Introduction
Get exposure to the real world of crime and investigation. Our Cambridge-based degree course covers forensic science, crime scene processing, policing and the law.
"If you look for similar courses in the UK, you won’t find anything quite like what ARU offers. We have practical sessions almost every week. It truly is a wonderful experience."
Nick, BSc (Hons) Crime and Investigative Studies student
Follow Nick's university journeyAre you interested in crime, forensic science, policing and the law, but unsure which subject to study? You’ll cover them all on our Crime and Investigative Studies degree course.
We combine crime scene examination and procedures around ISO accreditation with other crime-related subjects, such as policing, intelligence and the law. You’ll learn about forensics, policing, the law and the important of a methodical crime-scene process from lecturers with first-hand experience in the field.
One of the few degree programmes accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, our course offers you real-world experience through work placements, internships and field trips, and career possibilities in criminal justice, crime analysis, fire investigation, fraud, policing and victim support.
Course options
Key facts
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Facilities and accreditation
Outstanding facilities and support
As a Crime and Investigative Studies student at ARU you'll be able to:
- use cutting-edge facilities, including our new Science Centre with its range of laboratories
- learn from expert tutors and visiting professionals
- use creative resources such as 3D printers
- benefit from award-winning IT and library facilities.
Practical experience
Choose Crime and Investigative Studies at ARU and:
- get an understanding of the workplace through visits to places such as the Crown Court, and other field trips
- benefit from ongoing careers and employability support
- access business support and mentoring through our start-up hub
- take an optional placement year as part of your course, and gain valuable work experience.
Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
Our three-year degree course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, the professional body for forensic practitioners in the UK and internationally.
Rebecca Jones
Lecturer Practitioner Crime and Investigative Studies
Careers
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.
As a Crime and Investigative Studies graduate, you’ll be ready to work in various areas of the criminal justice system – particularly policing, crime scene examination, prisons and security – as well as government intelligence agencies.
The legal and criminology elements of the course open up career possibilities in social and youth work, crime analysis, victim support and legal work.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. If you’d like to continue your studies we offer a wide range of full-time and part-time postgraduate courses. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Want to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. We're here Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5pm, and Friday 8.30am-4.30pm. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
Life in Cambridge
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Explore CambridgePlacement year available
You have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.
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