MSc Policing and Criminal Investigation

About this course

Study for a Policing and Criminal Investigation MSc at LJMU and work with crime victims and witnesses to enhance your knowledge and key skills in this area.

• Explore investigative issues to gain the knowledge and practical skills to operate as a crime investigator in serious and complex cases
• Consider the links between investigation, forensics and psychology
• Work with crime victims and witnesses
• Choose this programme if you are a serving officer or about to embark on a policing or academic career
• Look forward to excellent employment opportunities in policing/investigative work, private investigation and governmental bodies
• Progress to doctorate study

Whether your career aspirations lie in investigative work within the police service, within private security or with other public bodies, this new MSc will develop your investigative skills and prepare you for career success. Working with crime victims and witnesses, you will explore the links between investigation, forensics and psychology.

You will receive specialist supervision and study within a diverse community of fellow researchers. Staff have significant research expertise in a wide range of fields

including: Data Science; Evidence-Based Practice; Forensic Science; Leadership, Governance and Ethics; Professional Development and Knowledge Exchange; Transnational and Public Order Policing; Urban Intelligence and Informatics; Victimology and Domestic Violence; Serious and Organised Crime and Intelligence Led policing.

The programme will challenge your intellect and encourage you to explore and critically analyse key developments in the field of criminal investigations and policing. You will consider links between investigation, forensics and psychology, and by working with crime victims and witnesses, you will gain practical skills and knowledge to enable you to operate as a crime investigator.

• a minimum 2:2 in Policing, Criminology, Criminal Justice or a related subject

or

• evidence of current and relevant academic learning, including a Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP) qualification and/or relevant CPD learning

Employability

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

This programme prepares you for further study, employment or new roles in your current profession.

Policing and other related public sector fields currently suffer a skills gap in relation to quantitative research. This programme aims to fill that gap. It teaches the advanced skills of research, conceptualisation, analysis, argument, and presentation – all highly valued in many areas of employment.

Students with an interest in pursuing an academic path will be encouraged to progress to PhD level. This MSc plays an important development role in this process.

On completion of your MSc, you may consider a career in the police service or in areas connected to investigation, security or criminal justice e.g. the armed services, prison service, social work or criminal justice-related roles within the Civil Service. If you are already in employment, the MSc will prepare you to specialise in your area of interest.