Criminal Investigation and Policing Studies

Our Criminal Investigation and Policing Studies course teaches the skills required for ethical professional practice. It is the ideal choice if you are interested in studying policing and criminal investigation but do not necessarily wish to pursue a career in the police service.

The level and depth of knowledge and understanding taught, develops a high level of critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving, but also the necessary skills required for a criminal investigator in the criminal justice or private sector.

Taught by policing and criminology academics with significant practical experience of criminal justice practice, the modules are diverse and specifically tailored to the needs of a criminal investigation career.

In Year one 3 modules will be shared with criminology students which will provide a different perspective on policing focusing more on the causation of crime.

Year two is where you begin to specialise in your chosen field with a module dedicated to the leadership and management of criminal investigation. This module carries through to year three and becomes more intense and specialised. You also have the option of choosing two 15 credit elective modules in year two which will again be shared with criminology students.

Key features

• This programme 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, Investigative Management and Leadership, and Multi-Agency Working.

• Take advantage of placement opportunities with a local investigatory agency offered through our DMU Works careers programme, which will help enhance your employability through 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, National Crime Agency and within fraud and intelligence departments of high profile retail businesses.

• Gain international experience and apply your knowledge to a global context through our DMU Global programme. 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.

• Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.

First Year
Block 1: Profession of Policing and Investigation
Block 2: Journey Through Justice
Block 3: Studying at University
Block 4: Principles of Social Research

Second Year
Block 1: Investigative Management and Leadership (I)
Block 2: Leadership & Management of Contemporary Issues in Policing and Investigation (I)
Block 3: Research and Ethics (15 credits)
Block 4: Researching Justice Journey (30 credits)
OPTION: 1 x 15 credit elective module

Third Year
Block 1: Dissertation (10,000-word research project)
Block 2: Leadership & Management of Contemporary Issues in Policing and Investigation (II)
Block 3: Investigative Management & Leadership (II)
Block 4: Multi-Agency Working International Perspectives

We use a variety of teaching methods on the course which include:

*Case studies
*Seminars
*Desk-top exercises
*Workshops
*E-learning
*Specialist guest lectures from practitioners (subject to availability)
*Visits to practitioners in action (subject to availability)

Assessment methods include:

*Essays
*Examinations
*Phase Tests
*Presentations
*Posters
*Case-study critiques
*Desk-top, simulated exercises
*Policy books
*Research Proposal
*Dissertation

All of which will be developed as you progress through the course.

Your precise timetable will depend on your Modules. However, typical teaching time is approximately 9 hours each week for programme specific modules and will be taught by way of block teaching. Criminology modules may differ.

In addition, you will also be expected to achieve approximately 20 hours of self-directed study. You may also be given additional work by Module Leaders to aid your development, particularly with regard to Assessments.