Applied Criminology with Criminal Investigation

100% of our Applied Criminology with Criminal Investigation students were in employment or further study 15 months after finishing their course - Graduate Outcomes 2025

Studying Applied Criminology with Criminal Investigation at CCCU involves exploring answers to some of society’s biggest questions. Our course provides you with a thorough understanding of the theories, methods, and practices involved in studying crime and conducting criminal investigations. You’ll benefit from over twenty-five years’ experience of police education, CCCU was the first university to provide a detective education programme.

Our innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on the intersections between crime, justice and society, enabling you to understand the importance of cooperation and communication between agencies within criminal justice. You will also learn about the impact of social problems and structures. It will equip you with a strong foundation in criminological theories and a critical understanding of criminal justice processes.

You’ll explore who commits crime and why, learn how the criminal justice system treats victims and why the law criminalises some harmful behaviours but not others. Our emphasis on learning through experience will enable you to practice investigative interviewing and ethical decision making. However you’ll also analyse aspects of police investigations from a range of perspectives. Our applied focus builds key skills, preparing you for a wide range of careers in criminal justice and beyond and enabling you to become skilled practitioners capable of working effectively in multidisciplinary and multiagency environments.

Professional accreditation

The Applied Criminology course adheres to and is guided by the Criminology Benchmark Statements, which define expectations as part of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education.

Specialist facilities

The Criminology team have access to the Canterbury Prison site as this is part of the University estate and our students are able to get involved in research and work in this area. In addition, the staff arrange visits and trips to allow students to experience a range of criminal justice settings where operationally possible.

The forensic facilities include a range of crime scenes, including cars, crime scene rooms, fire scenes and outside scenes and a forensic workshop and range of science laboratories. A wide range of forensic equipment is housed within these areas and the facilities and equipment used depends on whether you study Forensic Investigation as a single or combined honours degree.

We have a dedicated crime scene facility containing eight internal rooms and two outdoor scenes, a forensic workshop, five science laboratories, an incident room, a Hydra simulation centre and facilities to simulate courtroom scenarios, all with relevant equipment attached. One of our teaching rooms is an old courtroom, attached to the former Canterbury Prison.

University isn't just an education, it's the start of your career. At Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), you'll get to explore a number of exciting career paths, whatever you study.

CCCU is ranked top 5 UK university for employability (Uni Compare Rankings 2026), highlighting its excellent student careers and employability support. The university is home to career-relevant courses and industry-standard facilities. For example, film students can showcase their creativity in the fully equipped film/TV studio, forensics students can test their observational abilities in mock crime scenes, and nursing students can practice their skills in simulated hospital wards.

With a campus in a World Heritage Site, Canterbury is also less than an hour on the train from London and is buzzing with student life. You've got beautiful coast and countryside right on your doorstep, and plenty of opportunities to make friends. With CCCU's range of clubs and societies, including Tennis, Musical Theatre and Dodgeball, you're bound to meet your friends for life.

Click register interest now to secure your place at CCCU this September.