BSc Crime and Investigative Studies
About this course
BSc (Hons) Crime and Investigative Studies is a forensic science degree focused on crime scene processing, policing, and the legal systems governing criminal investigations. Core topics include Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Project Management, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students undertake an independent Undergraduate Major Project in the final year. The first year covers foundational principles through United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists, Applied Science for Forensic Investigators, Introduction to Forensic Photography and Methodologies, and Biological and Trace Evidence Analysis. The second year introduces practical evidence recovery via Forensic Scene Examination, Police and Forensic Investigations, Introduction to Fire Investigation, and Digital Forensics. The final year examines advanced investigative management and analysis through Undergraduate Major Project, Management of Major Investigations, Forensic Pathology, and Forensic Anthropology.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
112-96 UCAS Tariff points. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, OCR, Access to HE and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff. 5 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths. If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
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What students say
Based on about 48 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 79%
- Organisation and management: 42%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 71%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 95 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 61%
- London: 13%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists
- Applied Science for Forensic Investigators
- Introduction to Forensic Photography and Methodologies
- Investigative Skills
- Biological and Trace Evidence Analysis
- Personal and Professional Development - Level 4
- Group Tutorial
- Into ARU
- Forensic Scene Examination
- Police and Forensic Investigations
- Introduction to Fire Investigation
- Professional and Personal Development - Level 5
- Ruskin Module
- Mass Fatality Incidents
- Evidence Based Policing
- Digital Forensics
- Group Tutorial
- Project Preparation
- Undergraduate Major Project
- Management of Major Investigations
- Forensic Pathology
- Forensic Anthropology
- Advanced Digital Investigations
- Major Investigations
- Group Tutorial
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Crime and Investigative Studies at Anglia Ruskin University earn?
The median salary is £23,000 after 3 years, £28,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £33,000. The £28,000 median after five years is £1,000 more than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Crime and Investigative Studies at Anglia Ruskin University?
85% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BSc Crime and Investigative Studies at Anglia Ruskin University?
The average entrant had 104 UCAS points.
Is BSc Crime and Investigative Studies at Anglia Ruskin University accredited?
Yes. The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.
Does BSc Crime and Investigative Studies at Anglia Ruskin University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Crime and Investigative Studies at Anglia Ruskin University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.