups. The second strand is the ‘Academic Skills’ programme which introduces you to the use of academic evidence and integrity as well as other key academic skills.
On this module, you’ll examine the scope of policy and the policy-making process. You’ll discuss what is meant by a ‘social problem’ by examining political ideologies and the shifting relationship between state and citizen. We’ll explore policy issues and how research is used to produce evidence to influence governments and other agencies.
This module introduces you to the key debates, issues and relevance of the character, role and impact of all forms of media in contemporary societies. You’ll explore the many ways in which media infiltrates and shapes our social worlds, giving you a working understanding of the social science of the many-sided facets of media.As most workplaces nee...

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This module covers the core concepts of ‘punishment’, ‘justice’ and ‘victimisation’ and debates around these that form the basis of understanding in criminology and criminal justice. A history of punishment and penology will focus in particular on the question of how and why punishment has changed over time including the ways in which punishment fo...

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Core Modules
Credits
This module covers ‘forms of crime’ in contemporary late modern societies. Taking a critical approach to the notion of ‘crime’, we’ll explore role of power in processes of criminalisation, crime, social harm and responses to ‘crime’. You’ll analyse ways criminal justice and societal processes are implicated in hierarchies of crime and criminality.
On this module, we’ll support your work-related learning activities and encourage you to reflect on your development as future graduate employees. You’ll apply learning from your degree to practice and set goals for your development as future professionals. You’ll be supported in setting goals and developing plans for your work- related activities.
This module builds your knowledge of research methods. You’ll examine key concepts from social research and discuss the important contribution of research to your discipline area. You’ll be introduced to research issues and gain a foundation for the understanding of research methods required for your dissertation and career development.
This module introduces forensic science, with a focus on crime scene evidence and its subsequent laboratory-based forensic examination or analysis. You’ll gain an understanding of the techniques involved in crime scene investigation, the processing order of evidence gathering and the preservation and documentation of the crime scene.
We’ll help you advance your knowledge on the requirements of continuity of evidence, allowing you to develop the specific and generic research, as well as the analytical and critical skills, that are required for effective evidence handling and interpretation within, and for the purposes of, a courtroom setting.
Core Modules
Credits
The module deepens your understanding of criminal justice and penal systems through the analysis of policy issues in criminal justice systems, in particular parts of the UK, Europe, the USA and east Asia. You’ll consider the usefulness of studying cross-national issues, understanding different ways that justice is operationalised around the world.
This module provides a supportive framework for undertaking an independent extended research study. You’ll choose which type and methodology of research to follow in this project, such as a literature-based project; an empirical project using various methods; or an applied dissertation. The bulk of teaching involves individual supervision sessions.
You’ll gain an understanding of the legislative and regulatory nature of the Forensic Science profession and professionalism required within any forensic-setting work. We’ll debate contemporary issues, including personal integrity, technical competence, decision-making, solving dilemmas, and the current political and ethical context of the field.
This module helps you to understand the relationship between psychology and criminal investigations and punishment and rehabilitation by showing how psychological research and theory can inform the investigative process. It covers the application of psychological knowledge to the investigative processes and the role of the Forensic Psychologist.
Optional Modules
Credits
On this module, you’ll explore the rise of technology, its impact on criminal behaviour, attempts to use it to reduce crime, and the debate on the extent to which it can be used as a form of social control and correction. We’ll identify examples of emerging forms of human activity classified as criminal as a result of developments in technology.
This module critically examines the issue of vulnerability in relation to the criminal justice system. It focuses on issues pertaining to disability and mental health, both in the context of offenders and victims. You’ll develop a critical analytical approach by applying relevant concepts to contemporary practices to aid understanding.
The aim of this module is to allow you to explore and analyse contemporary environmental issues within the framework of green criminology and social harm. The changing nature of the planet is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity and you’ll examine the nature of environmental changes alongside the consequences of environmental change.
This module introduces you to the study of radicalisation, including gaining an understanding of the evolution of the concept and related concerns about, different manifestations of radicalisation, terrorism and threats to security. We’ll explore and challenge your knowledge of the controversial aspects of this subject.

What are the tuition fees

Home
  • Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £5,760 *
  • Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 per year *
International
  • Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 *
  • Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 per year *

Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes. 

Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.   

Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.   

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.   

We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU. 

The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing advice@bnu.ac.uk.

What are my career prospects?

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders.

We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

Our Criminology programme is a springboard for entry into probation and related roles in the criminal justice system, whether that’s in the police, the court, probation, prison or crime related research organisation. Some of the careers you could pursue include:

  • probation services
  • national security
  • police force
  • cybercrime and prevention
  • criminal justice
  • law and forensics

Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course at BNU.

Course leader

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Dr Keelin Howard
  • Senior Lecturer
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Dr George Clerk
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Dr Anne Chappell
  • Senior Lecturer
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Elaine Welsh
  • Senior Lecturer
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Laura Williams
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