Criminal Justice and Forensic Science

Criminal justice and forensic science together address two complementary aspects of the system that society uses to respond to crime. Criminal justice examines the institutions, policies, and processes through which offenders are identified, prosecuted, sentenced, and managed, asking what the goals of the criminal justice system are and how well they are achieved. Forensic science provides the physical evidence that underpins many criminal prosecutions, applying chemistry, biology, and other scientific disciplines to the investigation of crime scenes and the analysis of evidence.

At the University of the West of Scotland, this four-year full-time programme combines a thorough grounding in criminal justice with the forensic science skills needed to understand and contribute to evidence-based criminal investigations. You will study criminological theory, policing and prosecution, sentencing and rehabilitation, and the organisation of the justice system alongside forensic analysis, evidence collection, and laboratory methods. The programme includes a sandwich placement year and embedded work placement opportunities, giving you substantial professional experience within the degree structure.

The typical entry tariff is 152 points.

Graduates of criminal justice and forensic science programmes pursue careers in forensic science laboratories, the police service, the Crown Prosecution Service, the probation service, the prison service, victim support organisations, and research. The combination of social science and natural science training is valued by employers who need professionals who can understand both the scientific and the human dimensions of criminal investigation and justice. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in criminology, forensic science, or law to develop more specialised expertise.