Forensic Investigations BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate

Up-close hands in blue gloves and a shirt holding a piece of glass with a brush testing carrying out an investigation

Discover crime scene analysis, forensic science and evidence law while gaining hands-on skills to uncover the truth, preparing you for an impactful career in investigative and law enforcement roles.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

FFDF

Start date

September 2026
November 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year

The foundation year course offers an introduction to your chosen subject and helps you develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. It aims to provide a thorough understanding of legal principles and best practice. With a focus on European, national and local contexts, this course explores the development of legislation and case law with core academic skills.

Degree

This course combines academic insight with hands-on experience in a range of investigative practices. Tackle real-life case studies, work on scenarios that mirror actual investigations and gain industry insights through optional work placements and visits.²

Industry-relevant curriculum: learn hands-on skills and techniques to dive into areas like crime scene investigation, digital crime detection, fraud analysis, forensics and interviewing.
Skills development: learn to interpret data, detect digital crimes and analyse fraud cases. Carry out mock suspect interviews and learn how to conduct surveillance operations in both urban and rural settings. Review a range of historical investigations, considering the appropriate actions that should be taken by a senior investigating officer.
Industry-focused learning: gain hands-on experience with real-life scenarios, case studies and industry perspectives. This can involve learning from professionals within law enforcement agencies, civilian investigative bodies or forensic science professionals such as crime scene investigators.²

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.
Provides a grounding in key areas of criminal law and legal practice.

Degree

Digital investigative tools: learn how to use digital tools to research fraud, and 3D and VR techniques to visualise virtual evidence and scenes of crime.⁴
Project-based learning: work on complex problems, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Assessments are designed to replicate the type of work and tasks carried out by those working in forensic investigations. You could find yourself producing interview plans, portfolios of evidence or surveillance operational plans, and giving evidence as an expert witness in a mock trial to showcase your expertise and real-world readiness.
Simulation facilities: access a variety of simulation facilities that create realistic learning opportunities. Learn in our mock prison cells, crime scene houses, immersive labs and VR suites. Our well-equipped laboratories offer industry-standard facilities for forensic science techniques.⁴
Specialised expertise: our dedicated staff, with backgrounds in policing and forensic science, deliver in-depth knowledge of investigation specialisms, providing insights into forensic techniques and policing practices. Furthermore, they'll offer tailored guidance to help you shape your future career path.
Community learning: shared modules with students from related courses will place you in learning groups, providing valuable opportunities for peer learning and developing your teamwork skills.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited¹ and recognised by the following bodies:

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS)

Forensic Investigations BSc (Hons) has been awarded educational recognition¹ by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS). This means that the course curriculum is aligned with industry needs and expectations and is vetted by a respected professional body.

What you'll study

Modules

Investigative Practice - 30 credits

This module is designed to introduce you to investigative concepts, issues and approaches. The focus is on the nature of formal investigation, what investigation focuses on, investigative mindset, and 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. 

Compulsory

Investigative Interviewing – 30 credits

This module is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to plan and prepare interviews with both co-operative and non-co-operative subjects, and to be able to take admissible witness statements for either criminal or civil jurisdictions. You will have the opportunity to develop advanced questioning skills and experience the practical considerations of interviewing subjects.

Compulsory

Information Retrieval and Reporting Skills – 30 credits

The module provides the basis for academic writing, communication and presentation skills within the context of forensic investigations. Develop information retrieval and analytical skills and learn how to use information for effective enquiries. You will also be introduced to a range of digital methods to develop your skills and explore how these can be used to support digital forensic investigations.

Compulsory

Forensic Science Methods – 30 credits

Engage with the compelling world of forensic science and crime scene analysis in this foundational module. Designed to introduce you to specialist areas of forensic investigation, this module delves into essential techniques for crime scene recovery, evidence analysis and meticulous recording. Through real-life case studies, you’ll gain insight into practical crime scene procedures.

Compulsory

Modules

Digital Evidence and Fraud Investigation - 30 credits

Examine how fraud affects individuals, businesses and government organisations in the UK, uncovering the psychology behind both perpetrators and victims. Gain practical expertise in investigation strategies, financial profiling, analysing bank statements and account structures, while also developing your digital forensics knowledge and skills.

Compulsory

Forensic Visual Imaging – 30 credits

This module will introduce you to advanced investigative analysis, focusing on Forensic Visual Imaging. It covers skills for documenting and analysing investigations, exploring how photogrammetry, VR, AR and 3D printing can be used to reconstruct crime scenes. Combining traditional practices with emerging technologies will help prepare you for precision-driven roles requiring technical expertise. 

Compulsory

Crime Scene Analysis – 30 credits

Build on your foundational knowledge of forensic science with this crime scene analysis module. Module content takes an in-depth look at crime scene protocols, focusing on meticulous evidence management and complex investigative procedures. Master physical, chemical and biological techniques for analysing evidence, equipping you with the skills needed to uncover critical information from even the most challenging crime scenes.

Compulsory

Understanding Evidence – 30 credits

This module is designed to introduce you to the processes involved in understanding and evaluating evidence within an investigation. The module will consider the role and importance of evidence to investigations and the criminal justice system. The strengths and weaknesses of differing types of evidence will be examined. The use of evidence in practice will also be debated and evaluated.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placements - 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement² undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement - 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement² undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Modules

Investigating Serious and Complex Crimes – 30 credits

This module is designed to immerse you in the critical aspects of investigative inquiry and analysis of serious and complex crime, with a focus on current, real-world issues that directly impact the investigative process. Learn to critically assess investigative approaches, especially in sensitive cases, and how to apply expertise to specialised areas of criminal investigations.  

Compulsory

Practical Surveillance Skills – 30 credits

This module is designed to introduce the theories of surveillance in postmodern society. The module also considers the legalities and practices surrounding covert surveillance, so you can learn how to conduct proportionate, legal and necessary surveillance while remaining accountable and safe. You will be introduced to a variety of surveillance techniques.

Compulsory

Forensic Investigations Research Project – 60 credits

This module introduces you to social, forensic and criminological research skills. You will have opportunities to develop research designs, test hypotheses, evaluate data and critically review results from your own studies and external studies. This project would also serve as an opportunity for you to develop your academic writing, improve your critical thinking skills and broaden your knowledge of forensic investigation research approaches.

Compulsory

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

Contract Law – 30 credits

In this foundation module, learn to understand exactly what constitutes a valid and enforceable contract. Look at obligations, the rights of third parties and the terms of a contract to solidify your understanding. Cover a range of relevant topics, such as discharge of contract, misrepresentation, vitiating factors and legal reasoning.

Develop analytical skills by performing critical evaluations of contractual obligations and the remedies available.

Compulsory

Criminal Law and Practice – 30 credits

The Criminal Law and Practice foundation module encompasses both criminal theory and criminal process.

The Criminal Law element of the module will examine the general principles of criminal law, including how liability is incurred through acts, omissions and intention. Consideration will be given to particular offences involving dishonesty and non-fatal offences against the person, murder/manslaughter, criminal damage and where relevant, defences. Key doctrines and rules will be discussed with analysis of statute and case law.

The Criminal Litigation element will be embedded into and run alongside Criminal Law study. Explore how criminal cases play out at court within the criminal litigation system of England and Wales and study the professional requirements and skills needed to run a criminal file in practice. In addition, gain valuable experience in making oral legal submissions (advocacy) in a virtual courtroom.⁴

Compulsory

Academic and Professional Skills for Lawyers - 30 credits

The initial transition to higher education can pose a range of challenges. Therefore, you will cover the skills needed for effective legal practice, including how to create, draft and use various client care documents as well as becoming confident as an independent learner.

Explore legal reasoning, critical thinking and decision-making. Learn the processes and procedures of professional conduct with client care, interviews and communications.

Compulsory

Introduction to the English Legal System -30 credits

The aim of this module is to ensure that you understand the primary concepts, terms and processes in the practice of Law in England and Wales. We’ll discuss the interpretation and application of legal rules, providing you with an insight into key aspects of professional practice and law in the workplace. We will focus on contemporary case studies and analyse current issues in the legal system to keep the course relevant.

This module has content from the CILEX Level 3 Unit 1: Introduction to Law and Practice embedded. If you wish to get the CILEX Level 3 Certificate and Professional Diploma in Law you will have to pass an external examination with additional costs and criteria. Please check the CILEX website for more information.

Compulsory

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.

How you'll learn

Learn through hands-on activities and real-world examples, using the same approaches professionals use in the field. It’s all about helping you build the skills you need to feel confident and prepared for your future career.

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)²

The foundation year programme is focused on applied learning geared to high intensity teaching and study throughout the programme, requiring full commitment from students. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of a working environment.

Teaching contact hours

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning. There are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which are more reflective of a working environment.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and may include:

practical class and project performance
written practical reports
project thesis
oral presentations
tutorial tasks

Assessments generally take place at the end of each six-week block.

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

Teaching methods may include:

interactive lectures that may be delivered online or face-to-face
seminars involving smaller groups working on problems or holding discussions and debates about issues arising in the lectures
workshops involving a combination of content delivery and group work
working together on projects to help develop critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and creative thinking
simulations, enabling you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course incorporates new and innovative assessment methods aligned with current industry standards, providing you with practical, real-world skills designed to advance your professional readiness and career prospects.

Assessment methods may include:

writing exercises such as essays, reports, policy reviews and briefings
live simulations and reflective journals about them
group and individual presentations
posters and infographics
problem-solving scenarios such as case studies
podcasts, academic posters and vlogs.

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

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

64 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

For information regarding specific requirements, please fill in our request information form.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £5,760	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university 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.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Applies to degree only:

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathway courses for additional options.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites⁴. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

Two students walking outside with the CU Coventry building behind them.

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office and a fantastic food court.

Lanchester Library

Coventry University’s Lanchester Library is usually open 24/7 in term-time, and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers more than 550 computers and an additional 120 free-to-loan laptops.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Throughout the course you should develop a wide range of skills in the collection, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence, all of which are useful for a range of careers in areas such as the intelligence services, insurance companies, banking, the prison service, accountancy firms, fraud investigation organisations, environmental or financial services and teaching.

On successful completion of the course, you should be a globally and interculturally aware graduate ready to make a dynamic difference in the world. You could find yourself working in the following roles:

Crime scene investigator
Forensic laboratory analyst
Digital forensics examiner
Detective (required further study)
Scene of crime officer
Fraud investigator
Intelligence officer
Border force or customs officer
Aviation security officer
CCTV intelligence officer
Criminal justice policy analyst.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Where our graduates work

Previous 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.

Further study

Some of our graduates have chosen to continue their studies with postgraduate qualifications, such as the Terrorism, International Crime and Global Security MA here at Coventry.

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How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

This course with foundation year is not available to international students.

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Study location

The Foundation Year study route will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University.

If you choose to study at CU Coventry for your Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU Coventry, Mile Lane, Coventry. Subject to meeting progression requirements you will then transition to the relevant Coventry University subject building for your progression degree.

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

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 current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. 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.