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Criminal Investigation at University of Derby - UCAS

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2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Course summary

This innovative and stimulating course is designed to appeal to graduates from traditional academic backgrounds as well as serving investigation professionals. It combines academic rigour and practical experience to nurture high-calibre, confident and forward-thinking investigation professionals.

  • Advance your investigative career in law enforcement, finance, health and safety, social services and many other sectors
  • Develop the skills you need to conduct serious and complex investigations from beginning to end
  • Study for a qualification which reflects the Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP) occupational standards
  • Choose two specialist options in areas such as financial and digital investigation and intelligence and sexual offences, or choose a specialist pathway in investigating domestic abuse or investigating child sexual exploitation offences
  • Learn from an influential team of researchers and practitioners who draw upon more than a century of professional experience in investigation
Meeting professional standards Ensuring greater professionalism in investigation procedures is crucial to meet public expectations for effective and efficient policing and justice. This programme helps investigators to extend their skills while enabling the organisations that rely on investigations to enhance their performance. The course has been introduced at a time when professionalisation in policing is a commonly agreed target of all police forces, the College of Policing and the National Crime Agency. In developing this programme, we have aligned it to initiatives such as the Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP), which is jointly sponsored by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing. Gain practical experience You will build the skills you need to conduct serious and complex investigations from the start to the end of a case. This includes gathering initial information from wide-ranging sources, managing intelligence and preparing high quality evidence for prosecution. There is also a strong focus on interviewing witnesses, victims and suspects using appropriate techniques. The focus on professional practice you gain will be underpinned by the ethical and critical contexts of masters-level academic study, meeting UK accreditation standards for higher education.

Modules

Modules include: criminal investigation 1: principles of investigation; criminal investigation 2: victims and witnesses; applied research in criminal justice systems; criminal investigation 3: suspects; financial investigation models; financial intelligence and financial crime detection; investigation and prosecution of cybercrime; evidence and digital investigation; investigating serious crime; investigating sexual offences; policing and criminal investigation across the world; independent study.

Assessment method

The emphasis is on continuous assessment across the course. You will compile portfolios of work to demonstrate the knowledge that you have acquired. Formative and summative assessment will include written assignments, presentations and group work. Candidates who are completing the MSc stage will develop and submit for assessment an empirical dissertation research project on a relevant and topical challenge of choice.

Entry requirements

At least a 2:2 from your first degree, or the equivalent. If your first degree is not in the Social Sciences or related subjects such as criminology, criminal justice, policing, sociology, psychology and economics, please contact the Programme Leader. If your first language is not English, you will need to evidence a proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5). We also welcome applicants who may not have an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) but who have substantial and relevant professional experience. If you are unsure whether you meet the entry criteria, contact the Programme Leader who will be happy to supply further advice.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please see our website for the latest fee information
Criminal Investigation at University of Derby - UCAS