Overview

This exciting criminology degree focuses on the key elements involved in the criminal justice system, criminology and forensic investigation:

• The interdisciplinary field of criminology explores topics such as the study of offenders, victims and the motivations for crime.
• You will study modules that explore the powers of the police, how crimes are investigated, the role of police in society, and contemporary issues that are associated with the role and actions of law enforcement agencies.
• The forensic investigation of crime explores the role of science in the investigative process, its accomplishments, complexities and issues affecting justice. 

Utilising both theoretical and practical methods, this forensic investigation degree provides authentic learning experiences such as analysis of crime scenes, police interviewing and giving evidence in court.  

These key elements offer a valuable and insightful overview of the justice system's workings and will prepare you for a future career as well as providing networking opportunities and enabling you to experience criminal justice across the globe.

 

What you'll study

This criminology course covers the gathering of scientific evidence with a teaching strategy that puts you at the centre of the learning process.

You will learn through a variety of academic methods designed to suit different learning styles and goals, with well-structured activities to make sure your experience is engaging.

 

Why study this course?

This forensic investigation degree embeds academic, professional and transferrable criminologist skills that will equip you for your future career with dedicated support and opportunities to gain valuable work experience in the wider criminal justice field.

 

Programme Aims

• Offer an innovative and research-informed curriculum, creating an intellectually stimulating environment for students' personal and intellectual development, and preparing them for diverse careers through the application of professional practice and real-world skills
• Equip students with the ability to locate, organise and synthesise information from diverse sources, including primary and secondary materials.
• Develop critical analysis and evaluation skills to effectively marshal evidence for reasoned arguments and to address complex issues within the field of criminology.
• Provide rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative research methods, fostering engagement in the research process through individual and group projects.
• Allow students to pursue specific areas of interest or specialization within criminology, including options for work- or community-based learning.
• Cultivate independence and active learning, facilitating the acquisition of lifelong learning skills for personal, academic, and career development.
• Foster exploration of key issues surrounding the causes and effects of crime, the functioning of the criminal justice, promoting knowledge, confidence, and effective communication skills.

 

 

 

About the University of West London

• Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2025*

• Top modern** university in London for Criminology - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

• Our Criminology courses are ranked #1 in London for modern** universities - The Guardian University Guide 2026

• Best modern** university in London - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

 

For more information about the University of West London, please visit www.uwl.ac.uk.

 

*The National Student Survey 2025 result is based on the average of all answers by the registered student populations.

**Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and after, 1992.

 

 

All course/prospectus information is available online from

https://www.uwl.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/criminology-forensic-investigation?start=1730&option=33

 

 

 

 

Year 1 Entry

Duration

Full-time: 3 years (6 terms, 60 credits per term)

Part-time: 5 years (10 terms, 40 – 60 credits per term)

 

Programme Structure

Year 1 Module Description(PDF)

 

Modules	Core or Elective	Credits
Criminological Theory	Core	20
Criminal Process and Responsibility	Core	20
Principles in Crime Scene Investigation	Core	20
Policing Society	Core	20
Victims of Crime Safeguarding Society	Core	20
Researching Criminal Worlds	Core	20

Year 2 Module Description(PDF)

 

Modules	Core or Elective	Credits
Cybercrime and Cyber Security	Core	20
Explaining Criminal Behaviour	Core	20
Criminal Justice in Practice	Core	20
Crime Scene Investigation in Practice	Core	20
Global and Environmental Crime	Core	20
Methods and Analysis in Criminological Practice	Core	20

Year 3 Module Description(PDF)

 

Modules	Core or Elective	Credits
Criminology Dissertation	Core	40
Punishment, Rehabilitation and Offender Management	Core	20
Complex Crime Scene Investigation	Core	20
Optional Module A	Elective	20
Optional Module B	Elective	20

 

 

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Year 3 Entry

Duration

Full-time: 1 year (2 terms, 60 credits per term)

Part-time: 2 years (4 terms, 20 – 40 credits per term)

 

 

Study Pattern (For Sep 2026 intake)

Dowonload:
Programme Study Plan (PPT)

 

Programme Structure

Year 3 Module Description(PDF)

 

Modules	Core or Elective	Credits
Criminology Dissertation	Core	40
Punishment, Rehabilitation and Offender Management	Core	20
Complex Crime Scene Investigation	Core	20
Optional Module A	Elective	20
Optional Module B	Elective	20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bridging Course

 

 

#The tuition fee will be subject to adjustment by annual review

*For NMTSS subsidy, please refer to "Financial Assistance and Scholarship" section.

 

 

Learn More
https://www.hkit.edu.hk/en/admission/financial-assistance/