BSc Criminal Investigation

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a dynamic BSc (Hons) Criminal Investigation degree, designed for individuals with a keen interest in understanding crime, justice, and the intricacies of investigative processes. This program stands out by providing a thorough understanding of the theories, methods, and practices involved in studying crime and conducting criminal investigations, building upon CCCU's extensive experience in police education. The course encourages students to critically analyze various aspects of police investigations from different perspectives, including the impact of social problems and structures. It emphasizes learning through experience, with opportunities to work with real cases (such as miscarriages of justice or missing persons), engage in simulated scenarios using facilities like the Hydra Suite, and practice investigative interviewing and ethical decision-making. The applied focus of the program ensures that graduates are equipped with a strong foundation in criminological theories and a critical understanding of criminal justice processes, preparing them for a wide range of careers in the criminal justice system and beyond.  

Curriculum: The BSc Criminal Investigation curriculum at CCCU provides an in-depth and practical insight into the main theories, concepts, and procedures used by the police to investigate crime and manage criminals, victims, and witnesses. While the exact module titles may vary year by year, core themes typically include "Criminal Justice System and How to Tell What Works," "Introducing Crime Offences and Justice," "Introducing Crime Scene Investigation," "Introduction to Professional Policing," and "Law and Politics of Policing." As students progress, they delve into areas such as police investigative interviewing techniques, the use of covert strategies within criminal investigations, and the analysis of major crime investigative practices. The curriculum emphasizes how all forms of evidence are identified and used to ensure justice is achieved. Learning is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials, and hands-on activities, supported by online materials. Assessment methods are varied and designed to develop skills as a criminal justice professional, including essays, reports, portfolios, oral presentations, and examinations.  

Research Focus: The Criminal Investigation program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by academics with strong research interests and practical experience in policing, criminology, and criminal justice. The teaching team's expertise spans a range of criminological issues, including policing, mental health, criminal justice and crime, the history of crime and punishment, migration and crime, drug-related crime and drug treatment, youth justice, and victimology. The School of Law, Policing, and Social Sciences actively engages in research, with areas of focus relevant to criminal investigation such as forensic investigation and specific aspects of policing research. This ensures that the curriculum is research-informed and keeps pace with contemporary developments in the field, providing students with insights into current academic debates and real-world challenges faced by investigators.  

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant and integrated aspect of the BSc Criminal Investigation program at CCCU, designed to provide students with invaluable practical experience and enhance their employability. The university leverages its close links with local, national, and international criminal justice agencies, including police forces, the prison service, and various charities. A key feature is the use of specialist facilities, such as the Hydra Suite, which allows students to simulate crime scenarios under 'close-to-real' conditions, providing immersive experience in decision-making during high-stakes incidents. Students also have opportunities to work with real cases, such as investigating potential miscarriages of justice, and benefit from an "insights from practice" initiative featuring guest speakers who are professionals and practitioners working within the justice system. The university actively supports students in gaining work experience through volunteering or paid work opportunities with external partners, ensuring a highly applied focus that prepares them for diverse careers in criminal justice.

Global Perspective: The BSc Criminal Investigation program at Canterbury Christ Church University incorporates a global perspective by examining crime and justice within broader international contexts. While focusing on the UK criminal justice system, the curriculum often references methodologies and international standards in forensic investigation and explores how crimes receive different levels of response depending on their perceived seriousness globally. Discussions may touch upon transnational crime, the evolving methods of committing crime across borders, and the international cooperation required to tackle complex investigations. Furthermore, the university's broader engagement with policing and security sectors often involves working globally with police services and independent law enforcement project groups. This international outlook prepares graduates to understand the global implications of criminal activity and justice responses, equipping them for roles that may involve cross-border collaboration or working with international organizations.