2023/24 entry
BSc (Hons) Forensics, Policing and Investigations
Why study Forensics, Policing and Investigations at Liverpool John Moores University?
- A new degree programme designed to explore, in-depth how forensics links to the field of investigation
- Innovative and thought-provoking modules both reflect and challenge current investigative practices and debates
- You will be taught by lecturers with academic and professional backgrounds in policing and the use of forensic science
- Be part of the new Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies, the UK's first research centre devoted to supporting the needs of 21st century policing
- Opportunities to gain real-life experience of policing as a Special Police Constable or police volunteer
About your course
Love murder mysteries and true crime? Thinking about a career that allows you to incorporate that love? While reality is often very different from what you see and hear on television, social media or hear in a podcast, this is a fast-paced, rewarding career field that combines science, keen powers of observation, and evidence-based strategies to help serve your community and combat a variety of antisocial and criminal behaviours.
The BSc Forensics, Policing and Investigations degree at Liverpool John Moores University will engage you in the understanding and development of key strategies for effective crime scene management.
This new degree Forensics, Policing and Investigation degree has been written to foreground specialist forensic content, so you can understand how forensics links to the field of investigation and policing.
LJMU’s suite of Policing and Investigations programmes take students on a critical exploration of contemporary policing issues as they develop skills and prepare for professional practice.
We have developed this programme over many years of policing studies degree delivery, working with Merseyside Police Constabulary, College of Policing and other key stakeholders in the policing and criminal justice sectors. The resulting programme of study is a brand new course, which prepares students for the diverse world of investigative, forensic and evidence gathering techniques, leading to a wide range of rewarding career options.
Many of our students undertake study and field trips as part of their studies to understand and practice real-life applications. Previous trips have seen students visiting the Emergency Services Training Centre and the Henry C. Lee Institute.
WATCH: students recently visited the Henry C. Lee Institute in New York (USA) to learn about ballistics forensics:
"The course has been extremely interesting, giving me an insight into the policing world while developing my understanding that the term policing can be incorporated in to many different career aspects. I have developed a firm understanding of academic theories and have been able to apply these greatly to my role as a Special Constable. The course incorporates a great mix of academia, practical teaching and an overall student experience which I have felt that I have grown a lot as a person in confidence and knowledge."
Professional accreditation/links
All of our qualifications conform to the professional and regulatory guidelines established by The College of Policing and have been developed to reflect changes in the way that police constabularies are recruiting new constables nationally.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- Library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to programme-appropriate software
- Library and student IT support
- Free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Employability
Once you complete one of the BA (Hons) and BSc (Hons) Policing programmes, you will have the knowledge, skills and qualification that makes you an attractive candidate for a career in the police service or for careers in many areas particularly connected to investigation, security or criminal justice e.g. roles within the armed services, prison service, social work or criminal justice-related roles within the Civil Service.
Alternatively you may consider pursuing an academic career through postgraduate study.
Successful completion of the BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) does not provide any guarantee of recruitment as a trainee Police Constable. Each police force within England and Wales sets out its own recruitment process and selection policy and entry requirements vary from force to force. You are therefore strongly advised to check the specific requirements of your chosen force prior to undertaking study.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
We are committed to ensuring all our students experience a transformation in their employability skills and mindset and their career trajectory. A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course.
Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose. It will enable you to become more proactive, adaptable and resilient in your awareness and approach to career possibilities.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU’s state-of-the-art suite of online tools, resources and jobs board. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU’s in-house recruitment service, ensuring students can build experience whilst they study.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones to accelerate your job search and applications, CV and interview technique. Themed careers and employability workshops, a programme of employer events and recruitment fairs run throughout the year and students have the opportunity to hear from a range of alumni who openly share their own onward experience.
Student Futures work with businesses to create opportunities for fully funded internships which help students increase their network within the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU’s Careers, Employability and Enterprise Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
A life-changing experience
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or option in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations.
Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules may also be included to provide you with an element of choice within the programme. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Exploring Policing and Investigation Studies - Skills for Success
20 credits
In this module you will develop your academic skills including referencing and writing. You will research the court system in England and Wales and develop team work in a shared research project.
Introduction to Policing and investigation
20 credits
This module aims to help you understand key theories and concepts relevant to policing and the wider criminal justice system by examining the chronological development of policing and other institutions within the system, landmark events and their inter-relationship and relevance.
Crime Scene Investigation
20 credits
This module introduces you to crime scene investigation so you can develop skills such as: analysis and problem solving, written communication and team work. The basic crime scene skills of photography, note taking, and sketching are taught along with the concept of recovery, enhancement and comparison of fingerprints.
Criminal Law, Practice, and Procedure
20 credits
This module aims to introduce you to the role, responsibilities and powers of the police in differing societal and operational environments. The module provides you with a critical introduction to the foundations of criminal law and the criminal justice system. You will identify the key ingredients of a criminal offence, the varying liability of third parties, and common defences prescribed by criminal law, highlighting the importance of police integrity and the role played by police officers in the successful application of criminal law sanctions.
Technology in Policing and Investigation
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the legal, professional and ethical issues relating to the use of a broad range of technologies in the policing and law enforcement context. You will explore the issues around social media and its use in the personal and professional context and the criminal use of technologies and the challenges this presents.
Forensic Science
20 credits
The aim of this module is to introduce you to a wide range of scientific areas and methods used in forensic science.
Level 5
Core modules
Policing Communities
20 credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of the concept of equality and diversity. It provides you with an opportunity to critically explore factors which have come to inform policing environments and practices, and to reflexively acknowledge how personal behaviours can support the promotion of the principles of equality and diversity within the workplace and the wider community.
Practice, Procedure and the Criminal Law 2
20 credits
The module aims to introduce you to aspects of the criminal law and police powers. At the end of the module, you will be able to identify and critically appraise the extent of these laws and powers, alongside exploring relevant legislation, policy and practice guidance.
Conducting Investigations
20 credits
The module aims to develop your understanding of the legislative and policy framework which sets out the parameters for the investigation of criminal offences and provide the opportunity for you to demonstrate and explain investigative procedures through the use of case studies and crime scene practical's. It will also provide an opportunity to critically explore the range of regulatory processes and professional values which inform practice, theories of team work, communication, issues of professional status and power and working across organisational boundaries.
Forensic Methods
20 credits
This module develops practical skills in crime scene investigation and extends the knowledge of forensic analysis and concepts introduced at Level 4. You will also develop knowledge of the court system and the legal context of the discipline.
Evidence Based Practice
20 credits
This module will develop your understanding of the literature relevant to the concept of evidence based practice as it relates to Policing. You will also explore the epistemological, methodological and ethical underpinnings of the study.
The Psychology of Investigation
10 credits
This module aims to help you understand how Psychology can support you when conducting interviews in relation to Qualitative methodology.
Level 6
Core modules
Research Project
40 credits
The module aims to enable you to develop a detailed knowledge of your identified field and through this knowledge build a critical understanding of relevant policy and procedural guidance as it is applied in practice.
Multi-Agency Safeguarding
20 credits
The module aims to develop your understanding of the legislative and policy framework which sets out the parameters of multi-agency working arrangements across the sector. There will be an opportunity for you to work across disciplinary boundaries and gain experience through work related learning using 'real life' case studies.
Applying Forensics to Investigations
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of the investigative process in a range of operational contexts. You will develop practical solutions to provide effective policing methods in this area whilst furthering your own competence within the pathway.
Optional modules
Comparative Studies in Policing
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to conduct a focused piece of independent work in an international context on an area related to the Policing programme, and to encourage you to monitor and reflect critically on your own learning.
Terrorism and Counter Terrorism
20 credits
In this module you will examine the key concepts in relation to terrorism and explore a number of key issues including definitions of terrorism, ideologies, typology, group structures, tactics, methods of operation, target selection, state response, use of technologies, funding and media impact. You will also explore the concept of, and delivery of, counter terrorism initiatives with a focus on the measures being adopted within the United Kingdom, drawing on comparative counter-terrorism strategies from the US and Canada.
Application of Intelligence to Policing
20 credits
This programme will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the role, uses and application of intelligence within contemporary policing and partner agencies. You will also develop an understanding of how intelligence can be ethically collected, collated, evaluated, managed and analysed. This will also include the impact of the National Intelligence Model within policing and the wider criminal justice arena.
Investigating Serious and Complex Cases
20 credits
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, online activities, workshops and seminars all of which you are expected to attend. In addition you will be supported to develop your skills relating to independent study and group work. You will need to participate in online activities and discussions using our virtual learning environment, Canvas.
To support you in your studies for this programme you will have access to a state of the art complex that the university is investing in and which includes a house that can be used to create crime scenes.
Work-related Learning
Work-related learning is incorporated into every level of this programme so that once you graduate you will be equipped with a range of transferable skills and knowledge in analysis and interpretation, presentation, teamwork, initiative and research.
You will be strongly encouraged to become a Special Police Constable, a police volunteer or to volunteer within the criminal justice field throughout your studies so that you can gain practical insight into operational practices, build professional relationships and enhance your employability skills for police and related criminal justice professions after graduation.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
It is often useful to discuss course-related issues on a one-to-one basis and for this reason we will assign you a personal tutor for the duration of your studies at LJMU. Your tutor will also help you put together your personal development plan so that you can monitor progress and set your own targets.
Module tutors also provide support in the form of online learning materials, course guides and one-to-one consultations if you need them, and there will be study skills sessions to help you prepare for assessments.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
Your marks and feedback will be available within 15 working days of submitting a piece of work. That's because we believe that constructive feedback is vital in helping you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to develop further.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Amanda Farrell
Programme Leader
Dr Amanda Farrell
Programme Leader
I am programme leader and the international strategy lead for the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies. I previously worked as an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, and as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Justice working on the Needs Assessment of Forensic Laboratories and Medical Examiner and Coroner Offices. I received my PhD. from Old Dominion University in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and hold a Master of Science in Investigative Psychology from the University of Liverpool, as well as a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Sam Houston State University. During my MSc and PhD studies, I interned with a police department, primarily in field forensics. Due to previous training and experience, I had full access as an intern and worked anywhere between eight and 60 hours per week for the agency while also working as a lecturer and being a full-time doctoral student. I have worked many crime scenes with forensic personnel, formally and informally consulted on homicide investigations from multiple jurisdictions, assisted with instruction at both the police academy and in-service training, and guest lectured at the FBI’s National Academy. During the last year of my doctorate degree, I was an ORISE research fellow for the FBI, working on multiple projects, including ones related to the prevention and investigation of mass shootings, as well as those related to kidnapped and murdered children. I also have a book chapter published on law enforcement perspectives on mass shootings that includes the traumatic impact of these events on first responders. My research and teaching interests include homicide, criminal investigations, field forensics, human sexuality, and policing in general, and specifically deadly force incidents and stress/trauma experiences. My recent work demonstrates expanded interest in stress/trauma and resilience, particularly regarding more broad investigative contexts and to the forensic science workforce. I have been published as a co-author in International Criminal Justice Review, Homicide Studies, the Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling, Gender Issues, Psychology of Men and Masculinities, and Police Practice and Research: An International Journal and currently serve as an editorial board member on Psychology of Men and Masculinities.
Delivered in partnership with the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, students will learn how to recognise and appropriately handle evidence, as well as the role forensics plays in the broader investigative process. This prepares students for work in a variety of investigative contexts, such as crime scene work, victim advocacy, and even some work in the private sector.
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
Based within the John Foster Building, in the Mount Pleasant Campus, the School of Justice Studies is a leading provider of education in Policing Studies, Criminology and Criminal Justice. We provide specific training for policing students wishing to enter the service as a graduate recruit. The John Foster Building has many outstanding facilities, including well-equipped IT Suites, a light-filled Student Common Room and dedicated study areas. At the back of the John Foster Building is the Aldham Robarts Library, which gives 24 hour access to an exceptional range of materials to support your studies.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Minimum points required from qualifications: 104
GCSE and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Welsh GCSE in Maths or Numeracy
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
Please note: Applicants who wish to progress into the police service as a police constable will require passes in Maths and English or equivalent qualifications.
A Levels
- Minimum number of A Levels required: 2
- Is general studies acceptable? Yes
- Average A Level offer: BCC
- Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
T Levels
- T Level requirements: 104 UCAS Tariff points
BTEC qualifications
- National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma subjects / grades required: D*D if no other level 3 qualifications are taken, or to the total of 104 UCAS tariff points when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: DMM if no other Level 3 qualification taken, or to the total of 104 UCAS tariff points when combined with other qualifications
Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Further information: At least 9 Distinctions and 36 Merits or any other combination that equates to 104 UCAS Tariff points
International Baccalaureate
- International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Additional information: 104 UCAS Tariff points from IB Composite parts, or in combination with other Level 3 qualifications
Welsh awards
- Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
Irish awards
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Grades / subjects required: 104 UCAS Tariff points with a maximum 20 UCAS Tariff points from Ordinary Level
OCR National acceptability
- National Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
NVQ
- Are Level 3 NVQs acceptable? Acceptable when combined with other qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technicals
- Technical Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Technical Extended Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Technical Foundation Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Introductory Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Subsidiary Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
Alternative qualifications considered
Applications are welcomed from mature and non-standard applicants, who will be considered on an individual basis. These applicants may be required to submit an essay and/or attend an interview, and should demonstrate potential and motivation and/or have relevant experience.
We welcome applications from International applicants who will be considered in line with normal entry requirements.
Reduced Offer Scheme
6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
International entry requirementsPlease Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Can this course be deferred?Yes
Is a DBS check required?No
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.