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We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Are you interested in crime, forensic science, policing and the law, but unsure which subject to study? You’ll cover them all on our Crime and Investigative Studies degree course.
We combine crime scene examination and procedures around ISO accreditation with other crime-related subjects, such as policing, intelligence and the law. You’ll learn about forensics, policing, the law and the important of a methodical crime-scene process from lecturers with first-hand experience in the field.
We’ll help you to understand the practical aspects of crime, and how they affect everyday investigations. You’ll look at different types of crime – from burglary through to murder – and find out how these are investigated by the Police, and how other agencies such as fire and rescue contribute to investigations.
As a BSc (Hons) Crime and Investigative Studies student at ARU, you’ll learn not only how to process a crime scene but also how to investigate a crime from scratch. We’ll consider all the processes involved through modules including Forensic Scene Examination.
Our three-year degree course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) and explores traditional investigative methods used by the Police, as well as newer approaches such as evidence-based policing. You will also learn how to present professional reports in both a policing environment and within a court of law.
You will gain real-world experience through work placements, internships and field trips, and career possibilities in criminal justice, crime analysis, fire investigation, fraud, policing and victim support.
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2nd year Students can apply to volunteer with the Cold Case Unit. You’ll develop a range of investigative, administrative, organisational, research, analytical, critical thinking, team working and collaboration, and technical skills that you can take forward into the workplace.
Locate InternationalA voluntary project where students work on real world problems presented to them by public organisations. Partners have included Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Essex and West Midlands Police, Fire & Rescue Services, local councils and charities.
More about SHoKEOur new civic initiative, ARU in the Community: A Trusted Adult Scheme (TAS), brings together a team of youth support workers, the network of child protection practitioners, academics and trained adults/students to work together to advance our understanding of the needs of the children and young people that participate in the programme.
More about TASOur three-year degree course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, the professional body for forensic practitioners in the UK and internationally.
As a Crime and Investigative Studies student at ARU you'll be able to:
Choose Crime and Investigative Studies at ARU and:
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Associate Professor
Deputy Head of School
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Senior Lecturer
As a Crime and Investigative Studies graduate, you’ll be ready to work in various areas of the criminal justice system – particularly policing, crime scene examination, prisons and security – as well as government intelligence agencies.
The legal and criminology elements of the course open up career possibilities in social and youth work, crime analysis, victim support and legal work. Some of our graduates have gone on to work at:
ARU graduates of this course earn on average £2,500 more per year than the sector average 15 months after graduating. Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. If you’d like to continue your studies we offer a wide range of full-time and part-time postgraduate courses. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
ARU ranked in the top 10% in the country for graduates in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024), and 5th in the country for the proportion of UK undergraduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating. We're also in the top 10% in the country for the number of graduates in employment and further study who agreed they are using what they learnt during their studies.
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
"If you look for similar courses in the UK, you won’t find anything quite like what ARU offers. We have practical sessions almost every week. It truly is a wonderful experience."
Nick, BSc (Hons) Crime and Investigative Studies student
Follow Nick's university journeyJoin the Forensics and Crime society for a place to socialise, meet other students with similar interests, and get involved in fun events that offer a chance to take a break from lectures or labs! Course based societies are a great way to get supported socially and academically.
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Explore CambridgeDo you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
You have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.
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