BA Criminology with Forensic Science

Undergraduate

BA Criminology with Forensic Science

Learn the theory behind crime and offending – and get hands on to gather and test crime scene evidence.

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Typical offer

120 points

A Level grades: BBB

UCAS code

M9F4

Choose an option

Start date

Course overview

On this degree, you’ll debate the practical, ethical and scientific issues around criminality and punishment. You'll also come to understand the science behind the collection, processing and preservation of evidence.

But this course goes beyond the theoretical – with major components of practical, hands-on learning. You’ll get experience of crime scene investigation and analysing evidence in the lab.

You’ll learn specialist investigation methods including document evaluation, fire and firearms investigation, and explosion site CSI. You'll visit courts, police stations and prisons. And you’ll discover how to interpret evidence and how to present your findings in scientific, medical and legal contexts.

Put what you learn into practice in our purpose-built replica crime scene facility right here on campus. A recent addition to the university, it provides detailed and realistic crime scenes for you to explore. Get hands on: collect evidence, explore criminal activity and see the world of forensic science brought to life.

You'll also get the chance to work with real offenders through the Learning Together network‡ - which allows students and prisoners to learn alongside, and from each other.

You can expand your skills and experience through a range of rewarding volunteering opportunities - such as the Appropriate Adult scheme, and have the opportunity to hear from, and network with employers from the sector at our well established annual Careers in Criminal Justice event.

You will learn from lecturers who are experts in a wide variety of areas within criminology – including modern-day slavery, knife crime and cyber terrorism – alongside experienced Forensic practitioners using the most advanced concepts and methodologies to develop your scientific knowledge. Together they bring their specialist knowledge into the lecture theatre and help you define and develop your own areas of interest.

Learn more about your course in our subject sessions

On-demand session

Criminology

criminology-subject-session
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Download your 2022 prospectus Come to an Open Day Accommodation Fees and finance Choose Hull Department of Criminology and Sociology

Six reasons to study Criminology with Forensic Science at Hull

  1. Chance for placements with Humberside Police
  2. Chance to learn alongside prisoners at HMP Hull
  3. 92% graduate employability rating*
  4. Top 10 in the UK for learning community in Forensic Science†
  5. Get hands on experience using our replica crime scene facility
  6. Annual criminal justice careers event

What you'll study

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

First year modules

  • Compulsory

    Becoming a Criminologist

    This module develops your skills for the study of criminology. You'll cover definitions of crime, patterns of crime, causes and explanations for crime, and responses to crime.

    Criminal Justice Institutions

    Study the procedures of criminal justice – and the role of institutions such as the Police, CPS, courts and prisons, responsible for investigation, prosecution, conviction and punishment. 

    Introduction to Forensic Science

    The forensic science fundamentals. Explore crime scene protocol and preserving evidence; fire and firearms investigation; scenes of explosion; and DNA and bodily fluids.

    Social Research in Practice

    The module takes an integrative approach to research ethics and design. It's a foundation for skills in understanding research and practical skills for conducting independent research.

    Development of Criminological Theory

    Study the development of criminological theory - from the 19th and 20th centuries through to the emergence of deviancy theory, radical perspectives and rational choice theories. 

    Introduction to DNA and Chromatography

    On this module, you’ll explore the concepts of DNA and how scientists characterise DNA, and you’ll learn how to explain concepts in chromatography.

Second year modules

  • Compulsory

    Atrocities and Transitional Justice

    Switch your focus from 'ordinary' crime to genocide, mass violence, gross human rights violations and political oppression. Explore how best to deal with the legacies of atrocities. 

    Policing and Criminal Investigation

    Explore policing's key functions and the issues facing police today. You'll examine the methods, tools, and controversies associated with criminal investigation. 

    Forensic Science in Practice

    Learn the problem-solving approaches used in forensic science. You'll get practical experience of the techniques used in forensic labs as well as studying real forensic and toxicology cases.

    Criminology in Late Modernity

    You'll examine how current social theory explains recent developments in crime and crime control, taking in realism, cultural criminology and contemporary feminist perspectives.

    Analysing Social Data

    Building on the Collecting Social Data module, here you'll start the next stage of social research: the analysis and interpretation of data, through a range of approaches. 

  • Optional

    Punishment, Dangerousness and Risk

    Study how and why we punish offenders and how the penal system deals with them. You'll consider a range of case studies of different types of offenders. 

    Psychology of Offending and Victimisation

    Learn about the decisions offenders make in committing crime - like why burglars choose one house over another  - and how such crimes affect victims. 

Final year modules

  • Compulsory

    Dissertation

    You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up your own project on a topic you choose, supported by your dissertation supervisor.

    Advanced Forensic Science

    Explore the methods for investigating and solving forensic cases. You'll look at extracting information from forensic data and the effect of toxic compounds and drugs on the body. 

  • Optional

    Criminal Justice and Community Safety Placements

    Experience the nature and range of work carried out by the police and other criminal justice agencies on a work placement. You'll gain a range of skills to enhance your employability. 

    Modern-Day Slavery in the UK

    Slavery in the UK has risen exponentially over the past 20 years - now reaching some 136,000 victims. You'll consider definitions of slavery and how its scale is measured. 

    Advanced Statistics

    On this module, you'll learn how to present quantitative results in meaningful and informative ways. And you'll develop skills that allow you to accurately interpret and assess statistical output.

    Surveillance and Social Control

    You'll study a range of theoretical perspectives on the emergence of a surveillance society a - and examine the impact this is having on policing, criminal justice and social justice.

    Drug Use Today

    This module introduces the study of ‘the drug problem’, in Western society. You'll explore the sociological and psychological perspectives used to explain drug-using behaviour. 

    Sex Work, Policy and Crime

    Discover the cultural, social and political issues surrounding the commercial sex industry. Through lectures and seminars, you'll consider why people buy and sell sexual services.

    Transnational Organised Crime

    Learn the concepts behind our grasp of transnational organised crime. You'll cover areas including the drugs and arms trade; people trafficking; cybercrime; and terrorism. 

    Learning Together - Desistance from Crime

    On this module, you'll attend weekly lectures at HMP Hull where, alongside prisoners, you'll study how and why people stop offending. It's a unique learning environment and a unique experience.

    Restorative Justice and Peacemaking Criminology

    Examine the development of restorative justice and peacemaking criminology, analysing their key concepts, values, principles and practices - as well as the controversies surrounding them.

    Contemporary Imprisonment

    Study the contemporary sociology of imprisonment. You'll examine current controversies in the use of prison sentences and consider the effects of incarceration on offenders. 

    Cyberterrorism and Extremism

    Your work this module will reflect real-world practice as you look closer at what’s happening in the world today, and discuss and debate key terms such as ‘cyber’, 'radicalisation', 'terrorism', ‘extremism’ and 'violent extremism'. 

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Overall workload

216 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

984 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

42%
4%
54%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

300 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

900 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

25%
75%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

252 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

948 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

17%
83%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Social Sciences Criminology and Forensic Science Jasmine Morley UNI-1433
Jasmine Morley Criminology

Why I chose Criminology at Hull

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megan-witty

Police placements

From helping to gather evidence and interpreting intelligence, to dog handling to going out on the beat, our students take part in every element of policing.

Watch our video
University crime scene lab room

Crime Scene Facility

Put what you learn into practice in our purpose-built replica crime scene facility right here on campus. A recent addition to the university, it provides detailed and realistic crime scenes for you to explore. Get hands on: collect evidence, explore criminal activity and see the world of forensic science brought to life.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A level grades BBB

  • BTEC grades DDM

  • Points required 120

Work out your estimated points

Points can be from any qualification on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications

Alternative qualifications

  • IB Diploma: 30 points
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 45 credits at merit

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it’s not just about the grades – we’ll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

Points can be from any qualification on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications

Alternative qualifications

  • IB Diploma: 30 points
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 45 credits at merit

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it’s not just about the grades – we’ll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Our teaching staff

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Take a tour of the facilities

Criminology with Forensic Science students enjoy 24/7 access to the Brynmor Jones Library which boasts more than a million books.

Explore the virtual tour

Fees and funding

UK

£9,250 per year*

EU/International

£15,400 per year

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

The fees shown are for 2021 entry. The fees for 2022 have not yet been confirmed and may increase.

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan of up to £9,488 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of our website.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

An affordable city for students

From bills, to meals, to pints – you’ll find that your money goes a lot further in Hull.

Your future prospects

  • Police officer
  • Forensic scientist
  • Prison officer
  • Probation officer
  • Social worker
  • Civil servant
  • Analyst

Demand for criminology graduates has increased significantly in recent years and our degree equips you with the knowledge and skills that are invaluable for a career in the field of criminal justice, with the extra focus on forensic science giving you an extra edge and the potential to open up a diverse range of careers.

We hold an annual Criminal Justice careers event to introduce you to criminal justice-related organisations, helping you make vital career connections.

Plus, the opportunity to go on a placement with Humberside Police means you’d work with different areas of the force, including CSI, the Special Branch Ports Unit, community policing, cyber crime and the custody suite. You’d visit active crime scenes, observe suspect and victim interviews and collect evidence. There are only 10 places available, so it’s competitive – but the knowledge and skills you’d gain are genuinely career enhancing.

Open Day at University of Hull

Ready to apply?

You can apply for this course through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

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This. Is. Hull.

A place where we stand up to kings, do deals with the world and take a wrecking ball to the slave trade. A place where culture stands out and the phone boxes are a different colour. A place where we're free-thinking, independent and proud of it.

*Percentage of students from social sciences subject area in work or further study within 15 months of graduating: UK domicile full-time first degree leavers, Graduate Outcomes survey for the academic year 2017/18, published by HESA 2020.

† National Student Survey (NSS) 2021, HEIs only.

‡Subject to the annual approval of the UK Ministry of Justice