Criminal Justice and Forensic Science

Criminal justice and forensic science is a combination that reflects the central role of scientific evidence in the investigation and prosecution of crime. Criminal justice examines the systems, institutions and processes through which crime is defined, detected, prosecuted and punished, including policing, the courts, sentencing, probation and the social and political context in which these operate. Forensic science provides the scientific methods used to gather, analyse and present physical evidence in criminal investigations, from DNA profiling and fingerprint analysis to toxicology, digital forensics and crime scene investigation.

At the University of the West of Scotland, this part-time programme includes a sandwich year and a work placement, giving you direct professional experience alongside your academic study. You will develop knowledge of criminal law, criminological theory, criminal justice policy and penology alongside the scientific principles and laboratory techniques of forensic investigation. The placement gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in a real professional setting, whether that is in a forensic laboratory, a police service, a justice organisation or a related professional context.

UWS's professionally oriented approach means your studies are grounded in the realities of how criminal justice and forensic science work in practice.

Graduates from this programme pursue careers in forensic science laboratories, police services, the Crown Prosecution Service, probation service, prison service, crime scene investigation, forensic consultancy, social work, victim support and criminal justice policy. The scientific skills developed in forensic science are also valued in healthcare, pharmaceutical and environmental contexts beyond criminal justice. Further study at master's level in forensic science, criminology, criminal justice or a related science is an option for those who want to specialise further or pursue research careers.