Course summary
In a fast-changing world, navigating complex security challenges without specialised skills poses a significant risk, leaving individuals and organisations vulnerable to potential threats. Dive into our industry-relevant curriculum, offering dynamic hands-on learning. From mock interviews and surveillance exercises to refining your communication and investigation techniques, you will acquire the skills to strategically solve problems whilst gaining a global perspective. You will receive personalised support from our expert academics with a wealth of real-world experience. Drawing from first-hand encounters in the field, they infuse their passion for security and justice into both their research and teaching, ensuring you gain invaluable insights directly applicable to your future career. Benefit from Cumbria’s robust selection of industry connections, from local firms to global enterprises. Use the connections to grow your network and find opportunities for placements and rewarding job prospects that align with your career aspirations. Course Overview This programme takes a hands-on approach to learning, with practical sessions on CCTV analysis, real-world investigative software, and advanced interview techniques. While intelligence work is often associated with law enforcement and the military, contemporary investigative skills are just as vital in the commercial sector. Perceptions of investigative practice in popular culture—whether it’s Sherlock Holmes’ deductive genius or the high-stakes drama of Line of Duty—can paint an unrealistic picture. This course offers a grounded perspective, delivered by experienced practitioners and academics, giving you an authentic insight into real-world investigative work. A core skill in any investigative role is the ability to identify gaps in knowledge and uncover the truth, whether in criminal investigations or fields where critical questions need answers. From intelligence analysis to protective services, from the public sector to private business, the techniques taught on this course are highly transferable and widely sought after. On this course you will:
- Gain a professional and ethical understanding of how to recognise and manage security risks in a variety of environments.
- Use experiential learning experiences to recognise intelligence gathering opportunities, access material and data in a legal and ethical manner.
- Learn to analyse threat and design solutions needed to minimise them, using real world scenarios, and getting hands-on experience.
- Explore investigative techniques and develop a detective skill set that will kick-start your career in the industry.
- Be guided by expert academics, with a wealth of experience in the field.
Modules
Year one
- Intelligence, Structures and Products
- Managing Criminal Enquiries
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Operational Security
- Cyber Security
- Evolution of Threat
- Investigative Interviewing
- Serious Organised Crime Investigations
- Covert Operations
- Security Risk Management
- Digital Intelligence
- Practical Action Research (optional module)
- Forecasting Future Challenges (optional module)
- Global Threats and Risk Principles
- Safeguarding Society
- Freedoms and Protections
- Extremism
- Dissertation/ Work Based Project
Assessment method
Summative and formative assessment is an important part of the programme curriculum. It is recognised that a breadth of assessment strategies is supportive across the range of student preferences. Support will be provided to successfully meet the assessments within modules. A selection of assessment methods are employed including:
- Case studies
- Essays
- Reports
- Examinations
- Practical skills assessment
- Poster presentation
- Oral briefings
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L437
- Institution code:
- C99
- Campus name:
- Carlisle - Fusehill Street
- Campus code:
- F
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 - 112 points
A level - BCC - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 30 credits
Scottish Higher - BBBC - BBBB
T Level - Pass (C and above)
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
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
Provider information
University of Cumbria
Registered Office
Fusehill Street
Carlisle
CA1 2HH