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MSc

Criminal Investigation

Attendance

Location

Start

Duration

1 Year

Start

September 2023

Delivery

Campus Taught

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.

This programme is also available as an online distance learning course, which provides high quality learning and teaching combined with flexible study. The award can be completed part-time in 2-3 years, depending on the number of modules taken each year.

How to you go about solving a complex murder case? Or conducting a fraud investigation?

On this course you’ll develop the advanced skills and techniques you’ll need to apply when conducting a criminal investigation, including research methods, presenting information, solving problems and working independently or as part of an investigative team.

You’ll discover how to use develop and use the critical thinking and analytical skills required to lead teams of detectives and crime scene investigators in the investigation of serious and complex cases. With the guidance of experienced senior investigating officers and academics you will develop your competence in solving complex problems, giving you the confidence to design, plan and implement solutions to problems in major criminal investigations and be capable of analysing the potential effectiveness of such solutions.

You’ll also get insights into the very latest methods in criminal investigation – from exposing international human trafficking networks to managing homicide scenes.

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.

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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.

100%Face-to-face

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 more

View the course facilities

Academic expertise

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

2022/23

Full-time£7,800 per year

Distance Full-time£7,800 per year

Part-time£867 per 20 credits

Distance Part-time£867 per 20 credits

International

Full-time£14,500 per year

Distance Full-time£14,500 per year

2023/24

Full-time£8,400 per year

Distance Full-time£8,400 per year

Part-time£933 per 20 credits

Distance Part-time£933 per 20 credits

International

Full-time£15,500 per year

Distance Full-time£8,400 per year

Distance Part-time£933 per 20 credits

Scholarships and bursaries

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.

Select your country and see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.

Select your country/region

The course is delivered in six-hour blocks, which enables professionals who are already working in the field to undertake the degree more easily.

You’ll be assessed using a variety of coursework assignments such as essays, reports and presentations.

Semester One focuses on ensuring that have the necessary study skills you’ll need to succeed on the course – including report writing, delivering presentations and problem solving. These skills will all prove useful in your future career.

Lancashire Constabulary

We have forged a pioneering partnership with Lancashire Constabulary to create the Lancashire Forensic Science Academy, which offers our students the chance to gain practical experience alongside serving CSIs and scientific support professionals.

We also enjoy strong links with many other law enforcement agencies and have regular visits from high-profile speakers to share their experience.

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This course is based in the School of Justice located in the Faculty of Business and Justice

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