Criminology & Forensic Science

Criminology and forensic science is a degree that combines the sociological and analytical study of crime with the physical and biological sciences that underpin criminal investigation. Criminology examines crime as a social phenomenon, exploring why crime occurs, how it is defined and responded to, and how the criminal justice system operates. Forensic science provides the scientific tools and methods used to investigate crime scenes, analyse physical evidence and present findings in legal contexts.

Together they give you a degree that spans social understanding and scientific method in a way that few disciplines can match.

At Northumbria, this four-year extended degree is taught by research-active criminologists and experienced former forensic practitioners, which means the academic content connects directly to professional practice in both fields. You will develop your understanding of crime theory, criminal justice policy, policing and victimology alongside practical skills in forensic evidence collection and analysis, scene examination, chemistry and biology applied to forensic contexts. The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and a work placement, giving you extensive professional and international experience alongside your academic study.

The combination of theoretical and applied knowledge that the degree develops is particularly relevant for careers that bridge investigation, policy and science. Forensic science, policing, criminal justice roles, probation, intelligence analysis, policy research and the legal profession are all destinations that graduates of this combined programme move into. Some graduates pursue further professional training or postgraduate study in forensic science, criminology, law or criminal justice.

The practical experience accumulated through placements and the sandwich year strengthens applications considerably in what are competitive graduate fields.