Criminal Investigation and Policing Studies

If you're passionate about policing and criminal investigation but don't necessarily want to join the police force, this course is the perfect fit. It equips you with the skills needed for ethical professional practice in the criminal justice or private sectors. From critical thinking and decision-making to leadership and investigative management, you'll gain knowledge tailored to real-world challenges.

In your first year, you'll explore foundational topics shared with criminology students, providing a broader perspective on crime and policing. In the second year, you'll begin to specialize, studying leadership in criminal investigation and choosing elective modules to deepen your understanding. By the third year, your studies will focus on advanced investigative management and leadership, preparing you for a career in criminal justice.

Taught by experienced academics with practical expertise in policing and criminology, this course combines academic theory with real-world application. Placement opportunities and international experiences like DMU Global will help you stand out in a competitive field.

• Industry-informed teaching:  Learn from experienced academics with real-world policing and criminology backgrounds.

• Contemporary topics:  Study modules like Introduction to Criminology, Investigative Management and Leadership, and Multi-Agency Working.

• Industry experience:  Visits to criminal justice providers e.g. police, provide industry insight and learning to inform your practice

• Global experience:  Benefit from DMU Global with the opportunity to visit the Department for Police Work at Malmo University, Sweden to actively experience international policing and training.

• Become career ready: Our graduates thrive in roles such as police officers, aviation security officers, and Crown Court clerks—making an impact at organisations like Leicestershire Police, the National Crime Agency, Manchester Airports Group, His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service, and major retail fraud and intelligence departments.

• Focused learning:  Block teaching lets you focus on one subject at a time.

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.