MSc Criminal Investigation

Our MSc Criminal Investigation course is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge you’ll need to become a professional crime investigator, or someone who’s responsible for managing serious and complex cases.

How to you go about solving a complex murder case? Or conducting a fraud investigation?

On this course you’ll develop the advanced skills and techniques you’ll need to apply when conducting a criminal investigation, including research methods, presenting information, solving problems and working independently or as part of an investigative team.

You’ll discover how to use develop and use the critical thinking and analytical skills required to lead teams of detectives and crime scene investigators in the investigation of serious and complex cases. With the guidance of experienced senior investigating officers and academics you will develop your competence in solving complex problems, giving you the confidence to design, plan and implement solutions to problems in major criminal investigations and be capable of analysing the potential effectiveness of such solutions.

Why study with us

• Take control in our ‘HYDRA’ immersive learning suite, used by many emergency services to prepare senior officers to handle major incidents such as complex murder investigations.
• Many of our staff are former senior investigating officers and detectives, so you’ll be learning from professionals with extensive experience in this field.
• This course is available in full-time, part-time and distance learning modes of study to accommodate those currently in full-time work.
• The course includes a diverse student group with backgrounds ranging from recently graduated students to experienced law enforcement professionals who may be returning to formal academic studies, based on the Preston Campus and around the world.

Future careers

Today, you’ll find our graduates work in numerous countries around the world as senior investigating officers, senior and frontline police officers, detectives, NCA investigators, crime analysts and in a wide variety of investigative roles within private companies and governmental departments.

Applicants should hold at least 2:2 degree with appropriate professional experience or equivalent. Applications from all candidates will be considered on their merits in the light of the nature and scope of the programme.