Our MSc Criminal Investigation course is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge you’ll need to become a professional crime investigator, or someone who’s responsible for managing serious and complex cases.
Why study with us
- Take control in our ‘HYDRA’ immersive learning suite, used by many emergency services to prepare senior officers to handle major incidents such as complex murder investigations.
- Many of our staff are former senior investigating officers and detectives, so you’ll be learning from professionals with extensive experience in this field.
- This course is available in full-time, part-time and distance learning modes of study to accommodate those currently in full-time work.
- The course includes a diverse student group with backgrounds ranging from recently graduated students to experienced law enforcement professionals who may be returning to formal academic studies, based on the Preston Campus and around the world.
What you'll do
- The course will examine your abilities to plan and justify investigation plans for proactive and reactive serious crime investigations against organised crime groups, while applying appropriate criminal law procedures.
- The course assessments will challenge you to fulfil the role of a senior investing officer for a serious crime, involving complex victim disaster identification issues.
- You’ll make full use of our dedicated facilities, including the Hydra Suite and visits to our crime scene houses.
Module overview
Course delivery
This course is taught face-to-face at one of our UK campuses.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Looking to start your postgraduate journey?
Our range of subjects and study modes can support your goals, take your next step with a postgraduate degree.
Discover moreView the course facilities
Future careers
Today, you’ll find our graduates work in numerous countries around the world as senior investigating officers, senior and frontline police officers, detectives, NCA investigators, crime analysts and in a wide variety of investigative roles within private companies and governmental departments.
Fees and funding
Scholarships and bursaries
We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.
Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.
Dependants Bursary
Students with financially dependent children may be eligible for our Dependants Bursary as part of our financial support package.
Find out more about Dependants BursaryCarers Bursary
If you need extra support because you have unpaid caring responsibilities alongside your studies.
Find out more about Carers BursarySports scholarships
The University offers opportunities for student athletes to be supported with their aspirations of maintaining their playing career whilst also studying for a high-quality degree.
Find out more about Sports scholarshipsAlumni Loyalty Discount
UK students with a previous award from us will receive 20% tuition fee discount.
Find out more about Alumni Loyalty Discount
This course is based in the School of Law and Policing
For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page