Criminal and Corporate Investigation (with Foundation Year)

The Integrated Foundation Year programme offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance, no matter what their educational background.

If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for BA (Hons) Criminal & Corporate Investigation, The University of Northampton can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year BA (Hons) Criminal & Corporate Investigation programme which includes the Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the confidence and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

The Integrated Foundation Year provides a practical and group-based approach to learning that supports your development and your transition to Higher Education, whilst introducing you to key ideas and skills used by Investigators. We are also committed to engaging you with specialist Investigative Practice modules from the outset.

Why choose the University of Northampton?

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Personalised learning

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Built for your future

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027*.

Exceptional student benefits

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost**, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

A modern campus experience

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

The Northampton Employment Promise

We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship.

✱ eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

Course Modules

INTEGRATED FOUNDATION YEAR:
Stage 1 A:

• Professional and Academic Skills for University Study (Compulsory)

• Applied Learning Project (Compulsory)

• Foundations in Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice (Compulsory)

Stage 1 B:

• Law and The Criminal Justice System (Compulsory)

• Introduction to Evidence and Procedure (Compulsory)

• Crime and Criminality (Compulsory)

• Legislation for Policing and Investigators (Compulsory)

• Introduction to Investigative Interviewing (Compulsory)

• Theoretical Concepts in Crime Scene Investigations (Compulsory)

• Introduction to Academic Methods and Research (Compulsory)

STAGE 2:

• Corporate Investigation and Crime (Compulsory)

• Investigation and Investigating Interviewing 2 (Compulsory)

• The Management of Major Investigations (Compulsory)

• Investigating Serious and Organised Crime (Compulsory)

• Covert Investigations (Compulsory)

• Research Skills for Investigations (Compulsory)

• Open Source Intelligence for Investigations (Compulsory)

STAGE 3:

• Independent Study (Compulsory)

• Cyber Crime (Compulsory)

• Advanced Evidence and Procedure (Compulsory)

• Employment Investigations (Compulsory)

• Miscarriages of Justice (Compulsory)

Module information is quoted for 26/27 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly. 27/28 entry modules will be released in June 2027.

Assessment are varied and consist of:

• presentations

• essays

• assignments

• skills labs

• practical exercises

• reports

• reflective accounts and video presentations

• exams and multiple choice tests.

Paper based assignments are submitted electronically and are returned within 3 weeks.