Criminal Investigation MSc

Course description

• Advance your investigative career in law enforcement, finance, health and safety, social services and many other sectors
• Develop the skills you need to conduct serious and complex investigations from beginning to end
• Study for a qualification which reflects the Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP) occupational standards
• Choose two specialist options in areas such as financial and digital investigation and intelligence and sexual offences, or choose a specialist pathway in investigating domestic abuse or investigating child sexual exploitation offences
• Learn from an influential team of researchers and practitioners who draw upon more than a century of professional experience in investigation

How you will learn

You will study via a mixture of lectures, seminars and group work. Some elements of the course may be delivered via e-learning through group discussion boards and electronic resources, this enabling some degree of flexibility for you to study when it is convenient for you.

There is also a focus on being reflective, encouraging you to think about how the course is helping you to improve your professional and career development.

How you will be assessed

The emphasis is on continuous assessment across the course. You will compile portfolios of work to demonstrate the knowledge that you have acquired. Formative and summative assessment will include written assignments, presentations and group work.

Candidates who are completing the MSc stage will develop and submit for assessment an empirical dissertation research project on a relevant and topical challenge of choice.

Careers

Career destinations for our graduates include law enforcement, finance, social services, health and safety, benefit offices, insurance companies, and many other public and private sector organisations.

If you are already a serving investigation professional, this course enhances your continuing professional development – building on your existing experience and skills – while providing your organisation with new insights into investigation procedures. You will also develop and apply research and analysis skills to the standards of UK higher education accreditation at master’s level. You will also gain PGCert and PGDip awards in this course.

Students need at least a 2:2 from their first degree, or the equivalent. If their first degree is not in the Social Sciences or related subjects such as criminology, criminal justice, policing, sociology, psychology and economics, please contact the Programme Leader. We also welcome applicants who may not have an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) but who have substantial and relevant professional experience.