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University Advanced Diploma in Investigative Interviews with Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses

Learn how to plan and conduct interviews with vulnerable victims and witnesses in an investigation. You'll use your own experiences to reflect on your practice. Gain the skills needed to help victims achieve justice.

Interview with a lecturer and two students
LevelShort courses and CPD
Duration12 months
Fee£720
Course codeCID1513

Course summary

This short course will develop your skills in planning investigative interviews. You'll assess the needs of witnesses in relation to communication and behaviour. You'll analyse information and learn to write an interview plan using relevant material. This will help you to:

  • Conduct effective interviews
  • Engage and build rapport with vulnerable victims and witnesses
  • Use appropriate techniques to help victims achieve justice.

You'll examine post-interview procedures and evaluation as part of the wider investigation. You'll also review your own performance. The course allows you to explore the practical side of the role. It also gives you the chance to learn about others you'll engage with during the process.

This is an advanced diploma worth 40 credits.

Why Sunderland for Short courses and CPD

What you'll study

Topics covered on this course include:

  • The roles and responsibilities of a specialist interviewer
  • How to assess victims and witnesses. This includes the effects of trauma and the role of registered intermediaries.
  • Planning interviews, including the structure and involvement of others
  • Helping victims and witnesses communicate better
  • Preparing witnesses for interviews
  • Supporting victims and witnesses during interviews
  • Interviewing techniques how to ask questions
  • Reviewing material for investigations.

How you'll learn

We teach the course face-to-face for three days at your chosen location. The rest of your learning will be self-directed and work-based. You'll speak to your Programme Leader and access materials throughout the course.

Teaching and learning is a combination of:

  • Presentations
  • Group work
  • Practical exercises
  • Formative assessment activities
  • Tutorials.

You'll engage in both small and large group discussions. This will help you develop your teamwork, communication, and presentation skills.

You'll also carry out independent study. This involves preparing for assessments, work-based learning, and problem-based learning. You'll identify skills gaps and aim to bridge these gaps with new knowledge.

Entry requirements

Fees and finance support

Employers usually meets course costs. We advise that you speak to your workforce development lead before applying.

We also accept self-funded applicants. If you'd like to explore your options, contact us at cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

Contact our team for further information about applying for this course. Call 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).