Policing And Criminal Investigation BSc (Hons)

At Level 4 your study focuses on both policing and forensic skills, in particular police powers that include the power of arrest and searching of both individuals and property. You will study the criminal justice system and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). You will learn about the importance of evaluating and accessing a crime scene, the policy and decision making required during the investigative process, and develop your understanding of the underpinning scientific principles.
At Level 5 you focus on investigative skills, dealing with persons in custody, the interviewing of suspects, witnesses, and victims, including young and vulnerable persons. You learn about aspects of crime and dishonesty, including theft and assault, public order and sexual offences with the emphasis on case file preparation. You also carry out a criminal case study of your choice and develop practical skills in the recovery and analysis of evidence. You have a choice of other areas of study including Vehicle Collision Investigation, Drugs, Psychology and Techniques in Human Identification.
At Level 6 the emphasis is on major crime involving serious incidents and planned operations. You will consider and study intelligence issues, including the use of surveillance techniques. You will learn of transnational and organised crime and again have the opportunity to select specific areas of study from modules such as HiTec Crime, Forensic Anthropology, Policing Illegal Drugs Use and Psychology. You will also carry out independent research linked to a high profile case.

Students gain experience and knowledge, and learn in many different ways. Over the course of your degree you will be taught using a variety of learning and teaching strategies, which will include lectures, practical sessions, project supervision, demonstrations, and workshops. Many sessions will be conducted in a classroom or laboratory environment, but will also include a number of hands-on practical sessions and realistic crime scene scenarios and role-play situations. During your course, where possible, you will be given the opportunity to put into practice that which you learn in theory. At levels 4 and 5 you undertake practical work and demonstrations alongside your theory classes. This in turn exposes you to a variety of processes and equipment types you may make use of in future careers. Level 4 focuses on the delivery of principles and concepts relating to policing, and forensic investigation elements and you will also have your first introduction to a crime scene scenario. Lectures and practical sessions will be supported by small group tutorials. Your average class contact will be 12 hours per teaching week at this level. Level 5 develops your skills and knowledge gained at level 4, by introducing investigative skills and statement taking. This is achieved through the use of group practical sessions. Level 5 will also see a change of learning focus to a more student-centred, independent style with average class contact of 8 -10 hours per teaching week. At Level 6 there is an even greater shift of emphasis to student-centred, independent study. However, individual one-to-one tutorial sessions are required to ensure successful completion of your Policing Independent Project.

You will also further develop your time management, team working and problem solving skills through attendance at mock crime scenes and subsequent file preparation and attendance at a moot court. This level also allows you to select combinations of options modules to develop potential career paths. Average contact hours (including project time) will be 12-13 hours per teaching week. In conjunction with the tutor-led sessions, directed study supports and builds upon the knowledge and skills learnt in class to provide a fuller understanding of the subject. Personal and module tutors are on hand to provide support to students to discuss queries. The curriculum is structured so that skills and knowledge developed in core modules can be transferred, re-applied and further developed. Regular meetings are built into the personal tutorial system and personal development planning to ensure that students constantly reflect upon, adapt and enhance their learning.