Forensic Investigations BSc (Hons) 2021/22 entry

Forensic Investigations BSc (Hons)

2021/22 Entry

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Course code:

F410

Study options:

3 years full-time
4 years full-time (study abroad or work placement)

Location:

Coventry University

Starting:

September 2021

Fees:

£9,250

Find out more

Faculty:

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

+44 (0) 24 7765 2222
ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Course code:

F410

Study options:

3 years full-time
4 years full-time (study abroad or work placement)

Location:

Coventry University

Starting:

September 2021

Fees:

TBC

Find out more

Faculty:

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

+44 (0) 24 7765 2222
ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Course code:

HLSU181

Study options:

3 years full-time
4 years full-time (study abroad or work placement)

Location:

Coventry University

Starting:

September 2021

Fees:

£15,650

Find out more

Faculty:

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

+44 (0) 24 7765 2222
ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Overview

Forensic investigation is an exciting and challenging area of study, which involves not only an understanding of scientific methods of forensic analysis, but also investigative techniques, including the interpretation and presentation of analytical evidence to explain or solve criminal or civil cases.

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Officially recognised by Skills for Justice for the quality of our teaching, our degree is concerned primarily with the identification, collation and reporting of evidence to a forensic hearing. Our comprehensive curriculum covers investigative skills, the law, interviewing techniques, forensic science, investigation management, the legal process of enquiry, crime scene analysis, fraud investigation, digital forensics, surveillance and the evaluation of evidence.

There is a substantial element of laboratory work and unlike other courses which just cover a selection of investigatory techniques our course touches upon a huge range of forensic science and investigative technique. We’ll examine: blood splatter; fingerprints; DNA; semen analysis; footwear; trace; ballistics; explosive residues; hairs and fibres; interviewing victims, suspects and witnesses; surveillance techniques; how to recover passwords and deleted files in digital forensics; mobile phone forensics; fraud investigation; and how to use social media in investigations.

We run a range of interesting fieldtrips, which have previously included visits to the mortuary at the Coventry University Hospital and Specialist Group International, a world-renowned company which provides 24/7 specialist response to police, fire and other government agencies and boasts an arsenal of cutting-edge equipment (field trips are subject to availability, application, and additional costs).

91% of students agreed staff are good at explaining things - National Student Survey 2019.

See the facilities available in our brand new Alison Gingell Building.

Why Coventry University?

An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.

To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.

Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities

Employability

Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Teaching Excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field

Course essentials

A degree which offers you more, at no extra cost

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:

Skills for Justice

The course has achieved the Quality Mark endorsement and, as such, is officially recognised by Skills for Justice, the sector skills council and standards setting body for the justice sector, as providing education of outstanding quality and relevance. Due to COVID-19 Skills for Justice are not renewing accreditation and recognition until later in 2020 (at the earliest). Coventry University intends to apply for renewal of accreditation at the earliest possible opportunity. Should there be any changes to the accreditation of this course, we will seek to inform applicants and students as soon as possible.

Our Facilities

Ambulance

Our facilities include a mock ambulance, which students can use as part of their studies, to help simulate the patient journey. This gives students the opportunity to learn in situations that mirror real life scenarios.

Strength and Conditioning Suite

Our multi-purpose suite is equipped with multiple Olympic lifting platforms, a 20m gait analysis track, an anti-gravity treadmill and even a 3D motion capture system!

SuperLab

The Alison Gingell building contains a state-of-the-art SuperLab, capable of holding up to 270 people at once. The lab's facilities include equipment for microscopy, DNA analysis and forensic testing.

What our students say

I have always had a natural curiosity for finding answers in life, but wasn’t sure what degree I wanted to study until I discovered Forensic Investigations at Coventry University. The course covers everything that I am interested in with a good balance between the science and the sociological elements. The course is well constructed and thought-provoking and I most enjoy being able to listen to my peers and reciprocate knowledge that I’ve found independently. I also enjoy being able to visually see what I’ve been reading about in text books and the tutors really help to bring theory to life."

Emily Palmer, BSc Forensic Investigations

Course information

This multidisciplinary degree encourages you to apply essential elements of psychology, criminology, law, forensic science and computing to conduct and report investigative analysis, using photography, video and other evidence-based techniques.

Although we aim to cover the essentials of forensic science, our degree is not intended to be a forensic science course. If you are interested in a forensic science degree consider Analytical Chemistry and Forensic Science BSc (Hons) or Biological and Forensic Science BSc (Hons) Instead, we seek to broaden your perspective by providing a broad understanding of both forensic science and forensic investigation. You’ll not only study the ‘hard science’, namely the scientific side of scene analysis for evidence collection, but also the use of interview techniques, witness testimony and covert surveillance, for example, in the collection of evidence.

Recognising the continual advancements in scientific analysis, we will monitor and discuss contemporary issues such as those concerning victims of serious crime, the impact of the media upon major investigations and the investigation of major disasters. We also offer a range of field trips*, which have previously included the National Justice Museum in Nottingham, where students are given a historical perspective of the development of justice and take part in researching archived case papers and documents, and a team building and problem solving day at an activity centre, as part of the Professional Development module, where you can take part in a range of activities, including problem solving exercises and some physical activities.

*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

Course specification
Download PDF (209kb)

Modules

Overview

In your first year, we will introduce you to the study of criminology, criminal and civil law, investigative practice, forensic science and forensic interviewing.

We focus on developing transferable skills such as analysis, strategy evaluation and reasoned argument. For example, when teaching you how to plan and prepare interviews with co-operative and non-co-operative subjects, we will use role play to help you to develop advanced questioning skills, useful in any interview or analytical situation.

Modules

Criminal and Civil Law

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the legal system in England and Wales, and some areas of legislation that are important to investigators. There is a brief examination of the court system in England and Wales, identification of the court structure and consideration of the roles of some of the personnel involved in administering justice. Some areas of substantial law are examined in depth. You will consider the rules of evidence, rules which must be considered at every step during an investigation. The more important pieces of legislation that govern the conduct of investigations are examined, and a study of some criminal offences.
Investigative Practice

During this module you will be introduced to basic investigative concepts, issues and approaches. The focus is on the nature of formal investigation, what investigation focusses upon, investigative mindset, the methods, processes, management, and accountability that govern investigators and investigations. The module aims to equip you with a theoretical and practical understanding of the development of investigative practices and how investigations are administered.
Critical and Digital Communication

This module is designed to help you to make the transition into higher education by learning about academic and professional standards and the expectations of your lecturers, tutors and future employers. The module is designed to provide you with the foundations of the conventions of witness statements, essay and report writing and presentation and provides you with the opportunity to develop critical and analytical skills within both an academic and investigatory environment.

This module aims to ensure you are able to access the resources offered by the university to support your learning and begin to think more widely about the sources of information necessary for an effective enquiry. The module should provide you with the skills and knowledge to help you to become an effective, independent and self-directed learner. In addition, the module will provide an introduction to digital literacy and the effective use of technology to enable you to be able to assimilate information and present it effectively throughout the three years of the course, and develop good habits ready for employment.
Introduction to Forensic Science

This module introduces you to the specialist areas of Forensic Science through specific case studies, and explores a range of forensic techniques. The module also introduces you to scenes of crime as well as the legal and practical aspects of crime scene processing and management.
Forensic Interviewing

The aim of this module is to provide you with a basic knowledge of and the relevant skills necessary in order to conduct a variety of interviews in an investigative context. It will be concerned with the specific practice of interviewing for evidence gathering purposes. You will study some theory surrounding the art of interviewing but will be mainly tasked to perfect, as far as possible, your skills by conducting interviews. In this module we will look at how witnesses remember and how you, as an investigator, can forensically recover this information. The module will consider the PEACE interview model where we will consider the technical and practical issues of interviewing. This is a taxing module as it considers not only some in-depth theory but also legislation and practical skills.
Data Collection and Presentation Skills

Add+vantage

The focus on preparing students for successful futures sets Coventry apart as a university.

The Add+vantage modules teach a range of work experience and extra-curricular activities that are taken each year, and broaden students knowledge and skills within a work focused environment. There is a very wide range of Add+vantage free-choice subject areas, and they are arranged in themes.

Find out more

Overview

In your second year, as well as delving further into crime scene analysis and the understanding of evidence, we will also cover fraud investigation and digital forensics of many devices including mobile phones.

We will encourage you to consider your professional development and the career options available to forensic investigators. We will look at how you may relate the skills and abilities you have developed to a number of different employment opportunities.

Modules

Research Methods

This module naturally follows on from the Critical and Digital Communication module in year 1, which introduced you to the concept of critically analysing ideas and concepts that have been put forward by academics and the skills needed when you are required to undertake academic writing as part of your undergraduate degree. In this module students you will learn about the importance of research in the social sciences, the issues that you need to consider when reviewing research which has already been undertaken and indeed those that you should be aware of when they are conducting your own research.
Professional Development

This module provides you with an introduction to the types of employment options available for investigators. Practitioners from investigative professions deliver sessions to explain the work they do and options that may be open to the students you once you have graduated. In addition you have the opportunity to relate the skills and abilities you have developed to a number of different employment fields.
Forensic Crime Scene Analysis

The module develops the different aspects of forensic science studied in year 1. It encourages you to learn in detail about crime scene protocols as well as the techniques used to analyse evidence.
Understanding Evidence

Evaluating performance and, in particular, the probative value of the evidence is an essential part of the advancement of an investigation. This module is designed to introduce you to the processes undertaken in understanding and evaluating evidence as an investigation matures. The aim of this module is to focus upon the investigative process and for you to consider those issues that may dictate or influence how an investigation is conducted. This should help you to consider the investigation and investigative strategies, taking some theoretical perspectives and placing them in a practical context, applying a range of procedures and protocols to the theoretical constructs. The teaching on this module makes extensive use of a variety of case studies as a learning tool, to help put the investigation process into a wider perspective. This will build on the knowledge, skills and understanding acquired earlier in the course and will assist you in beginning to appreciate the complexities of this field of expertise.
Basic Digital Forensics

This module introduces you to the concepts of digital investigation within the UK legislative framework. You will examine the identification of digital evidence and its recovery in accordance with The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO 2014) Principles. The main topics you will cover include concepts of digital evidence, digital forensic investigation methodology, file systems essentials, data acquisition and forensic examination of digital systems.
Fraud Investigation

This module is designed to introduce you to the processes involved in evaluating evidence relating to fraud and recognise the many and various manifestations of fraud in society. You will have the opportunity to study the psychology of fraud, both as perpetrator and victim in the areas of frauds against the individual, older people, companies, industry, financial institutions and the State. You should learn how to devise an investigation strategy and what is involved in managing an investigation including financial profiling, bank statement analysis and basic account structures.

Add+vantage

The focus on preparing students for successful futures sets Coventry apart as a university.

Find out more

Overview

After your second year, you have the opportunity to spend a year on professional placement or studying abroad (subject to availability, competitive application, meeting visa requirements and additional costs may apply).

Overview

In your final year, you will collaborate with a member of academic staff and apply the knowledge of research methods obtained during the first two years of your degree to design and conduct your own piece of research in an area of your choice. In the past students have conducted research projects in subjects such as the use of ballistic examination, Islamic feminism, and social media in investigation.

Modules

Advanced Forensic Crime Scene Analysis

Successful completion of this module enables you, with the aid of specific case studies, to analyse and evaluate forensic evidence obtained from a range of sources. The module deals primarily with the appropriate application of a range of forensic crime scene techniques to a range of crime scenarios and you will also address the principles of forensic quality and the presentation of evidence to a criminal court.
Specialist Inquiry

This module introduces you to some contemporary issues within the forensic investigation field, including investigative techniques, advances and ethics. You will not cover every aspect of investigation but instead you will focus on issues that are evolving in terms of relevance or technique.
Surveillance Studies

This module aims to provide you with an introduction to the legalities and practices surrounding covert surveillance. The module focuses on the legislative framework with the aim to ensure you know how to conduct proportionate, legal and necessary surveillance whilst remaining accountable and safe. You are introduced to some of the techniques of surveillance including forensic photography.
Situational Analysis

This module brings together the skills and techniques of forensic investigators developed during the course, and encourages you to think creatively and critically about the procedures used when gathering evidence. Case studies will be used to help clearly demonstrate the links between the academic elements of the course and the practical issues faced by forensic professionals. Successful completion of the module will enable you to develop and enhance transferable skills such as reasoned argument, strategy evaluation and analysis. This module is designed to provide you with an increased understanding of the investigative world and how it operates in reality.
Individual Research Project

The module widens your experience in independent investigative and analytical work. You will present an appropriate independent investigative project in an area of interest to you. The aim is to provide you with the opportunity to study an area of Forensic Investigation, set your own questions and then proceed to construct and develop answers to those problems. Success in this module is evidence that you have become a self-directed learner.

Add+vantage

The focus on preparing students for successful futures sets Coventry apart as a university.

Find out more

Module Disclaimer

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

In more detail...

Why choose this course?

This course brings together a range of important disciplines within investigative processes – digital forensics, social media, fraud, photography and sociology in criminal and civil investigations.

Our teaching team currently has a wide range of professional experience and includes a qualified solicitor, trained barrister and senior investigating police officers, as well as current expertise in surveillance and investigative interviewing, pathology, fraud and financial investigations. They currently have links with a range of investigative agencies, including local police forces, support organisations and specialist investigators, some of whom have previously offered placements to students.

We focus on providing a practical experience, using real-life case studies and scenarios, as well as traditional academic approaches. We aim to host regular guest lectures led by investigative professionals who provide specialist and up-to-date knowledge and understanding of their particular fields (subject to availability). For example, recent talks have looked at offender profiling, geographic profiling, pathology, digital forensics, computer reconstructions, rape and sexual assault.

Benefits

95% satisfaction with academic support in the National Students Survey (NSS) 2019.
Regular expert guest lecturers which have recently included the Chief Executive of the West Midlands Police Crime Commissioners Office, the lead pathologist for this area and a national expert in Behavioural Investigative Advice. (subject to availability).
A team of multidisciplinary experts from various subjects, currently including criminologists, lawyers, chemists, forensic scientists, investigators and psychologists who bring their research and practical experiences in to their teaching.
Two former senior investigating officers, one a member of the National Working Group on Disclosure matters, who have investigated numerous homicides, organised and gang related criminality, as well as gun-related serious crimes.

Previous field trips have included the European Court of Human Rights, NATO Strategic Headquarters of Allied Powers Europe and the International Criminal Court.*

Study themes

Our main study themes are:

Criminal and Civil Law: An introduction to the legal system in England and Wales, and some legislation that is important to investigators.
Crime Scene Analysis: This area of study enables students to learn in detail about crime scene protocols as well as techniques used to analyse evidence. You study forensic examination, based on physical, chemical and biological techniques used in the examination and analysis of trace evidence.
Forensic Science: An introduction to the specialist areas of Forensic Science including forensic biology, forensic chemistry and anthropology.
Investigative Practice: Introduces students to some fundamental concepts, issues and understandings in investigation. The focus is on providing an appreciation of the basic skills and knowledge of an investigator as well as the approaches and actions that should be made in order to facilitate an effective investigation.
Specialist Inquiry: You are introduced to some current aspects of investigation and issues within the investigative field. Specific subjects include profiling, investigation of potential terrorist threats, the media and familial DNA.

How you'll be taught

The emphasis of our course is very much on providing a practical, hands-on experience through guest lectures, work placements, industry visits, skills development and the study of real-life case studies (all subject to availability and potential additional costs for industry visits).

We incorporate a wide range of teaching methods, for example, you may find yourself flying a drone surveillance exercise or interviewing police officers.

Recognising the continual advancements in scientific analysis, we will monitor and discuss contemporary issues such as those concerning victims of serious crime, the impact of the media upon major investigations and the investigation of major disasters. We also offer a range of field trips, which have included the National Justice Museum in Nottingham, where students are given a historical perspective of the development of justice and take part in researching archived case papers and documents, and a team building and problem solving day at an activity centre, as part of the Professional Development module, where you can take part in a range of activities, including problem solving exercises and some physical activities (both field trips and team building courses are subject to availability and additional costs may apply).

Throughout the course you are strongly encouraged to gain practical work experience. You have the opportunity to take a sandwich year on a professional placement*. Others have opted for a shorter placement. Long and short-term placements have resulted in us helping organise a range of internships in the UK and abroad. Students from our course are also able to get involved in the West Midlands Police Streetwatch scheme, which enables them to work alongside officers in promoting student safety and crime prevention. Participation in this scheme is voluntary and is subject to security checks.

Teaching methods include: lectures, group work, seminars, tutorials, laboratory skills, flipped classroom, PC labs, mock courtrooms, interviewing and simulation exercises.

How you'll be assessed

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, coursework, test and essays, practical or project work, group work and presentations and posters.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.

On completion

On successful completion, you should be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: the central issues in both policing and the use of forensic evidence in criminal investigations; the range of scientific and sociological perspectives adopted in the investigation process; the common sources of forensic evidence and the main forms of collection and analysis; the principles of “the life cycle of an investigation” and the role of a Senior Investigating Officer
Analyse, evaluate and interpret information from a variety of sources and demonstrate an analytical approach to problem-solving.
Think reflectively and strategically about evidence, evidence preparation and presentation.
Produce a well-structured and logical argument.
Carry out correct procedures for the collection of evidence, observing prevailing regulations. 
Plan and conduct effective interviews using a skilled, accurate and precise approach.
Present evidence in written and oral forms.
Design and implement appropriate techniques and procedures to solve investigative problems. 
Demonstrate numerical and data manipulation skills at an appropriate level. 
Operate independently to solve problems.
Be an effective part of a team providing appropriate solutions to technical problems. 
Be able to interpret data derived from forensic evidence.
Communicate in a confident, professional manner, both verbally and in writing.

Teaching contact hours

In a typical teaching week, you will have around 12-15 ‘contact’ hours of teaching.

This generally breaks down into tutorials or individual project supervision later on in the course, workshops, practical sessions, seminars and/or lectures. Some teaching may take place on-line.

International experience opportunities

A number of the modules contain a comparative focus on international investigative and procedural matters. These include evidence gathering, forensic computing and policing studies.

You have opportunities to participate in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects with other educational institutions. In the past we have participated in projects with the University of Malta, University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada and the University of Seville. We also have student exchange agreements with these universities enabling you to study there for one semester or even a whole year.*

Each year, we organise a subsidised trip to Europe, which has previously included visits to the: European Court of Human Rights, NATO Strategic Headquarters of Allied Powers Europe and the International Criminal Court. This trip is subject to availability, meeting visa requirements and additional costs.

Global ready

Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?

In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.

Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.

Explore our international experiences

1st for

international experiences

Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17

5,469

Student experiences

The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19

12,000

and counting

The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016

global programmes

As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses

What our students say

I have always had a natural curiosity for finding answers in life, but wasn’t sure what degree I wanted to study until I discovered Forensic Investigations at Coventry University. The course covers everything that I am interested in with a good balance between the science and the sociological elements.

The course is well constructed and thought-provoking and I most enjoy being able to listen to my peers and reciprocate knowledge that I’ve found independently. I also enjoy being able to visually see what I’ve been reading about in text books and the tutors really help to bring theory to life."

Emily Palmer, BSc Forensic Investigations

Entry Requirements

University Course Code: HLSU181
A Level	BTEC	IB Diploma	GCSE requirement
BCC. Excludes General Studies.	BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM	27 points	Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A*- C including English Language, Mathematics and Science, or specified equivalents.

View more detail on acceptable qualifications

A-Levels

A-Level applicants are required to have three  A Levels. In some courses it may be necessary for entrants to have passed specific A Levels in nominated subjects.

Access Diplomas

The Access to HE Diploma in a science or health subject to include 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction, plus GCSE English Language & Mathematics at grade A*-C, or specified equivalents.

Coventry University welcomes applicants who have completed, or who are studying, the Access to HE Diploma developed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). Successful completion of the course will require you to gain 60 credits with at least 45 to be achieved at Level 3 (with the remainder at Level 2). In some cases we will require you to have gained Merit or Distinction grades in a number of units or in nominated subjects. For more information on the entry requirements for your chosen course please see the relevant course pages.

BTEC Level 3 Diplomas

The University will accept the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma for entry to most courses. In some cases we will require applicants to have studied either certain named modules or a specific named Diploma. The appropriate course page will have full information on the entry requirements. The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry to degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that provide a total volume of study that is equivalent to three A2 Levels. For example, you could be studying a BTEC Level 3 Diploma plus an A2 Level, or a BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma plus two A2 Levels. Where a specific A2 or BTEC subject is required for entry then you must be offering this as part of your combination of qualifications.

Please visit our page on European entry requirements for more information about specific country information.

View our European entry requirements

English as a Foreign Language This course requires IELTS 6.0, with no component lower than 5.5. Pre-sessional English is available if required.

Pre-sessional English

Our International Student Hub offers information on entry requirements for your country, as well as contact details for agents and representatives should you need more advice.

More detail

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

English as a Foreign Language This course requires IELTS 6.0, with no component lower than 5.5. Pre-sessional English is available if required.

Pre-sessional English

Our International Student Hub offers information on entry requirements for your country, as well as contact details for agents and representatives should you need more advice.

More detail

What our students say

I have always had a natural curiosity for finding answers in life, but wasn’t sure what degree I wanted to study until I discovered Forensic Investigations at Coventry University. The course covers everything that I am interested in with a good balance between the science and the sociological elements.

The course is well constructed and thought-provoking and I most enjoy being able to listen to my peers and reciprocate knowledge that I’ve found independently. I also enjoy being able to visually see what I’ve been reading about in text books and the tutors really help to bring theory to life."

Emily Palmer, BSc Forensic Investigations

Tuition Fees

We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.

For more information, please visit our Finance pages.

Starts

Fee

September 2021

£9,250 (per year)

UK Scholarships

If you're a truly outstanding undergraduate candidate we may be able to offer you a Coventry University Scholarship.

Coventry University Scholarships are awarded to recognise truly exceptional sports achievement and academic excellence.

UK Scholarships

Starts

Fee

September 2021

TBC (per year)

Scholarships

If you're a truly exceptional candidate we may be able to offer you a Coventry University Scholarship. Coventry University Scholarships are awarded to recognise truly exceptional achievement and academic excellence.

Scholarships

Starts

Fee

September 2021

£15,650 (per year)

Scholarships

Course essentials at no extra cost

We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.

This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:

UK field trips

Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.

Key material

This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.

Laser prints

1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.

Optional year

Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.

As well as covering UK field trips, key materials and laser print, the fees for this course also include: Laboratory coat and safety spectacles provided for use ; Scene of Crime outﬁt and basic ﬁngerprint kit; Disclosure and Barring Service Certiﬁcate (formally CRB Disclosure) for those undertaking placements with children.

The following are additional costs not included in the fees: Optional camera; Optional Accredited Computer Interrogation Course; Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits.

EU student fees

EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.

For tuition fee loans

EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.

For maintenance loans

EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.

What our students say

I have always had a natural curiosity for finding answers in life, but wasn’t sure what degree I wanted to study until I discovered Forensic Investigations at Coventry University. The course covers everything that I am interested in with a good balance between the science and the sociological elements.

The course is well constructed and thought-provoking and I most enjoy being able to listen to my peers and reciprocate knowledge that I’ve found independently. I also enjoy being able to visually see what I’ve been reading about in text books and the tutors really help to bring theory to life."

Emily Palmer, BSc Forensic Investigations

Career prospects

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.

Successful completion of this course will support you to develop a wide range of skills in the collection, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence, all of which are useful for a diverse range of careers in areas such as the intelligence services, insurance companies, banking, the prison service, accountancy firms, trading standards, fraud investigation organisations, social care, environmental or financial services and teaching.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and aim to give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Careers and Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Where our graduates work

Recent graduates have taken up posts in the financial sector, insurance services, credit card providers, digital forensic companies, accountancy firms, the Border Agency, HM Revenue and Customs and local government, as well as more traditional law enforcement positions, such as police constables, civilian police investigators, protection services, crime scene examiners and working for the Border Control Agency.

Some have chosen to continue their studies with postgraduate qualifications, such as the MSc in Fraud Management here at Coventry.

What our students say

I have always had a natural curiosity for finding answers in life, but wasn’t sure what degree I wanted to study until I discovered Forensic Investigations at Coventry University. The course covers everything that I am interested in with a good balance between the science and the sociological elements.

The course is well constructed and thought-provoking and I most enjoy being able to listen to my peers and reciprocate knowledge that I’ve found independently. I also enjoy being able to visually see what I’ve been reading about in text books and the tutors really help to bring theory to life."

Emily Palmer, BSc Forensic Investigations

Disclaimer

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

Admission to this course is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and a successful interview. Find out about the application process.