Curious about studying Investigation Practice MScat University of Staffordshire? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
Online
Part Time
Jan 2028
2 Year
Whether dealing with fraud, organised crime, corruption or murder, an investigator will need to make crucial decisions on a daily basis. Yet outside of the world of policing, there are few professional courses that equip law enforcement specialists with these vital skills. Our brand new MSc in Investigation Practice aims to bridge that gap.The challenges investigators face are becoming more complex, with many crimes now committed in cyber space and involving digital evidence. The nature of organised crime, including human trafficking, also transcends borders.Investigators who work for companies could be grappling with anything from fraud to insider threats linked to counter-terrorism.The Masters course has been designed to align with the professionalising investigations programme (PIP), which has helped transform investigative practice in police forces. It is equivalent to ‘PIP 3’ – the level of training undertaken by senior investigating officers.Now you can gain a formal qualification that recognises your transferable skills and enables you to move between sectors. It is ideal for professional development or for those just starting out in their careers.On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Investigation PracticeCourse contentThe qualification is relevant to police officers and police staff, aspiring private investigators, and those working in the commercial sector or for one of hundreds of bodies that prosecute in the UK. It focuses on real-world cases involving serious and complex investigations.You will cover issues such as strategic leadership and supervision of investigations, evidence-based practice, legitimacy of investigations within organisations, decision-making and decision recording. Other modules also delve into the management of homicide and major crime cases, public protection and the role of artificial intelligence.
In this module you will build on your previous academic and / or operational experience of investigations involving vulnerability and exploitation and take the opportunity to research and critically evaluate the concepts, frameworks and interventions that apply to vulnerability and exploitation. You will address the subject of intersectionality in vulnerability and exploitation with a focus in the investigative process. Your skills in critical engagement with these broad themes will be expanded and along with your own research built into the assessment for the module.
This module will examine the complex political, legal, financial, and operational challenges of working with local and national government and the community as stakeholders in the area of the investigation. This module explores the relationship with democratic and regulatory bodies as well as the strategies that secure police independence, the rule of law and due process in a society which aims to reflect human rights and liberal values such as representation, civil liberties, free expression, and accountability. Learning from this module will support students applying theory in daily tactical and strategic investigative decision-making in the workplace and enhancing personal and professional practice.
In this module you will further build on the learning from the previous module(s) or record of prior learning and / or operational experience and critically engage with learning and research into the strategic leadership of investigations. You will address the thematic areas of strategic overview of investigation, strategy development and policy writing for senior investigators, strategic partnerships, and the strategic phases of investigations. You will engage with self-directed in-depth research encouraging detailed critical engagement with the subjects, guided by lecturers and subject matter experts, and supported by operational examples throughout.
In this module you will build on your previous academic and / or operational experience of serious and complex investigations and take the opportunity to research and critically evaluate the management of serious and complex investigations. You will address the role of supervision and management in investigations along with in depth evaluation of strategies to deal with the management of victims and witnesses, public protection investigation, working with the criminal justice system and specialists, and digital media issues. Your skills in critical engagement with these broad themes will be expanded and along with your own research built into the assessment for the module.
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