Skip to content
Criminology and Forensic Investigation

Foundation Degree in Forensic Investigation

  • Course Type: Foundation Degree
  • Institution Code: P56
Course overview

What can this course lead to?

After successful completion of the FD Levels 4 and 5, you have the opportunity to complete the Level 6 of the BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation course to obtain a full honours degree with a further year of study.

Just some of the future careers for graduates after completing the course include:

Police Community Support Officer
Prison Officer
Border Force Officer
Immigration Officer
Scenes of Crime Officer (CSI)
Intelligence Development Officer (MoD)
Traffic Examiner (DVSA)
Forensic Vehicle Examiner

Who is it for?

Are you interested in crime, forensic science and policing, but unsure which subject to study? If so, you will cover them all on our course. We combine the crime scene examination part of forensic science with other crime-related subjects, such as policing and criminal justice.

We will help you to understand both the theoretical and practical aspects of forensic and criminal investigations. We will look at the impact of various crime types on victims and how the police deal with the investigation to bring about justice.

In the classroom, you will explore the investigative techniques used by police services, alongside contemporary issues including evidence based policing and crime prevention. You will also gain experience in dealing with a wide range of crime scenes, from burglaries to murders, including scenes of mass disaster and skeletal remains.

During the two years of this foundation degree, you will participate in approximately 16 crime scene investigations which are also assessed as part of your course.

Learning about the criminal justice system in the UK, you will find out how your investigation of different crimes can have a significant impact, and how you would need to present your investigative findings within a court of law.

Our lecturers have first-hand experience of crime scene analysis, policing and criminal justice. As well as benefiting from their knowledge, you will have guest lectures from visiting professionals and get an understanding of the workplace through visits to places such as the Crown Court, and other field trips. The course has close links with Cambridgeshire Constabulary and we ensure that you learn from industry experts.

The courses at University Centre Peterborough are studied in smaller class sizes compared with other universities, a typical class size is under 20 students.

To view the course specification, click here.

What is covered?

You must take modules worth 120 credits at each level of the course. Each module is worth a specified number of credits.

Year one for full-time students (Level 4)

  • Introduction to Forensic Techniques (15 credits)
  • Academic Skills (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Criminal Justice (30 credits)
  • Introduction to Policing (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Fingerprint Techniques (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Body Fluids and DNA Techniques (15 credits)
  • Crime Scene Recording (15 credits)

Final year for full-time students (Level 5)

  • Evidence Based Policing and Crime Prevention (15 credits)
  • Crime Scene Investigation (15 credits)
  • Major Crime Investigations (15 credits)
  • Cyber Crime Investigations (15 credits)
  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Working in the Criminal Justice Sector (15 credits)
  • Police Investigations (30 credits)

A typical 15 credit module is 150 hours which includes 36 hours of tutor led delivery and 114 hours of recommended independent study. A typical 30 credit module is 300 hours which includes 72 hours of tutor led delivery and 228 hours of recommended independent study. A full-time student should expect to undertake 30 additional hours per week during term-time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You must have GCSE English language, mathematics and a science at a minimum of grade C/4  grade 4.

GCSE grade C/4 or above in English language, maths and science.

64 UCAS points with at least one qualification in a science related subject:

  • A-levels
  • BTEC
  • Cambridge Technicals
  • Access to HE

Mature students or students who do not have the above qualifications can contact our admissions team on 01733 214466 or admissions@ucp.ac.uk to discuss equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience. For more information on EU and overseas qualifications, UCAS, accreditation of prior learning and failure to meet the entry requirements please visit ucp.ac.uk”.

Course information
Ucas Code

F411

Location

Peterborough

Start Date

September

Fees

The tuition fees for full-time undergraduate students for 25/26 will be £8,500 per year, which is lower compared with many other universities.

Fees for part-time study are pro-rata depending on the number of credits you are studying (i.e. 90 credits per year will be 75% of the tuition fee).

Duration

2 years (2 full days a week over two semesters per year)

Validated by

The Open University

Tariff points

64

Apply Now Enquire

Incredible courses in partnership with The Open University

Validated Excellence

Our partnership with The Open University ensures that a significant number of our foundation diplomas and undergraduate degrees are validated by one of the UK’s most respected institutions, enhancing the credibility and recognition of your qualification.

Quality Assurance

Each course validated by The Open University undergoes rigorous quality assurance checks, guaranteeing that our curriculum meets high academic standards and delivers an exceptional educational experience.

Flexible Pathways

Through our collaboration with The Open University, students at University Centre Peterborough benefit from flexible learning options and expertly designed courses that support both part-time and full-time studies, tailored to accommodate diverse student needs.

Part of the Inspire Education Group © 2025 All rights reserved

Website by Itineris