Policing and Criminal Investigation

• Highly knowledgeable staff, including experienced Senior Investigating Officers.

• On-campus crime scene house complete with CCTV monitoring.

• Learn from professional forensic scientists, crime scene investigators and detectives.

Read BSc(Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation course information (PDF, file size: 335.21KB)

The course helps you to acquire a broad knowledge and understanding of the principles and techniques of policing and criminal investigation. It trains you to become proficient in the collection, documentation, and analysis of intelligence from both physical and witness evidence. Making use of our extensive mock courtroom facilities you will become highly skilled in the role of the ‘investigator’ and interviewer/interviewee. Alongside this you develop your transferable skills - especially in team working and in the communication and reporting of evidence.

At Level 1 your study focuses on both policing and forensic skills, in particular police powers that include the power of arrest and searching of both individuals and property. You will study the criminal justice system and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). You will learn about the importance of evaluating and accessing a crime scene, the policy and decision making required during the investigative process, and develop your understanding of the underpinning scientific principles.

At Level 2 you focus on investigative skills, dealing with persons in custody, the interviewing of suspects, witnesses, and victims, including young and vulnerable persons. You learn about aspects of crime and dishonesty, including theft and assault, public order and sexual offences with the emphasis on case file preparation. You also carry out a criminal case study of your choice and develop practical skills in the recovery and analysis of evidence. You have a choice of other areas of study including Vehicle Collision Investigation, Drugs, Psychology and Techniques in Human Identification.

In your final year, the emphasis is on major crime involving serious incidents and planned operations. You will consider and study intelligence issues, including the use of surveillance techniques.

You will learn of trans-national and organised crime and again have the opportunity to select specific areas of study from modules such as Hi-Tec Crime, Forensic Anthropology, Policing Illegal Drugs Use and Psychology. You will also carry out independent research linked to a high profile case.

This degree provides a high level of investigative expertise, and policing knowledge that can be applied to the UK Police Service and many other opportunities that are available within the law enforcement area including; the armed forces, HM Customs and Excise, Post Office investigations, insurance investigators, private organisations and many others.

• Forensic Science and Criminology
• Forensic Science
• Forensic Investigation

For more information about Policing and Criminal Investigation (FM4X) please contact: