Program Overview

Explore the criminal justice system, its legislative context, and the leadership and management of contemporary issues in policing and develop the knowledge to become a professional practitioner in the public or private policing sector.

Our Criminal Investigation and Policing Studies course can teach you the skills to become a professional practitioner in the public or private policing sector. 

This program is the ideal choice if you’re interested in studying policing or criminal investigation but do not necessarily wish to pursue a career in the police service. This provides opportunities for you to pursue a career as an investigator or intelligence officer in other law enforcement agencies.

Taught by policing and criminology academics with substantial experience of criminal justice practice, in the first year you will get an introduction to criminology and the profession of policing, as well as learn how to research in the crime and justice sector and gain an understanding of the criminal justice system. In years two and three, you will study topics covering the leadership and management of contemporary issues in policing, research for effective practice and multi-agency working, as well as complete a dissertation on a subject of your own choice. Both years will have a bespoke progressive investigation taught module, which is designed to develop your critical understanding of operational and critical incident investigations within public and private law enforcement agencies and within the Criminal Justice System. 

Key features

• 100% of our Criminal Investigation and Policing Studies graduates from summer 2017 are in work or further study after graduating, according to the latest Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education report (2016-17). This is above the sector average of 94.6%.
• This program is taught by experienced practice-based policing and criminology academics and researchers, who will help broaden your understanding of the sector while keeping you up to date with contemporary issues and debates.
• You will study a range of modules including Introduction to Criminology, The Profession of Policing, Leadership, and Management of Contemporary Issues in Policing, and Multi-Agency Working.
• Take advantage of placement opportunities with a local investigatory agency offered through our DMU Works careers program, which will help enhance your employability by offering real-world experience alongside your studies.
• Previous graduates have landed roles at local authority Trading Standards, the Leicestershire Police investigations teams, and the Independent Police Complaints Authority.
• Gain international experience and apply your knowledge to a global context through our DMU Global program. Previously, our Criminal investigation and Policing students have had the opportunity to visit destinations such as New York, where they were taught about the differences and similarities between the policing system in the US and the UK.