BSc (Hons) Crime and Investigative Studies

  • January start available
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Introduction

Hear from our staff and students

Studying Crime and Investigative Studies at ARU

Get exposure to the real world of crime and investigation. Our Cambridge-based degree course covers forensic science, crime scene processing, policing and the law.

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Study at an award-winning university

We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Why study Crime and Investigative Studies at ARU?

  • Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, the professional body for forensic practitioners in the UK and internationally, meaning you will have the maximum opportunity to gain the essential skills for a career in this field.
  • Engage in real-world experiences through Live Briefs in collaboration with local police forces and other linked organisations, giving you invaluable exposure to problem-solving in the workplace.
  • Explore outstanding crime scene facilities and SuperLab in our £45m Science Centre. Get hands-on with industry-standard technology, such as 360-degree cameras and technology systems.
  • Our staff have a diverse breadth of expertise and a combination of over 50 years’ work experience, making learning more authentic, hands-on and current.

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.

One of the few degree programmes accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, our course offers you 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.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry Requirements

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Fees and Paying for University

Accreditation

Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

Our three-year degree course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, the professional body for forensic practitioners in the UK and internationally.

Facilities

Outstanding facilities and support

As a Crime and Investigative Studies student at ARU you'll be able to:

  • use cutting-edge facilities, including our new Science Centre with its range of laboratories
  • learn from expert tutors and visiting professionals
  • use creative resources such as 3D printers
  • benefit from award-winning IT and library facilities.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Practical experience

Choose Crime and Investigative Studies at ARU and:

  • get an understanding of the workplace through visits to places such as the Crown Court, and other field trips
  • benefit from ongoing careers and employability support
  • access business support and mentoring through our start-up hub
  • take an optional placement year as part of your course, and gain valuable work experience.

Careers

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.

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.

Employability and personal career development

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 journey

Apply now for BSc (Hons) Crime and Investigative Studies

Life in Cambridge

Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

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Want to talk to someone?

Do 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.

Placement year available

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.

Your guide to placements

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