Criminal Investigation MSc

This course is made up of three stages - Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc.

Candidates will study the following core modules:

Far-reaching scientific and technological developments have transformed criminal investigation practice and important steps are now being taken to professionalise the process. You will explore how practitioners carry out investigations with reference to intelligence and evidence gathering.

Treatment of vulnerable victims and witnesses has changed greatly over the past 20 years. This module follows an investigation through to trial, with case studies outlining potential pitfalls and solutions. Topics include identifying and protecting vulnerable victims and witnesses, pre-interview contact, multi-agency working, interviewing and pre-trial preparation.

Developing the skills, knowledge and practical expertise to undertake advanced applied research at masters level. It will provide tuition in qualitative and quantitative research while considering the politics and ethics of research.

Candidates will study the core module (Criminal Investigation 3) with two optional modules or one pathway:

You will explore the process and context of criminal investigation, the underlying theories and the factors that influence approaches to it. This module delivers a real insight into how to question suspects and obtain a reliable account.

A platform that will assist you to systemically and critically assess any form of criminality or victimisation, identifying opportunities for integrated approaches utilising financial and digital information, intelligence and evidence.

Offering critical insight on how to develop financial intelligence as a standardised tool. It will focus on the context of the effective and ethical development, control and sharing of information, intelligence and evidence to support investigations.

Note: Prior to taking this module, candidates should complete Fundamentals of Financial and Digital Investigation.

Providing insight towards how to develop digital intelligence as a standardised tool. It will offer reflection on contemporary crime and victimisation, deconstruct the problem of 'cybercrime' into pre-existing catagories of harm, and apply criminology and victimology insights to policy and practice.

Note: Prior to taking this module, candidates should complete Fundamentals of Financial and Digital Investigation.

Examining the sociological history of sexual offences and the impact of the internet, you will consider how British society can protect citizens and the methods used by diverse agencies to investigate, monitor and manage sexual offences.

Providing evaluation of the effectiveness of historic and contemporary criminal investigation techniques to prevent and detect domestic abuse. It will focus on the development of advanced knowledge of the challenges presented within such investigations, and critical analysis and evaluation of the agency, political and investigative responses.

Offering critical awareness of sexual violence, exploitation or abuse relating to child sexual exploitation (CSE) as well as critical analysis of the impact of sexual violence on child victims and the responses of voluntary and state services. It will also include focus on evaluation of the effectiveness of historic and contemporary criminal investigation techniques, and advanced knowledge of the threats presented by sexual offenders in the real and virtual world.

During this triple module, candidates will use their accumulated knowledge and intellectual skills to carry out a systematic inquiry and academically rigorous study of a significant topic of their choice relevant to the field of investigation. Under the supervision of one of our team of specialist researchers and drawing upon our considerable professional investigative experience, candidates will generate a masters level dissertation that can be used to showcase their skills and interests towards their current or future investigative role and organisation.