Policing and Criminal Investigation

Study options

Award

BSc (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS code:
FM4X
UCAS code:
FM6X
UCAS code:
FM5X
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time
Study option:
Full-time, with a foundation year
Study option:
Full-time, with a placement year
Duration:
3 Years
Duration:
4 Years
Duration:
4 Years
Start date:
23 September 2024

Excellent Facilities

Get to grips with your future career in our crime scene house and mock courtroom

Outstanding Research Impact

87% of our research impact is recognised as “very considerable” or “outstanding" (Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Expert Staff

Learn from experienced industry professionals

Do you want to work within the Police, Armed Forces, Investigation or similar areas? Our Policing and Criminal Investigation course will prepare you with the skills required for a wide variety of roles within the public and private sectors, to give you a range of career opportunities when you graduate.

Our BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation degree will equip you with a high level of investigative expertise and policing knowledge. This will prepare you for a career with the Police, Armed Forces, HMRC, Post Office Investigation, insurance investigators and private organisations, as well as other areas. 

There is the option to complete a placement year with our BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation with a Placement Year route, whilst the Foundation Year route is designed for students who may not have the academic profile to go straight onto the three-year programme. 

Our BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation degree will equip you with a high level of investigative expertise and policing knowledge. This will prepare you for a career with the Police, Armed Forces, HMRC, Post Office Investigation, insurance investigators and private organisations, as well as other areas.

The Foundation Year option is available for those who may not have the academic profile for direct entry onto the 3-year degree. It will prepare you for the Policing and Criminal Investigation degree by enhancing your skills with Theories of Criminality, Introduction to Principles of Law and Crime in Context.

The Foundation year is taught with the City of Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College, so you will be on the Staffordshire University Stoke on Trent campus and the college's campus for the first year.

 

Our BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation degree will equip you with a high level of investigative expertise and policing knowledge. This will prepare you for a career with the Police, Armed Forces, HMRC, Post Office Investigation, insurance investigators and private organisations, as well as other areas.

On the sandwich version of this course, you will complete a one-year placement with a police force or organisation that works within the criminal justice system, to further your investigative skills and employability.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation

Work placements

If you choose to study Policing and Criminal Investigation with a Placement Year course, you will complete a placement between the second and final years of the course. Our placement staff will work with you to identify a suitable location for your work placement. Please also note that you are responsible for any costs incurred in travelling to and from your work placement, and for any accommodation costs.

 

Work placements

If you choose to transfer to the Placement Year route after your foundation year, then you will have the opportunity to complete a placement. This takes place after the third year of the course, before your final year. 

Work placements

If you choose to study this Placement Year route, you will complete a placement between the second and final years of the course. Our placement staff will work with you to identify a suitable location for your work placement. Please also note that you are responsible for any costs incurred in travelling to and from your work placement, and for any accommodation costs.

Course content

In your first year, you will develop both policing and forensic investigative skills. In particular, you will study Policing Theory and learn about specific case studies in the criminal justice sector. You will also learn how to process a crime scene and analyse digital evidence.

In Year 2, we put a greater emphasis on improving your investigative skills with modules, such as Practical Methods of Criminal Investigation, and a holistic approach to policing. You will study important subjects, such as Fairness in Policing, Law, practice and Procedure, and Risk and Vulnerability.

In your final year, you will put your policing and investigative knowledge to practice with our Case File to Court module, taking on the role of Witness in our mock courtroom. You’ll also complete your independent research project on a specialist topic of your choosing and select two options from modules including Intelligence Led Policing and Major Crime, Cyber Crime and Policing Society.

In Year 1, you will build on your academic skills by discussing the different Theories of Criminality and Crime in Context, as well as learning about the Principles of Law.

In your second year, you will develop both policing and forensic investigative skills. In particular, you will study Policing Theory and learn about specific case studies in the criminal justice sector. You will also learn how to process a crime scene and analyse digital evidence.

In Year 3, we put a greater emphasis on improving your investigative skills with modules, such as Practical Methods of Criminal Investigation, and a holistic approach to policing. You will study important subjects, such as Fairness in Policing, Law, practice and Procedure, and Risk and Vulnerability.

In your final year, you will put your policing and investigative knowledge to practice with our Case File to Court module, taking on the role of Expert Witness in our mock courtroom. You’ll also complete your independent research project on a specialist topic of your choosing and select two options from modules, including Transnational Organised Crime, Mental Health Assessment for Non-mental Health Professionals and Mass Death Scenarios.

In your first year, you will develop both policing and forensic investigative skills. In particular, you will study Policing Theory and learn about specific case studies in the criminal justice sector. You will also learn how to process a crime scene and analyse digital evidence.

In Year 2, we put a greater emphasis on improving your investigative skills with modules, such as Practical Methods of Criminal Investigation, and a holistic approach to policing. You will study important subjects, such as Fairness in Policing, Law, practice and Procedure, and Risk and Vulnerability.

On the BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation with a Placement Year, you will complete your placement year between your second and final year.

In your final year, you will put your policing and investigative knowledge to practice with our Case File to Court module, taking on the role of Expert Witness in our mock courtroom. You’ll also complete your independent research project on a specialist topic of your choosing and select two options from modules, including Transnational Organised Crime, Mental Health Assessment for Non-mental Health Professionals and Mass Death Scenarios.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 and 40 academic credits.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.  The full-time course has one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 and 40 academic credits.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.  The full-time course has one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 and 40 academic credits.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.  The full-time course has one start point in September.

Alistair Morgan - Policing and Criminal Investigation Graduate

Alistair Morgan - Policing and Criminal Investigation Graduate

Video

Graduate, Alistair Morgan, talks about the undergraduate Policing and Criminal Investigation course at Staffordshire University.

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Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Crime Scene Processing 20 credits
Digital Evidence Processing 20 credits
Essential Skills 20 credits
Introduction To Crime And Crime Prevention 20 credits
Policing Theory 20 credits
Show 3 optional modules

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 0 compulsory modules
Year 0 compulsory modules
Academic Skills 20 credits
Crime In Context 20 credits
Introduction To Critical Thinking And Argument 20 credits
Sociology Of Crime 20 credits
Theories Of Criminality And An Introduction From Crime Scene To Courtroom 40 credits
Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Crime Scene Processing 20 credits
Digital Evidence Processing 20 credits
Essential Skills 20 credits
Introduction To Crime And Crime Prevention 20 credits
Policing Theory 20 credits
Show 3 optional modules

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Crime Scene Processing 20 credits
Digital Evidence Processing 20 credits
Essential Skills 20 credits
Introduction To Crime And Crime Prevention 20 credits
Policing Theory 20 credits
Show 3 optional modules

Entry requirements

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points

  • A levels: A, DD, EEE
  • BTEC: PPP

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

Theresa Cheetum, graduate - Policing and Criminal Investigation

Theresa Cheetum, graduate - Policing and Criminal Investigation

Video

Hear about Theresa Cheetum's experience on the Policing and Criminal Investigation course at Staffordshire University.

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For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Careers

Graduates typically pursue work in areas such as the police, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the Federation against Copyright Theft, the Surveillance Commission, as well as other organisations with investigative requirements. 

Ben Walker, graduate - Policing and Criminal Investigation

Ben Walker, graduate - Policing and Criminal Investigation

Video

Graduate, Ben Walker, talks about practical skills and experience gained on the Policing and Criminal Investigation course at Staffordshire University.

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Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements.

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements.

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements.

Year 1

23% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
77% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

18% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
82% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 3

13% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
87% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

Year 1

18% practical assessments
77% coursework
5% written exams

Year 2

13% practical assessments
77% coursework
10% written exams

Year 3

30% practical assessments
70% coursework
0% written exams

Staff

You will be taught by an expert teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Ian Ackerley

Senior Lecturer

Ian is a former police officer. He served for 34 years as an officer in Staffordshire Police and Nottinghamshire Police, reaching the rank of Assistant Chief Constable. He is the Course Leader for Policing and Criminal Investigation.

Ian's profile

Dr Lauren Metcalfe

Course Director

Lauren completed her PhD in Evidence Based Policing and joined Staffordshire University in 2017. She is now Course Leader for Professional Policing (our Pre-join degree) and Course Director for our policing degrees.

Lauren's profile

Dr Leanne Savigar-Shaw

Senior Lecturer

I am a Lecturer in Policing with an academic and research background. I have been involved in a number of research projects focusing on mobile phone use by drivers, police legitimacy and procedural justice.

Leanne's profile

Justin Mason-Spanner

Lecturer

Fees

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons) Full-time, with a foundation year
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £16,750 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons) Full-time, with a placement year
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

International students: Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course, as long as you complete it in the normal time-frame (i.e. no repeat years or breaks in study).

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:
  • As a Staffordshire University student, you’ll be entitled to a range of free software
  • The use of all specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.
  • As a Staffordshire University student, you’ll be entitled to a range of free software
  • The use of all specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.
  • As a Staffordshire University student, you’ll be entitled to a range of free software
  • The use of all specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.
Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs to and from any placements
  • Clothing suitable for any placements and facilities
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs to and from any placements
  • Clothing suitable for any placements and facilities
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs to and from any placements
  • Clothing suitable for any placements and facilities
  • Any optional field trips
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Our students

The course was so interesting; superbly combining theory and practice to ensure a solid foundation of knowledge regarding contemporary policing. One of the most memorable aspects of studying policing at Staffordshire University was the amazing support and dedication maintained by every single staff member.

Jay Franklin

Policing and Criminal Investigation graduate

The lecturers here at Staffs actually care how you’re doing and how they could make things better for you. I would absolutely recommend my course to anyone, and I do, the lecturers go above and beyond to help and the facilities available here are phenomenal. From the crime scene house to the fake court room, Staffs really enables you to get that ‘real life experience’ from day one!

Gina Ball

Policing and Criminal Investigation

It’s such a great, inclusive course, the lecturers are brilliant and the team are lovely. There are also some great benefits with Staffs Uni being linked with Staffs Police, because there are loads of great connections and it’s fantastic for networking for future career paths.

Bethany Smith

Policing and Criminal Investigation

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 23 September 2024 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021