---
title: "BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminal Investigation"
description: "Start your journey with a BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminal Investigation degree offered online at Arden. Kickstart your Forensic career with our bachelor’s/undergraduate course. Apply now!"
canonical: "https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/undergraduate/bsc-hons-forensic-and-criminal-investigation"
published: 2022-04-21
updated: 2026-07-15
author: "Arden University"
---

# BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminal Investigation

## Course details and modules

Your course modules begin by taking you through the entire forensic investigative process, from the scene of the crime to the courtroom. Each module will link offences, offenders, law enforcement, forensic personnel, laws, and legislation, helping bring evidence to life. Using our unique virtual environment, you’ll also have the opportunity to assume the role of a crime scene investigator, detective, civilian investigator, and coroner, helping you translate theoretical principles to the real-world scenarios you might face in your future role.

Later in the course you’ll study the academic components of forensic science, and the use of a wide range of modern forensic techniques, including forensic trace analysis, forensic biology and anthropology, and environmental forensics. Through level 5 elective modules, you’ll also be able to adapt your curriculum to your individual areas of interest.

![Emma Gera](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2023-11/Untitled%20design_0.png)

The Virtual Reality scenes per module added a 'real-life' touch that was extremely helpful. The online course felt personal - the teachers' support was exceptional. Lectures, tutors, and a goldmine of online resources made my journey even better.

Emma Gera

BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminal Investigation

### Modules

Level 4

- Introduction to Forensic Investigation (20 credits)
- Introduction to Criminal Investigation (20 credits)
- Police Custody (20 credits)
- Witnesses: An Introduction (20 credits)
- Criminal Investigation: Procedures and Practices (20 credits)
- Analysis and Application of Forensics (20 credits)

Level 5

- **Core Modules**
- Forensic Trace Analysis (20 credits)
- Forensic Biology (20 credits)
- Civilian Employability (20 credits)
- Death Investigation and the Coroner (20 credits)
- **Optional Modules**
- Transnational Organised Crime (20 credits)
- Intelligence (20 credits)
- Community Policing (20 credits)

Level 6

- Forensic Anthropology (20 credits)
- Environmental Forensics (20 credits)
- Law Enforcement: Vulnerability and Risk (20 credits)
- Special Investigations Portfolio (60 credits)

### Authentic assessments. No exams.

Unlike on more traditional degree programmes, you won’t be sitting any exams on this BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminal Investigation. Instead, the course utilises authentic, real-world assessments that replicate the observations, interviews, and reports that would be conducted in the field as part of a real forensic and criminal investigation.

## Study options

![Louise Harris](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2023-11/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_0.png)

Distance Learning has allowed me to study whilst maintaining a full-time job, as lessons can be accessed at a time that suits my schedule. The tutors and guest speakers have a wealth of experience from careers in forensics and criminal investigation, and I have particularly enjoyed hearing cases from their perspective.

Louise Harris

BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminal Investigation

#### How does it work?

Studying this course online gives you the ultimate in convenience. As one of our online students, you'll study your degree through iLearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud, which provides everything you need to study at university.

#### Learn within an immersive virtual reality environment

This ground-breaking course uses a custom-built immersive virtual environment to put you at the heart of the crime scene. You’ll be able to place yourself into the scenario that is being presented, providing a seamless integration between your course content and our supplementary virtual crime world. Each of the modules studied in each year are linked by offences, offenders, law enforcement and forensic personnel. You will be assuming these different roles as you navigate through the crime world, investigating various offences that have been presented to you.

As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll also be studying with like-minded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. You’ll also have access to our Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our [fees and funding page](https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/fees-and-funding/undergraduate-loans). If you're a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

[**Learn more about online learning**](https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/online-learning)

## Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.

### Eligibility

To be eligible for our BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminal Investigation, you should normally have:

- Two subjects at GCE A level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent.
- Alternative level 3 qualifications will also be considered, including Access to HE, a BTEC Extended Diploma, or internationally equivalent.

We’re also happy to consider your application if you can demonstrate your ability to study the course via previous work experience, references, and a personal statement.

### English proficiency

- IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 90; or equivalent.
- Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the medium of instruction was in English can be accepted.

## Meet the faculty

![Dr. Emma Winlow](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2022-10/IMG_3568.JPG)

Dr. Emma Winlow obtained her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Criminology and Crime & Justice from the University of Chester and completed her PhD at the University of Gloucestershire. A public criminologist, Emma has extensive leadership and management experience in higher education and is passionate about accessibility, inclusion, and employability in teaching and learning. She established the School of Criminal Justice with these practices in mind. Emma is also a member of the British Society of Criminology and the British Society of Criminology’s Teaching and Learning Network.

Dr. Emma Winlow

Head of School – School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Law

## Career prospects

Our BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminal Investigation will provide you with the foundations you need to continue on with further study and for future work in the field of forensic and criminal investigation.

related courses

- [ BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation  ](https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/undergraduate/bsc-policing-and-criminal-investigation)
- [ BA (Hons) Criminology and Law  ](https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/undergraduate/criminology-degrees/ba-hons-criminology-law)

- [ Criminology and Law articles  ](https://arden.ac.uk/knowledge-base/subject-areas/criminology-and-law)
- [ Career Advice  ](https://arden.ac.uk/knowledge-base/career-advice)

### What will the BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminal Investigation do for me?

You’ll graduate from this course with real practical insight into forensic and criminal investigation, including an in-depth understanding of:

- The major themes and practical underpinnings of forensic and criminal investigations
- The knowledge and skills required to undertake a forensic investigation from start to completion
- The roles of different personnel and how they work together to achieve a common goal
- A wide range of forensic techniques used for collecting and analysing criminal evidence

### What can I do after Arden University?

This course is for anyone interested in learning more about forensic investigation and pursuing a career within the wider forensic area. It is also an opportunity to take a fascinating deep dive into how forensic investigation works to provide you with universal skills for your future.

Additional benefits of the course include:

This degree qualifies graduates for entry to the UK police force through the degree holders entry route.

You’ll gain the academic knowledge needed for the entry route into a variety of civilian roles, such as civilian investigative officer, private financial investigator, or intelligence analyst.

If you’re currently working as a police officer or civilian within the law enforcement family, but don’t have a degree, the flexibility of this course and its online format means you can study part-time while working.

### Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your course with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources we’ve put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.

Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:

- Office 365 subscription
- Integrated zoom video conferencing
- Careers support available through Arden Futures, your careers platform, to help you throughout your career journey whether you are a Career Starter, Changer or Developer
- Perlego online library, giving you access to over half a million books, journals, and articles
- Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support.

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