MSc Crime Science, Investigation and Intelligence

The Managing Investigations module critically examines the key principles of a criminal investigation, with an emphasis on serious and complex investigations. Although this Level 7, 30 -credit course takes a more analytical, critical and in-depth approach to the management of investigations. The learning outcomes are also aligned with those of the College of Policing PIP (Professionalising Investigations Programme) Level 3 training, which is completed by senior investigating officers (SIOs). This will give students a real-world insight into the management of investigations.

The module will give students the opportunity to examine the theory and practice underpinning the processes of a major crime investigation, discussing the initial stages, the factors considered in prioritising lines of enquiry, and the preservation of evidence.

Students will gain an understanding of issues associated with the management of ongoing investigations from the perspective of the SIO, along with in depth evaluation of strategies to deal with the management of victims and witnesses, ethics, risk, public protection, working with the criminal justice system and specialists, and digital media issues.

This module will introduce students to key theories and concepts relating to criminal intelligence analysis, and help them develop their conceptual understanding through scenario-based learning.  Students will simultaneously gain a core academic underpinning, and experience some of the realities of the practitioner environment. The module will make use of industry relevant practitioner software which will allow students to explore a synthetic but realistic dataset, and provide real world learning as well as a basis for team work and authentic assessment. Training will provided for the requisite software and data elements forming the scenario.  The module will also build student confidence in valuable employability skills such as negotiation and communication, including in the presentation of professional witness testimony in a courtroom setting. 

The Crime Science for Investigators modules covers the principles that underpin crime scene management and the basics of forensic science from the perspective of the investigator. No prior scientific or forensic training is required. Students will explore the initial considerations and priorities at the early stages of an investigation and critically evaluate the principles underpinning ethical crime scene management. Students will develop an understanding of how to assess the forensic opportunities available as part of the investigation process, and learn how to develop an appropriate forensic strategy as part of an overarching investigation plan. Students will be able to make use of crime scene rooms and other facilities on campus, as well a virtual reality suite, as part of their learning and assessment.  

This module will support students to develop a critical understanding of the wide range of research methodologies that can be utilised to explore crime, crime science, investigations and intelligence. The module will require students to develop a practical and conceptual understanding of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and to understand the importance of ethical and decolonial approaches in criminology. Emphasis will be given to the development and use of knowledge ethically and ensuring it is not extractive. Students will learn to read and understand, interpret, and critique social science research as well as develop practical experience in designing their own empirical project. By completion of this module students will be able to understand the benefits of the different qualitative and quantitative research techniques and will be equipped in applying different quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches. Students will be able to identify and critically evaluate research projects and policy projects which will support them in the completion of a dissertation and in their future employment. 

The dissertation module will support students to undertake an independent and substantial piece of research, which may be empirical, policy-based, or theoretical. The module will support students to design, develop, and present this work. Students will be expected to demonstrate a critical understanding of relevant theoretical and methodological issues relating to their independent research. Moreover, and in line with subject benchmarks, students will be expected to demonstrate intelligent critical reflection with regard to the potential risks and moral and ethical issues associated with the project.