Criminology and Forensic Science BSc (Hons) at Northumbria introduces you to investigative skills examining everything, from the theoretical to the scientific, from the courtroom to the crime scene.
Ranked 4th in the UK for Forensic Science (Complete University Guide 2026) and accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, this course demonstrates how to use a scientific mindset when interpreting criminology.
Explore the causes of crime, societal responses to it, and the forensic techniques used to solve it, from DNA profiling and blood pattern analysis to toxicology and trace evidence examination. Build hands-on expertise in specialist lab environments and take on an optional placement or study abroad year with the opportunity to gain real-world experience before you graduate.
This extended degree offers an alternative route into higher education if you don't meet the standard entry requirements. Your foundation year covers sociology, politics and criminology, and by engaging with real-world issues you can develop an understanding of society alongside critical thinking and problem-solving skills for study and employment.
Studying criminological theory, criminal justice, and core forensic science techniques will give you a grounding in both disciplines. By the end, you'll be equipped to carry out essential laboratory procedures and understand how crime is studied.
Apply specialist forensic science to real case scenarios, including DNA profiling and drug analysis. By the end, you'll be able to develop and evaluate forensic strategies with growing confidence and independence.
You may have the choice to undertake an optional year-long placement in an associated field or study abroad at a partner university, building professional experience and broadening your perspective.
In your final year, complex casework and an independent interdisciplinary dissertation bring criminology and forensic science together. By the end, you'll be equipped to evaluate evidence at an advanced level and pursue professional practice.
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This extended degree offers an alternative route into higher education if you don't meet the standard entry requirements. Your foundation year covers sociology, politics and criminology, and by engaging with real-world issues you can develop an understanding of society alongside critical thinking and problem-solving skills for study and employment.
Studying criminological theory, criminal justice, and core forensic science techniques will give you a grounding in both disciplines. By the end, you'll be equipped to carry out essential laboratory procedures and understand how crime is studied.
Apply specialist forensic science to real case scenarios, including DNA profiling and drug analysis. By the end, you'll be able to develop and evaluate forensic strategies with growing confidence and independence.
You may have the choice to undertake an optional year-long placement in an associated field or study abroad at a partner university, building professional experience and broadening your perspective.
In your final year, complex casework and an independent interdisciplinary dissertation bring criminology and forensic science together. By the end, you'll be equipped to evaluate evidence at an advanced level and pursue professional practice.
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
On this module you will cover the basic scientific knowledge and practical skills required of a scientist. Topics will include microscopy, required mathematical calcllations, basic laboratory skills such as use of Gilson pipettes, practices of documenting forensic examinations, scientific report writing and referencing and presentation skills.
This module will provide you with an understanding of the key principles, practice and processes of forensic science. You will gain an understanding of the role of a forensic scientist and appreciate the types of evidence that they examine as well as other key stakeholders. You will understand the importance of the continuity and integrity of exhibits from scene to court, understand the deposition and transfer and persistence of materials and you will develop your practical skills with search and recovery techniques. You will also develop observational and note taking skills aligned to a forensic examination. Unseen examination and a practical assessment will assess your knowledge, understanding and skills associated with the key principles of forensic science.
On this module you will learn the fundamental principles of biology and chemistry required to provide the necessary background level of understanding for progression onto second year of study when the basic science is applied to forensic specialisms such as toxicology, trace evidence analysis and DNA profiling. Topics covered on this module will include:
• Anatomy and physiology
• Cell biology
• Genetics
• Fundamental chemistry principles
• Chemical extraction and sample preparation techniques
• Analytical techniques
In this module you will be introduced definitions of crime, a selection of crime types and to a wide range of explanationatory theories that been developed to explain why people commit crime and how we night effectively prevent and respond to criminality. Weekly lectures and seminars will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to introduce you to theories and to understand their strengths, limitations and impacts in relation to how we understand crime and the criminal justice system. We will explore a variety of theories associated with rational actor, pre-destined actor and victimised actor explanations for crime. We will also explore explanations for green crime, integrated explanations that combine ideas from different perspectives, and explore explanations that have attempted to explain why different groups in society commit crime. We will explore the differences, commonalities and dynamic nature of these various explanations for crime , explore evidence to understand the explanatory power of the different explanatory theories and explore the policy and practice implications of the different theoretical explanations we cover... The module will also introduce to students to crime victimisation and operation of the criminal justice system.
Whilst learning about a number of significant criminal case studies from the UK, you will learn to develop critical thinking skills relating to crime and the way crime is researched, reported and represented. In the course of the module, you will also learn some of the vital skills necessary to be a criminologist, relating to critical thinking, academic referencing, researching crime and society, and interpreting crime statistics.
The Criminal Justice System (CJS) comprises those institutions and agencies that are collectively responsible for managing a state’s response to crime and disorder. This module introduces the key agencies of the CJS in England and Wales. The aim is to understand the historical development of the CJS, what the agencies of the CJS do, and the constraints that they operate under. The focus will be on the history, role and function of the police service, prosecutors, courts, prisons, parole, youth justice, the probation service, and other relevant agencies. For example, students will learn about the early models of policing in Britain and its former colonies and the historical developments that led to the birth of the modern police force, before focusing on the role and function of the police and how the police role is perceived in the media and in popular imagination. Similarly, students will explore the role and emergence of the prison estate in England and Wales, considering how prisons have been designed and managed over time, the impact on prisoners and offenders of policy changes over the last 50 years, and how news about the state of prisons is communicated to the ‘outside’ world.
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
Standard Offer 72 UCAS Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Contextual Admissions 56 UCAS Tariff points
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach and assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application.
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths, Statistics, or Physics and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or equivalents.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
The UK tuition fee for 26/27 is £9,790 and is set in line with the UG Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase this fee in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
The remaining fees relate to the International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements.
Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050. Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.
*if your course is longer than one year
* Fees subject to annual increases over the course of the period of study. Students will be liable for payment of any/all tuition fees which are not sponsored by their employer or other third party.
This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050. Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.
This is the programme fee for your first year of study. The programme fee includes the international tuition fee, International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements.
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Over 92% of Forensic and Archaeological Sciences students surveyed in the 2026 National Student Survey positively rated the learning resources on their course.
This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, meaning your degree is professionally acknowledged and valued across the forensic science sector.
Northumbria’s specialist forensic labs, a dedicated crime scene house, and a former magistrates' court setting, give you life-like experience in professional forensic environments from the very start.
Build professional experience, forge industry connections, and strengthen your profile in a competitive graduate job market through an optional placement or study abroad year.
Learn from research-active criminologists and experienced forensic science practitioners who are active researchers, practitioners, and contributors to professional policy within the field.
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Over 92% of Forensic and Archaeological Sciences students surveyed in the 2026 National Student Survey positively rated the learning resources on their course.
This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, meaning your degree is professionally acknowledged and valued across the forensic science sector.
Northumbria’s specialist forensic labs, a dedicated crime scene house, and a former magistrates' court setting, give you life-like experience in professional forensic environments from the very start.
Build professional experience, forge industry connections, and strengthen your profile in a competitive graduate job market through an optional placement or study abroad year.
Learn from research-active criminologists and experienced forensic science practitioners who are active researchers, practitioners, and contributors to professional policy within the field.
Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901.
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