Studying Policing and Criminal Investigation

Introducing your course leader, Justin Mason-Spanner

Thank you for looking into this course and I look forward to helping you to take the next steps in your professional journey.

I spent 30 years in the Police completing my service as a nationally trained and accredited Senior Investigating Officer managing murder investigations. I use my knowledge and experience in delivering modules into the investigative syllabus of the course whereby students take on the role of an investigator responsible for detecting a serious crime.

I supervise a number of students through their dissertation each year, with an emphasis on any research that explores investigative doctrine of not just policing but other authoritative agencies. Alongside the Policing team we are ready to support and advise you to achieve the best outcome possible and prepare you for your working life.

View my profile

Student experience - 'Case File to Court'

Taking you out of the classroom and into the courtroom

Level 6 Policing and Criminal Investigation student Shannon McDarby talks about her experience on our module ‘Case File to Court’ and the practical skills she learned working through a mock case from start to finish in a safe environment.

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Graduate stories - Alistair Morgan

Join us and explore the possibilities that next-level teaching will have on your future.

Policing and Criminal Investigation graduate, Alistair, talks about the themes he learned about on the course, why he wanted to work in the policing sector, practical learning elements of the course and offers some advice for future students. 

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Teaching staff

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

Justin Mason-Spanner

Lecturer

I spent 30 years in the Police completing my service as a nationally trained and accredited Senior Investigating Officer, managing murder investigations. I use my knowledge and experience to deliver modules within the course.

Justin's profile

Sarah Watson

Senior Lecturer

Sarah Watson is a Senior lecturer in Policing with an academic background with an interest in crime and human behaviors. And currently Undertaking a PhD that explores mass shooting incidents across Europe.

Sarah'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

Sean Phillips

Lecturer

I worked for West Midlands Police for 30 years. In 2023, I joined University of Staffordshire's Institute of Policing, teaching Police students from regional forces and more recently supporting the Professional Policing team.

Sean's profile

Lee Crowther

Lecturer

I lecturer on both the Professional Policing and Police and Criminal Investigation Undergraduate Degree courses.

Lee's profile

Your next steps

  1. Accept your offer

    An exciting new chapter awaits you here at University of Staffordshire - we can't wait to meet you. Before you can progress with finance or accommodation choices, you'll need to confirm your offer via UCAS.

    Accept your offer

  2. Apply for student finance

    It's best to arrange your student finance before starting University. You can learn more about student finance and make an application at www.gov.uk/student-finance. Our support team is here to help, get in touch if you have any questions about student finance.

    Enquire about finance

  3. Apply for your accommodation

    We have a range of accommodation to choose from to suit all lifestyles and budgets, including en-suite and accessible rooms. Browse rooms and find out how to apply.

    Browse University accommodation
for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

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Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

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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

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