Course description

• Advance your investigative career in law enforcement, finance, health and safety, social services and many other sectors
• Develop the skills you need to conduct serious and complex investigations from beginning to end
• Study for a qualification which reflects the Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP) occupational standards
• Choose two specialist options in areas such as financial and digital investigation and intelligence and sexual offences, or choose a specialist pathway in investigating domestic abuse or investigating child sexual exploitation offences
• Learn from an influential team of researchers and practitioners who draw upon more than a century of professional experience in investigation

This innovative and stimulating course is designed to appeal to graduates from traditional academic backgrounds as well as serving investigation professionals. It combines academic rigour and practical experience to nurture high-calibre, confident and forward-thinking investigation professionals.

Meeting professional standards

Ensuring greater professionalism in investigation procedures is crucial to meet public expectations for effective and efficient policing and justice. This programme helps investigators to extend their skills while enabling the organisations that rely on investigations to enhance their performance.

The course has been introduced at a time when professionalisation in policing is a commonly agreed target of all police forces, the College of Policing and the National Crime Agency. In developing this programme, we have aligned it to initiatives such as the Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP), which is jointly sponsored by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing.

Gain practical experience

You will build the skills you need to conduct serious and complex investigations from the start to the end of a case. This includes gathering initial information from wide-ranging sources, managing intelligence and preparing high quality evidence for prosecution. There is also a strong focus on interviewing witnesses, victims and suspects using appropriate techniques.

The focus on professional practice you gain will be underpinned by the ethical and critical contexts of masters-level academic study, meeting UK accreditation standards for higher education.

Invaluable experience

You will build the skills you need to conduct serious and complex investigations from the start to the end of a case, not only in law enforcement, but in areas such as finance, health and safety, social services and many other sectors. This includes gathering initial information from wide-ranging sources, managing intelligence and preparing high quality evidence for prosecution. There is also a strong focus on interviewing witnesses, victims and suspects using appropriate techniques.

Expertise to inspire you

We draw upon a teaching team with more than a century of professional experience in investigation. You will be taught by influential academics who engage in a diversity of national and international research projects. This ensures your learning is enriched by the latest thinking and ideas.

Thanks to our strong professional links, we also offer an outstanding visiting speaker programme where leading practitioners share their experiences.

Our facilities

Based at our modern and iconic building in the heart of Derby’s vibrant city centre, One Friar Gate Square creates the perfect environment for innovative and engaging teaching. This dedicated site offers unique opportunities for sharing knowledge, expertise and experience in all aspects of the legal and justice fields..

A global outlook

Our MSc Criminal Investigation is based upon the investigative context and principles of the UK. Most of these principles will be generally applicable to many countries, and as part of your studies, you may undertake comparisons of selected contemporary international approaches, informed by overseas partnerships.

You may find yourself sharing insights and experiences with students and practitioners from various parts of the world.