Core Modules

Foundational knowledge for the Diploma in Criminal Studies, provided by these four modules.

• Introduction to Forensics BSC114
• Legal Terminology BWR108
• Criminal Profiling BPS227
  
• Criminal Psychology BPS309

Elective Modules

As well as the 4 core modules as listed above, students can choose any 2 modules from the following 15 modules.

• Industry Project I BIP000
• Anger Management BPS111
• Cyber Security VIT103
• Freelance Writing BWR102
• Workshop I BGN103
• Writing Fiction BWR105
• Advanced Freelance Writing BWR201
• Anxiety Management BPS224
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health BPS214
• Ethics BPS217
• Managing Mental Health in Adults BPS216
• Security Management BBS213
• Social Psychology I BPS205
• Abnormal Psychology BPS307
• Psychopharmacology (Drugs & Psychology) BPS302

Please Note:   each module in this Diploma in Criminal Studies is a standalone course in its own right, and may be studied separately.

WHAT IS FORENSIC SCIENCE?

The term ‘forensic’ relates to the use of scientific techniques and methods to investigate crimes. The word forensic is derived from the Latin word ‘forensis’, meaning an open court or forum. In Ancient Rome, this was where the law courts were held, and aspects of law were debated by the judiciary. Modern day forensic science is concerned with the application of science to the administration of law.

The goal of forensic science is to match:

• Suspect to crime scene
• Suspect to victim
• Victim to crime scene
• Victim to suspect
• Crime scene to crime scene

Forensic science is not a single science as such, but is an umbrella term for many different scientific methods of analysing evidence. To be a competent forensic scientist you first must be good at science and understand areas such as –

• Biology
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer science

There are several specialist fields within forensic science which focus on examining different types of evidence. These include things like –

• fingerprint analysis
• firearms and ballistics
• drug testing.

On the periphery of forensic science are some specialised fields of investigation. These include things like –

• forensic entomology (study of insects at crime scenes)
• odontology (forensic dentistry)
• palynology (study of pollen and spore evidence).

In the United States, the criminal justice system is often divided into criminology and criminalistics and a lot of other countries share a similar viewpoint. Criminalistics is a term used to refer to a specialist form of forensic science which involves analysing the physical evidence from crime scenes. As well as analysis it includes –

• recording evidence
• documenting evidence
• preserving evidence

Criminalistics might also include crime scene investigations, and these are often undertaken by police or CSI but may be undertaken by forensic scientists. However, forensic scientists in the United States mostly work in laboratories where they are supplied with evidence to analyse.

Criminology is concerned with the psychological side of crime. That is, the motives, behaviour, or traits of the perpetrator. Criminology also includes methods of crime prevention. It encompasses the behavioural sciences, most notably –

• anthropology
• sociology
• psychology.

Forensic psychology is the branch of psychology which concerns the study or practice of psychology and the law to understand more about criminal behaviour and the people who commit crimes.

The extent to which different laboratories (or crime scene labs as they are often referred to) in different countries conduct particular types of analyses varies considerably.

It may depend on the population of the city in which it is located, whether it is government or privately funded, and the training standards of personnel. Some labs offer a wide range of tests, but others may only offer several.

The division of forensic science into laboratory investigations and crime scene investigations has not always existed. In fact, there are those who would like to see less division of forensic investigations and see a more unified approach. It should also be noted that the degree of separation of different modes of enquiry and specialisation varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and country to country. In Australia, for example, forensic science is loosely grouped as:

• Laboratory sciences –
  • Drugs
  • Toxicology
  • Documents
  • Marks and impressions
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
• Field sciences –
  • Fingerprinting
  • Firearms
  • Crimes against person or property
• Digital services –
  • Audio video analysis
  • Voice recognition
  • Facial comparison
  • Computer forensics
• Forensic medicine –
  • Pathology
  • Forensic psychiatry
  • Forensic psychology
  • Odontology
  • Anthropology
  • Entomology

These divisions are not formal and there is overlap. They do however, cover the range of disciplines and services provided in most countries, so let’s take a closer look.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.