Criminology with Forensic Investigation BSc (Hons) – 2024 entry
Key information
Start date: September 2024
Award | UCAS code | Course duration |
---|---|---|
BSc (Hons) | UCAS: LF94 | 3 years |
BSc (Hons) | UCAS: LF95 | 4 years with professional training |
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
Course | UCAS code | Institution code |
---|---|---|
BSc (Hons) | LF94 | S85 |
BSc (Hons) with professional training | LF95 | S85 |
Why choose this course
Our BSc (Hons) Criminology with Forensic Investigation course will help you develop a critical perspective on contemporary issues relating to crime, deviance, the criminal justice system, and the processes of crime investigation.
Our award-winning Professional Training Placements scheme prepares students for roles in industry.
We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
What you will study
This course will develop your understanding of the concepts, theories, and principles of both criminology and forensic investigation. You will also learn how they apply to a range of crimes and criminal justice issues.
We will help you to develop your practical and analytical skills in addressing contemporary criminological and crime investigation challenges. You’ll also learn about the methods and analytical tools required to conduct and evaluate research on contemporary problems relating to crime, deviance, social control, criminal justice, and forensic investigation.
From the second year, you’ll also be able to choose from a variety of optional modules, to allow you to study more of the subjects that are of particular interest to you and your future career. Our modules are taught by experts in the field, meaning that content is always up-to-date and covers subjects at the cutting-edge of current issues and debate.
Facilities
You’ll benefit from our modern teaching facilities including a recently expanded and fully networked computer laboratory based in the Department. Students on this course will also benefit from learning that takes place in our Court of the Future, in our dedicated forensic investigation/crime scene spaces, and through virtual reality.
In addition to the in-person teaching, the course will be enhanced through the use of online resources, including videos, podcasts, web-based audience response systems and student discussion forums.
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Studying Criminology with Forensic Investigation will provide you with a broad social science foundation and a wide range of analytical, practical, and communication skills that are attractive to employers.
Our course gives you the knowledge - together with the research and analytical skills - that you need to pursue a professional career in criminal justice, forensic investigation, the public sector and civil service, business, education, the third sector, and social work.
The course also offers preparation for fields that involve investigative skills and working with diverse people, such as policing, journalism, politics, marketing, business, human resources, and public administration.
One of the benefits of a degree in criminology is flexibility in the job market. Some of the jobs our students have taken after graduation on our criminology programmes include:
- Learning Mentor and Therapy Assistant, St Dominic's School
- Case Administrator, National Offender Management Service
- Intelligence Researcher, Surrey Police
- Training Assistant, Citizens Advice Bureau
- Learning Support Assistant, St Luke's School
- Trainee Probation Officer, National Probation Service
- Police Constable
- Research Officer, HM Inspectorate of Prisons
- Student Recruitment Officer, PricewaterhouseCoopers
- HR Case Manager, Ministry of Justice
- Administrative Officer, The Access to Justice Foundation
- Strategy Officer, Youth Justice Board
- Senior PMO Analyst, Accenture UK
- Data Processor, McLaren Automotive Ltd
- Social Researcher, Office for National Statistics
- Assistant Director, Explore Learning.
In addition, many of our graduates have gone on to study for postgraduate degrees in a range of programmes and countries. We are also proud of our record of alumni who have continued education up to doctoral level and become academic scholars in their own right.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the Department of Sociology.
Programme leader
RHODES Claire (Sociology)
Academic year structure
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules usually can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course can be viewed on the relevant programme specification.
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Please choose 4 options - 2 in Semester 1 and 2 in Semester 2
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Please choose 5 options - 3 in Semester 1 and 2 in Semester 2
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Please choose 4 options - 2 in Semester 1 and 2 in Semester 2
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Please choose 5 options - 3 in Semester 1 and 2 in Semester 2
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
Teaching
At Surrey, we emphasise the development of your practical and analytical skills in addressing contemporary criminological and crime investigation problems and challenges.
You’ll benefit from a range of in-person teaching methods, including small group tutorials, projects and workshops, as well as lectures and classes, and practical activities and exercises. We find that our students learn effectively in this environment, and projects will contribute to the development of your personal skills in leadership, effective communication, and analytic ability.
During your studies, you’ll develop sophisticated skills in conducting both qualitative and quantitative research. Our excellent facilities – including a dedicated networked computer suite and technologically enhanced teaching rooms around the campus– are available to aid your studies.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Across the programme, assessment strategies will be wide, varied, and balanced to recognise and accommodate the needs of diverse learners. Assessments will range from the more traditional approaches of essay writing and other forms of coursework, in-class and online tests, individual and group presentations, portfolios, and research and other reports, to assessments based on practical activities designed to simulate 'real-world' environments.
We also embed employability into our module content and across the variety of assignments used to assess your performance. This is to help build your practical and analytical skills, and the focus on employability allows you to engage with ‘real world’ aspects of the subject area to help prepare you for employment following graduation.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
International entry requirements by country
Other international qualifications
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on RPL a for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information.
Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2024
BSc (Hons)
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
BSc (Hons) (with professional training year)
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
- Professional training
- To be confirmed
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Professional Training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
See the information about 2023/24 academic year Professional Training placement fees.
Additional costs
There are no associated costs with this course.
Optional expenses
Occasional optional trips to London or within Surrey will be organised by the School which may incur travel costs – £70 approximately.
These optional expenses are accurate as of September 2022 and apply to the 2023 year of entry. Expenses for 2024 entry will be published in September 2023.
Placements
Our award-winning Professional Training programme offers you the option to spend a career-enhancing year in industry, either in the UK or abroad. We have thousands of placement providers to choose from or you can source your own placement.
Most placements are paid, and we will support you every step of the way.
Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices.
Criminology placements
On our BSc (Hons) Criminology with Forensic Investigation course, you’ll have the option to enhance your knowledge by taking a year-long Professional Training placement between the second and third years of your degree.
As a result of the placement, we find that our students return to their final year significantly more confident, mature and organised, and with clearer career aspirations.
The process of preparing and applying for placement positions also significantly enhances job-seeking skills, which come into play in the final year and beyond when applying for graduate employment. After graduation, some students take up permanent posts with their professional placement employer.
We make every effort to identify possible placement opportunities according to your interests, career plans and location preferences.
While you are expected to find your own placement, support is available both internally in the Department of Sociology and through our careers service. Some of our placements are paid, usually in the region of £12,000-15,000 a year. If you work on an unpaid placement, you can claim extra financial support and may also work for a reduced amount of time.
Companies and organisations that have participated in the scheme include:
- Home Office
- HM Inspectorate of Prisons
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- HM Prison High Down
- Surrey Youth Support Service
- Ministry of Justice
- National Police Chiefs Council
- Surrey County Council.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement.
Find out more about the application process.
Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.
Study and work abroad
Studying at Surry opens up a world of opportunity. We want you to take advantage of our international partnerships, explore the world and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With more than 200 partnerships, from 50 different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone.
View our study and work abroad information to find out more and see where you can go.
Partner institutions
You have the choice between working at an overseas organisation or studying at one of our partner universities, including:
- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Seoul National University, South Korea
- University of Cincinnati, US
- North Carolina State University, US
- University of Central Florida, US
- Maryland University, College Park, US
- Monash University, Australia
- University of Queensland, Australia
- La Trobe University, Australia
- Brock University, Canada
- Virginia Commonwealth University, US
- University of North Carolina, Wilmington, US
- George Mason University, US.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions for the 2023/24 academic year and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/23 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH