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.

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.

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.