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Course overview
You explore advanced investigative techniques, legal frameworks, and the broader criminal justice context—guided by academic experts with real-world experience and active research interests. You also gain critical research skills, with the opportunity to focus your dissertation on a topic that matters to you or your career.
Whether you’re working in the criminal justice system or looking to move into it, this course builds your confidence and capability in analysis, leadership, and problem solving. You learn how to evaluate evidence, appreciate multiple perspectives, and apply your knowledge to real investigative challenges.
This flexible, student-focused course allows you to shape your studies to your personal or professional interests – particularly in the dissertation module, where you conduct extended research in a specific area of your choice. The curriculum combines practical investigative techniques with up-to-date legal insights and procedural guidance.
Top reasons to study this course
- Flexible online learning: study in your own time – this is a 100% online course, created and designed to suit your personal and professional commitments.
- Senior investigating officer perspective: the course places you in the role of a senior investigating officer, focusing on major crime investigation practices.
- Designed and taught by professional practitioners: this course is designed and taught by professional practitioners from the criminal investigation field, including members of the International Association of Crime Analysts.
- Diverse perspectives: gain an appreciation for alternative views and beliefs.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
You gain awareness and skills in research and evaluation, and your ability to integrate, synthesise and critique criminological content, concepts and research methodologies in the production of a research-based dissertation. You complete a piece of empirical or theoretical research and write a dissertation on a criminological topic of your choice.
Investigation of Organised Crime
This module explores organised crime and its investigation by drawing on a number of sources. Relevant literature is supported by academic specialists in the investigation of organised crime and its support. You will critically analyse UK police investigative practices and those in other countries as well as the varying governmental responses internationally.
You are assessed by 4,000-word essay.
Legal Aspects of Investigating Crime
You enhance your understanding of the sources of English law and the structure of the English legal system, and you begin to consider how the English legal system provides for the investigation of criminal acts. You are assessed by a group presentation and a 3,000-word essay.
You develop an advanced understanding of the processes and issues of social research. Drawing upon the philosophical underpinnings which are central to research methodologies, you consider the relationship between theory, methods and data. You also critically consider the need to balance theory with conducting research on real issues in the real world. This ensures you have a coherent understanding of the decisions researchers make when deciding which research methods to use and to develop practical skills in using a variety of research methods. You also develop a sound understanding of ethical and practical issues in designing, conducting and analysing research.
The Practice of Major Crime Investigation
This module is studied online. It explores how investigators manage, direct, supervise and o-ordinate major crime investigations. It also considers a range of nationally recognised investigative strategies which ensure the ethical, timely and effective investigation of crime in accordance with legislative and police requirements and policing best practice. You are assessed by 4,000-word essay.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
The course is delivered 100% online, so there is no requirement to attend classes at a set time. You can access the course space and complete the coursework whenever works best for you.
You develop your understanding of theory, practice and presentation, guided by module tutors with extensive experience of delivering high-quality online teaching. Our approach helps you to develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding while developing the key skills needed for professional success.
This course encourages a high level of personal responsibility and independent thinking as you engage with complex theories and concepts. By the end of the programme, you’ll be equipped to manage your own learning effectively and continue developing as a confident, self-directed professional.
Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) provides supporting reading questions, writing prompts, practical examples and case studies in support of learning and assessment, including video content and annotated examples. You also benefit from personalised support and feedback from your tutors through the online course space and email.
You don't need to be a technology expert to take this course. All you need is a PC, laptop or tablet to access the course materials and share your work with tutors and peers.
How you are assessed
You complete informal assessments throughout each module via online tasks, giving you regular feedback to help build your skills and confidence.
You are also assessed formally to evaluate your learning – mostly through essays and other forms of writing. These evaluate your analytical and communication skills. Presentations are also used to demonstrate a critical and systematic understanding of the key subject matter.
Exams test your knowledge and information retention and your fluency; you should undertake appropriate criminal investigation-related research in preparation for these. The dissertation allows you to carry out research into a specialised area of investigation, displaying an analytical discussion of that area.
Entry requirements
You should have at least a second-class honours degree in a relevant field. However, anyone with relevant professional qualifications and experience will also be considered.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
Employability
Career opportunities
Graduates are well-prepared for roles across the criminal justice system, including the police, prison and probation services, as well as investigation-focused organisations and the private sector.
The knowledge and skills you gain also support careers in policy development, the legal profession, and related fields—opening up opportunities in research, academia and beyond.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
