BSc Forensic Investigation (Terrorism & Political Violence)

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a highly specialized and critical BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation (Terrorism & Political Violence) degree. This program provides students with an in-depth understanding of both the scientific principles and practical techniques of forensic investigation, alongside a focused exploration of the complex phenomena of terrorism and political violence. It is designed for individuals seeking careers that require analytical rigor, an understanding of security threats, and the ability to apply forensic science in sensitive, high-stakes contexts. Students gain practical experience in various simulated crime scenes and specialized laboratories, developing proficiency in evidence collection, analysis, and interpretation relevant to incidents of terrorism and political violence. The curriculum also delves into the conceptual and procedural frameworks used to understand, manage, and investigate terrorist attacks, providing insights from both police and forensic perspectives.

Curriculum: The BSc Forensic Investigation (Terrorism & Political Violence) curriculum at CCCU is interdisciplinary, integrating core forensic science modules with specialized topics in terrorism and political violence. While specific module titles may vary, the program typically covers crime scene investigation, forensic science disciplines (e.g., DNA, trace evidence, ballistics relevant to explosive devices or firearms), and the presentation of evidence in court. Concurrently, students explore modules focused on "Terrorism and Political Violence in the United Kingdom," "Beyond Policing: Investigating International Political Violence," and "Accident, Disaster & Terror Scene Investigation." The curriculum also touches upon cyber security and cybercrime investigation, reflecting the evolving nature of threats. Learning is highly practical, incorporating mock crime scenes, forensic case studies, and simulated scenarios in facilities like the Hydra Suite, where students apply theoretical knowledge to realistic investigative challenges related to terrorism and political violence.

Research Focus: The Forensic Investigation (Terrorism & Political Violence) program at Canterbury Christ Church University is delivered by academic staff who are active in research within the fields of law, policing, criminal justice, and security studies. The School of Law, Criminal Justice, and Policing has a strong research culture, with faculty expertise contributing to areas such as criminology, forensic investigation, intelligence, and the study of terrorism and counter-terrorism. Research interests can include the dynamics of radicalization, the effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies, the impact of political violence on society, and the application of forensic science in complex security investigations. This active research engagement ensures that the curriculum remains current, informed by contemporary scholarly debates, and incorporates the latest findings and methodologies in understanding and combating terrorism and political violence.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a critical component of the BSc Forensic Investigation (Terrorism & Political Violence) program at CCCU, designed to provide students with invaluable practical experience and professional insights. The university boasts state-of-the-art forensic facilities, including a dedicated crime scene facility with various simulated environments (e.g., crime scene rooms, fire scenes) and specialized laboratories. The program also makes extensive use of the Hydra Suite, an immersive learning environment that simulates real-life, complex scenarios encountered by criminal justice professionals and emergency services, including those related to terrorism. Students have opportunities for trips or visits to gain insight into the workings of forensic investigation, potentially attending mock crime scene exercises with police forces or other training events. Strong links exist with various law enforcement agencies and security professionals, providing guest lectures and insights into real-world challenges and career opportunities within counter-terrorism and security fields.

Global Perspective: The BSc Forensic Investigation (Terrorism & Political Violence) program at Canterbury Christ Church University strongly emphasizes a global perspective, recognizing the transnational nature of terrorism and political violence. The curriculum includes modules like "Beyond Policing: Investigating International Political Violence" and explores the global context of terrorism, looking historically and globally at trends, tactics, and motivations. Students examine different types of terrorism and how government responses to such violence have evolved internationally, with a deeper focus on the UK's counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST). This approach equips students with a nuanced understanding of the global landscape of security threats, international cooperation mechanisms, and the ethical and legal complexities involved in investigating and preventing terrorism across borders.