Policing and Criminal Investigation BSc (Hons)

This course will prepare you for a wide variety of roles within the public and private sectors. Our BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation degree will equip you with a high level of investigative expertise and policing knowledge. The MSci route combines both Bachelors and Masters-level study in one integrated course and provides you with the opportunity to develop at a higher level in your final year. Both options will prepare you for a career with the Police, Armed Forces, HMRC, Post Office Investigation, insurance investigators and private organisations, as well as other areas. Students following the BSc (Hons) route can opt for the sandwich version of this course. By doing so, you will complete a one-year placement with a police force or organisation that works within the criminal justice system, to further your investigative skills and employability. In your first year, you will develop both policing and forensic skills. In particular, you’ll take a closer look at police powers including: the power of arrest and searching individuals and property, the importance of evaluating and assessing a crime scene, how recovered evidence can drive an investigation, and the science involved in the analysis of evidential samples. In Year 2, we put a greater emphasis on improving your investigative skills and case file preparation techniques. You will deal with persons in custody and will have the opportunity to interview potential suspects, witnesses and victims. If you are a BSc (Hons) student, your final year will cover planned operations to combat major crime involving serious incidents. In addition, you will study intelligence issues and covert policing. Graduates typically pursue work in areas such as the police, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, the Federation against Copyright Theft, the Surveillance Commission, as well as other organisations with investigative requirements. Although the integrated MSci is a new undergraduate course, graduates can expect to obtain similar career pathways as BSc (Hons) graduates, including teaching and progression to PhD level study.