Course summary

During your studies you will learn about contemporary policing and criminal justice processes, with a particular focus on criminal investigation in England and Wales. You will learn about operational policing along with a wide range of areas such as the police use of firearms, the demands placed upon policing, miscarriages of justice and major crime investigations. You will gain exposure to some of the real challenges facing policing today, exploring current reforms and what they mean, and looking at the importance of accountability, citizenship and ethics. You will leave the course with a solid base of knowledge of policing and criminal justice, drawing on aspects of criminology, criminal justice and sociology. You will have an understanding of key areas of contemporary operational policing and criminal investigation, including the role of the investigator, forensic developments, the investigatory framework, historic case reviews, human rights and ethics. As an undergraduate student you will develop strong critical thinking, analysis and communication skills and gain an insight into different areas and roles within the criminal justice system, so you can see where your interests lie.