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Advanced Diploma in Investigations of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences

Develop your investigative mindset to improve the management of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) investigations. Reflect on your own workplace practice and consider how to improve investigation outcomes.

A close up of a person's hands writing on a notebook next to a mobile phone
LevelShort courses and CPD
Duration12 months
Fee£720
Course codeCID1512

Course summary

This short course in Investigations of RASSO focuses on the development of the essential skills needed to manage RASSO investigations and their complexities. A flexible learning approach will be adopted to assist in enhancing the specific knowledge relating to the way RASSO investigations are reviewed, evaluated, and managed.

You'll have the opportunity to reflect on personal experiences from your own workplace practice, as well as case studies, to consider how you can improve the outcomes of investigations. You'll develop structures designed to support the RASSO investigation strategy and explore the value of effective engagement, rapport, and communication.

You're required to attend university for face-to-face teaching sessions for all three days at your chosen location. The remainder of your learning will consist of self-directed study and work-based learning, although you will have access to materials and your Programme Leaders throughout the duration of the course.

Please note, this course is currently only available at our London campus.

What you'll study

Topics covered on this course include:

  • Understanding the impact of attrition
  • Understanding 'belief' and the issues of consent
  • Considerations of rape myths and the impact on investigations
  • Understanding a victim-focused approach
  • Considerations of social attitude and culture to rape
  • Considerations for effective investigative interviewing, both victims and suspects
  • Offender profiling
  • Planning and preparing for investigative difficulties
  • Considerations of juries and judgement.

You'll gain 40 credits at the end of the module.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning will include a combination of presentations, group work/discussions, practical exercises, formative assessment activities, and tutorials. Discussions will take place in both small and large groups to facilitate the ethos of teamwork and enhance communication and presentation skills.

Independent study (guided learning which isn't directly supervised) will consist of private study time, preparation of/for assessments, work-based learning, and problem-based learning. This will involve you identifying gaps in your own knowledge and skills and defining ways to bridge the gaps with new knowledge, understanding, and behaviour.

Entry requirements

Fees and finance support

The employer usually meets course costs – we advise you to speak to your workforce development lead before applying.

We also accept self-funded applicants and encourage anyone wishing to explore their options to contact cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

Contact the Corporate and Professional Education team for further information about applying for this course by calling 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or emailing cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).