LL.B. Law with Forensic Investigation

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a distinctive LL.B. (Hons) Law with Forensic Investigation degree, providing students with a unique blend of comprehensive legal education and specialized training in the principles and practices of forensic science. This innovative program is designed to give graduates a profound understanding of how scientific evidence is gathered, analyzed, and presented in a legal context, making them well-suited for careers at the intersection of law and criminal investigation. As a Qualifying Law Degree, it meets the academic requirements set by the Bar Standards Board for aspiring barristers and provides a strong foundation for those pursuing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), while also integrating the practical application of forensic techniques.

Curriculum: The LL.B. Law with Forensic Investigation curriculum at CCCU is structured to provide a robust foundation in both disciplines. Students will cover the core Foundation of Legal Knowledge (FLK) modules, including Public Law (Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, and Human Rights), Law of the European Union, Criminal Law, Obligations (Contract, Restitution, and Tort), Property Law, Equity and the Law of Trusts, 1 and the English Legal System. Alongside these, the program integrates modules on forensic investigation, such as "Introducing Crime Scene Investigation" and "Introducing Forensic Investigation," delving into the theoretical and practical aspects of evidence collection, analysis, and interpretation. The learning approach is experiential, utilizing mock crime scenes, forensic case files, and courtroom presentations to connect theory with real-world scenarios. Students develop critical thinking, legal reasoning, communication, and the practical skills needed for forensic analysis.  

Research Focus: The LL.B. Law with Forensic Investigation program benefits from the expertise of a dedicated academic team within the School of Law, Policing, and Social Sciences. Many faculty members are active researchers and practitioners in their fields, including those with backgrounds as Senior Crime Scene Investigators. Their research interests include areas such as crime scene investigation, forensic strategies in major and volume crime, and the use of forensic science in investigating offenses against cultural heritage. This research-informed teaching ensures that the curriculum is current, reflecting the latest developments and scholarly perspectives in both law and forensic science, allowing students to engage with contemporary challenges and research methodologies.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant component of the LL.B. Law with Forensic Investigation program at CCCU, providing invaluable practical experience and networking opportunities. The teaching team includes professionals with practical experience from policing and forensic investigation. Students have access to specialist forensic facilities, including a range of simulated crime scenes (e.g., cars, crime scene rooms, fire scenes, outdoor scenes), a forensic workshop, and science laboratories. They gain hands-on experience in investigative interviewing, crime scene processing, forensic evidence recovery and interpretation, and presenting evidence in court. The university also has strong links with local law enforcement, Citizens Advice, and local courts, which may offer opportunities for practical justice involvement, such as the Community Legal Companion (CLOCK) programme or experiencing live mediations at the university's in-house Mediation Clinic.

Global Perspective: The LL.B. Law with Forensic Investigation program at Canterbury Christ Church University incorporates a global perspective by examining international standards and methodologies in forensic science and their governance within legal and regulatory frameworks. While rooted in the English legal system, the curriculum explores global aspects of forensic techniques and the legal implications of international crime and investigations. The diverse backgrounds of academic staff, including international lawyers, contribute to a rich learning environment that encourages discussions on comparative approaches to forensic evidence and legal justice systems worldwide. This prepares graduates for potential roles in an increasingly interconnected world, where cross-border collaboration in law enforcement and forensic science is becoming more common.