Course overview
It allows you to enhance your previous level 5 study, or equivalent, to achieve a BSc (Hons) degree. It enables you to think more independently and critically about issues that interest you within policing and wider society, and the significance of the professionalisation agenda to the investigative process.
Our specialist facilities will develop your investigative skills, you’ll learn how to gather relevant evidence at a crime scene, and how to undertake investigative interviewing. You will also develop your skills to conduct research and to write a dissertation in an area of policing and investigation of interest to you.
Top reasons to study this course
• This degree gives you an appreciation of the considerations involved in the interviewing aspect of the investigative process, and the significance of professionalisation of the police service and related vocations.
• Practical tasks develop your understanding of evidence-gathering and forensic activities at the crime scene.
• You develop your problem-solving and analytical skills to explore and identify solutions to issues.
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Defendants and Witnesses in the Criminal Justice System
Explore and challenge the law concerned with obtaining and the admissibility of evidence at trial, and the relevance of evidence in the investigatory process and during the criminal trial. Gain an understanding of policing-related decisions, founded upon critical thinking, in complex professional situations and contexts, demonstrating appropriate knowledge of powers, legislation and authorised professional practice.
This is a 20-credit module.
International Policing and Investigation
Examine the policing systems in the UK, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia, along with the law enforcement agencies that help investigate international crime. You explore the policing systems that exist based on the historical, social and political contexts of policing, and current international debates on police recruitment, training and police cultures. Identify the role of the police in different societies, their different tasks and responsibilities, and the relationship between the police and the society of their country.
This is a 20-credit module.
Professionalising Investigation
Examine how current investigative processes within the UK have developed. Gain an insight into the processes used by police investigators and the regulations applied to private investigators. You interview witnesses, victims and suspects. Adopt guidelines and roles that are relevant to the investigative process, manage the incident room and respect the importance of remaining professional in the investigative process.
You grow your knowledge, skills and understanding of search methods, recovering and recording evidence and forensic, fingerprint and witness evidence in investigating crime. With this, you will become career ready after graduation.
This is a 40-credit module.
Develop key research skills as you explore the features of the research process, understanding how quantitative and qualitative methods are suitable to investigating different issues in society. Explore some of the causes of crime, giving consideration to criminological and psychological concepts to develop an appreciation of a range of contributory explanations.
This is a 40-credit module.
This is a 40-credit module.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
All modules are taught through a combination of lectures and seminars which are interspersed with a broad range of learning opportunities including workshops, case studies, peer group discussions, independent study, online materials, individual and group tutorials, guest speakers and practical sessions within the replica crime scene house, vehicle examination laboratory, police station, interview rooms and the replica courtroom.
We encourage opportunities for volunteering within the criminal justice sector.
How you are assessed
The programme is assessed through a range of formative and summative methods in oral, written and alternative formats. These comprise traditional assessment methods including:
- assignments
- reports
- reflections
- practical tasks
- presentations
- negotiated research and dissertation.
Timetabling information
As a full-time student your timetabled hours are between Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 6.00pm. On Wednesdays the latest you will be timetabled is until 1.00pm. Hours of attendance vary between 12 hours and 20 hours per week. Part-time undergraduate students are required to attend during the same days and times as full-time students but for only a proportion of the time, dependant on the modules being taken. Module choices are discussed with course tutors during the enrolment and induction period. Further details are automatically sent to applicants due to enrol this year.
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants require 240 credits at levels 4 and 5 (achieved through successful completion of an FD or HND Public Services, Uniformed Services, Police Studies, Community and Public Services or Public Services Management).
International students should also consider criteria for admission and direct entry and achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL
Employability
Career opportunities
Graduates will typically be aspiring to work within the policing or other uniformed services disciplines.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.
