MSc Cybersecurity Technology with Placement
The MSc Cybersecurity Technology with Placement program at Canterbury Christ Church Uni...
BSc Applied Criminology (Criminal Investigation)
Canterbury
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a robust BSc (Hons) Applied Criminology (Criminal Investigation) degree, uniquely blending comprehensive criminological theory with practical insights into criminal investigation processes. This specialized program provides students with a thorough understanding of the theories, methods, and practices involved in studying crime and conducting effective criminal investigations. Drawing on over 25 years of police education experience, CCCU was pioneering in providing detective education programs, embedding an innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on the intricate intersections between crime, justice, and society. Students learn about the impact of social problems and structures, building a strong foundation in criminological theories and a critical understanding of criminal justice processes. The emphasis is on learning through experience, enabling students to practice investigative interviewing and ethical decision-making, while critically analyzing police investigations from multiple perspectives.
Curriculum: The BSc Applied Criminology (Criminal Investigation) curriculum at CCCU is designed to provide a comprehensive and practical education. Core modules typically cover foundational criminological theories, the criminal justice system, and an introduction to criminal investigation techniques. Students delve into topics such as "Crime: Representations and Realities," "Criminal Justice System and How to Tell What Works," "Introducing Crime Scene Investigation," "Introduction to Professional Policing," and "Law and Politics of Policing." As the program progresses, students explore the complexities of criminal investigation, including evidence gathering, forensic methods, and decision-making processes in serious and complex crimes. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills through a mix of lectures, workshops, tutorials, and practical sessions, including the use of specialist facilities. Assessments include a variety of methods such as essays, reports, portfolios, oral presentations, and examinations.
Research Focus: The BSc Applied Criminology (Criminal Investigation) program at Canterbury Christ Church University is delivered by academics with significant expertise and practical experience in various areas of criminology and policing. Their research interests span a wide range of criminological issues, including policing practices, mental health within the criminal justice system, the history of crime and punishment, migration and crime, drug-related crime and treatment, youth justice, and victimology. This active engagement in research ensures that the curriculum is informed by current debates, policy, and evidence-based practices in the field of criminal justice and investigation. Faculty expertise also extends to areas like criminal investigation, counter-terrorism, and transnational crime, which directly informs the specialist focus of this degree.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BSc Applied Criminology (Criminal Investigation) program at CCCU, designed to provide students with invaluable practical experience and strong professional networks. The university leverages its long-standing connections with local, national, and international criminal justice agencies. Students benefit from CCCU's unique "Hydra Suite," an immersive simulation system used to train professionals in criminal justice, government, and emergency services, allowing students to practice real-life decision-making and investigative scenarios. The curriculum includes an "insights from practice" initiative, featuring regular guest speakers who are active professionals and practitioners from various areas of the justice system. Students are actively encouraged and supported in seeking volunteering opportunities and work experience within organizations such as the police, probation service, and prisons, further enhancing their employability and practical understanding.
Global Perspective: The BSc Applied Criminology (Criminal Investigation) program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing the international dimensions of crime and criminal justice. The curriculum explores transnational crime, organized crime, and global responses to criminal activity, recognizing that modern investigative practices often require international cooperation. Modules may delve into how globalization influences criminal activities and how criminal justice agencies collaborate across borders to combat threats like terrorism and drug trafficking. By examining crime and investigation within diverse societal, historical, cultural, geographical, and political contexts, the program prepares students to understand and navigate the complexities of international criminal justice systems and contribute to solutions for global crime challenges.
Location
Canterbury
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 15500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 60.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses, enabling students to focus on their studies and make the most of their university experience.
International Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students based on their academic performance and achievements. It provides a significant discount on tuition fees, making it more affordable for high-achieving students from abroad to study at CCCU.
Global Students Scholarship: This scholarship is aimed at supporting international students who demonstrate excellent potential and their studies. It offers a percentage reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
A BSc (Hons) Applied Criminology (Criminal Investigation) degree from Canterbury Christ Church University offers graduates a distinctive blend of theoretical criminological knowledge and practical investigative skills. The program's emphasis on critical analysis of criminal investigations, ethical decision-making, and the use of specialized facilities like the Hydra Suite, prepares students for highly specific and demanding roles within law enforcement, security, and the wider criminal justice system. Graduates are equipped to understand the complexities of crime and effectively contribute to investigative processes and crime resolution.
Police Detective/Investigator: Directly involved in investigating complex crimes, gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and building cases for prosecution. The course's focus on investigative interviewing and ethical decision-making is highly relevant.
Police Analyst (Intelligence/Crime): Analyzing crime data, intelligence, and patterns to support investigations, identify offenders, and inform policing strategies. This role benefits from the program's strong analytical and research components.
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)/Forensic Support Officer: Although not a full forensic science degree, graduates will have an understanding of crime scene processes and the role of forensic evidence, making them suitable for support roles in forensic laboratories or crime scene departments.
National Crime Agency (NCA) Officer: Working for the UK's lead agency against serious and organized crime, potentially in intelligence, investigations, or operations targeting drug trafficking, human trafficking, or cybercrime.
Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) Investigator: Investigating complaints against the police and serious incidents involving the police, ensuring accountability and learning from police interactions.
Security Services (MI5/MI6/GCHQ) Analyst/Officer: Contributing to national security by analyzing threats, gathering intelligence, and participating in operations related to terrorism, espionage, or serious crime, where investigative understanding is crucial.
Military Police Investigator: Conducting criminal investigations within the armed forces, applying civilian law where applicable, and ensuring discipline and order.
Financial Investigator (e.g., for HMRC or SFO): Investigating financial crimes such as fraud, money laundering, and corruption within government agencies or specialist units in the private sector. The understanding of criminal methodologies is highly valuable.
Private Investigator/Corporate Investigator: Working for private firms to conduct investigations for civil cases, corporate fraud, background checks, or intellectual property infringement.
Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) Caseworker: Reviewing alleged miscarriages of justice in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which requires a deep understanding of criminal investigation processes and legal frameworks.
