Program Overview

Whether solving crimes, searching for missing people or giving evidence in court, so much depends on the professional skills of an investigator.

Our BSc (Hons) in Policing and Criminal Investigation will give you lots of practical experience and will build your confidence and employability. You will also carry out real-world research to show the importance of evidence-based practice.

The course leads to a variety of career opportunities, including investigative roles across the public and private sectors. You could work for police forces, HM Revenue and Customs, insurance companies, the National Crime Agency, probation, prison services and many other employers.

You’ll investigate a murder for one of your assignments, where you will process the crime scene, interview witnesses and build the case against the killer.

From wearing body-worn cameras and applying for a search warrant, you will follow the practical policing techniques used in real-life investigations. We’ll also get you to present your findings in a mock courtroom.

You’ll put your skills into action using our £2.2 million simulation spaces, which include a bedsit, office and shop. It could involve doing a sketch, gathering digital evidence and booking a suspect into our custody suite.

The course also covers the complexity of police work, using real case studies to explore issues such as fairness in policing. You can delve into specialist areas, including vehicle collision investigations, cyber-crime, child safeguarding, and vulnerabilities like mental health.

Many students also gain wider experience by becoming special constables or doing crime prevention work through our Cop Shop.

You’ll be taught by staff with research backgrounds and who have extensive academic and operational expertise. They include former senior police officers and specialists in child protection, major crime and missing person investigations.

Students map their skills against the College of Policing’s competency and values framework, giving them the edge when applying for jobs.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation