Forensic Investigations BSc (Hons) at Coventry University

If your attention to detail is unmatched you could be destined for life in investigation. This degree will get you there.

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.

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. These industry visits contribute to our high levels of student satisfaction – 93% overall and 98% for teaching in the latest National Student Survey (NSS) 2016.  

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.

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 cover the essentials of forensic science, our degree is not intended to be a forensic science course. 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.

Career prospects

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 giving 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.