BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation
BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation is an online, flexible part-time degree taking three years or more to complete. It covers criminal investigative processes, forensic analysis, police procedures, intelligence, interviewing, community policing and professional standards. It may suit adults seeking to build knowledge for policing, investigative or law-enforcement-related work.
About this course
This online degree examines how criminal investigations are conducted, from securing crime scenes and managing evidence to interviewing witnesses, analysing intelligence and preparing investigations for later stages of the justice process.
You will consider the operational and professional demands of policing and law enforcement, including police custody, community policing, human rights, ethics, vulnerability and risk. The course also explores forensic investigation, organised crime and investigative interviewing.
Studying flexibly on a part-time basis, the course is designed to develop analytical, investigative, communication and report-writing skills relevant to policing, criminal investigation and related civilian roles.
What you will study
Topics include:
• Introduction to Forensic Investigation • Introduction to Criminal Investigation • Police Custody • Witnesses: An Introduction • Criminal Investigation: Procedures and Practices • Analysis and Application of Forensics • Leadership in Policing and Law Enforcement • Police Procedures and Evidence • Policing and Human Rights • Civilian Employability • Intelligence • Community Policing • Transnational Organised Crime • Police Ethics and Professional Standards • Law Enforcement: Vulnerability and Risk • The Professionalism of the Investigative Interview • Special Investigations Portfolio
Modules
Level 4
- Introduction to Forensic Investigation
- Introduction to Criminal Investigation
- Police Custody
- Witnesses: An Introduction
- Criminal Investigation: Procedures and Practises
- Analysis and Application of Forensics
Level 5
- Leadership in Policing and Law Enforcement (core)
- Police Procedures and Evidence (core)
- Policing and Human Rights (core)
- Civilian Employability (core)
- Intelligence (optional)
- Community Policing (optional)
- Transnational Organised Crime (optional)
Level 6
- Police Ethics and Professional Standards
- Law Enforcement: Vulnerability and Risk
- The Professionalism of the Investigative Interview
- Special Investigations Portfolio
Assessment
Assessment uses authentic, real-world tasks, including observations, interviews and written reports.
Entry requirements
Applicants normally need two GCE A levels, or an equivalent qualification, plus three GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent.
Alternative Level 3 qualifications may be considered, including an Access to Higher Education Diploma, BTEC Extended Diploma or international equivalent.
Applications may also be considered on the basis of previous work experience, references and a personal statement.
English language requirements
Applicants normally need one of the following: IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5; TOEFL iBT 90; an equivalent English-language qualification; or evidence of previous study taught in English, such as a letter confirming English was the medium of instruction.
Careers
This course may support progression into policing, criminal investigation and wider law-enforcement roles. Possible areas include crime and intelligence analysis, intelligence officer work, civilian detention or investigating roles, Police Community Support Officer positions, and police constable routes.
Your next step starts with a conversation
Tell us where you are now. We will tell you honestly what your options are — in English or Persian, at no cost to you.