Applied Investigation BA (Hons)

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Strike a balance between theory and application. Critically evaluate a contemporary and significant issue in your professional environment. Undertake work-based learning that leads to a BA (Hons) degree.

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Overview

BA (Hons) Applied Investigation is a unique and contemporary course which adapts itself and students to the evolving nature of investigative practice. It aims to build knowledge and expertise in the area of investigations through work-based learning, allowing you to attain a full BA (Hons) degree in just six contact days over 18 months.

The concept of the course accredits prior experience, permitting those who have achieved PIP Level 2 or equivalent to enter the degree in its third and final stage. The work-based approach encourages you to focus on your area of interest, producing a research study while critically reflecting on investigative skills and strategies.

The course also offers the flexibility of entering during the second stage for those who have PIP1 or experience in volume investigations. The stage is comprised of three short courses which enhance your investigative ability and ultimately allows access to the final phase of the course.

Developed by senior police officers and members of NPCC, the course is undeniably relevant for those in force however its self-study nature and adaptability make it an ideal fit for investigators in all professions looking to upskill or affirm their career with a degree.

On-campus and throughout study, you will be coached by programme leads Emma Spooner and Gary Shaw. With vast experience in the world of investigations, the pair offer unrivalled academic and practical support to those undertaking the degree.

With funding options available through Student Finance, College of Policing and ELCAS, and the Corporate and Professional Education Team ready to guide you through your application and beyond, get in touch for more information: 0191 515 3361 / cape@sunderland.ac.uk

Why us?

  • You can choose the direction of your study on this highly flexible course
  • Our Business courses were ranked 3rd overall in the UK in the 2018 UK Engagement Survey
  • Our Business courses were ranked 4th in the UK for Assessment and, 2nd in the UK for Retention and Progression, and 3rd in the UK for Employability in the 2018 UK Engagement Survey
  • Provides an academic base in the practical setting of work based activity
  • Allows the sharing of best practice in a highly specialised field
  • Develop as a critical and reflective practitioner in the field of investigation

Course structure

You’ll engage in a variety of teaching and learning methods including lectures, workshops and self-study. Your progress will be assessed via an essay, research proposal and project.

The course contact dates are:

London:

  • 3-4 September 2019, 1-2 October 2019 and 3-4 March 2020

Sunderland:

  • 9-10 October 2019, 6-7 November 2019 and 1-2 April 2020
  • 26-27 February 2020, 30-31 March 2020 and 5-6 October 2020

Year 2 modules:

  • Conducting Investigations (40 credits)

Study everything from the initial report through to the case presentation. Explore the role that professionalism and organisation play in investigation.

  • Contemporary issues in interviewing victims and witnesses (40 credits)

Understand key elements in witness preparation, interview planning, structure and style.

  • Contemporary issues in interviewing suspects (40 credits)

Explore the planning, preparation, strategy, and law surrounding interviewing suspects, while developing your ability to build rapport and understand all component parts within suspect interviews.


Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Read more

Year 3 modules:

  • Research Skills (20 credits)

Introduce you to research skills and essential academic reading, writing and referencing skills.

  • Extending Professional Competence (40 credits)

Learn critical reflection and how to deploy your skills and strategies developing the flexibility to meet changing needs within investigations.

  • Work Based Research Project in Applied Investigation (60 credits)

Identify a key area of operation within investigative procedure and produce a research proposal in your area of interest.

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  • Fusing a 19th-century facade with a newly built glass, steel and stone structure, this impressive building houses 3,500sqm of workspace, including 30 offices and seven workshops allowing businesses to start-up, scale up, develop and access advice, research and expertise. The building is also home to FabLab Sunderland, the North East’s first digital fabrication laboratory and the Enterprise Place, a facility that supports students and graduates to start their own businesses.

    Hope Street Xchange

  • You can access free Wi-Fi throughout the University campus, so you can work from anywhere. If you don't want to carry a laptop around, just use one of the University’s PCs or Apple Macs. We have hundreds of computers for you to use in the Murray Library, St Peter's Library, and the David Goldman Informatics Centre. If you ever have any technical problems, just ask the friendly helpdesk team.

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  • We’ve got thousands of relevant books and e-books, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. We also subscribe to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals so you can access the most reliable and up-to- date academic and industry articles. There are nearly 9,000 journal titles, mostly in electronic format.

    Library Services - general
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Facilities

You will study in the Hope Street Xchange – the £10million centre for enterprise and innovation.

Entry requirements

Year 2 entry point
Students must have a position of employment that exposes them to experiencing investigations with a strong interest in the profession. Those with Pip level 1 or equivalent are encouraged to apply for this stage

Year 3 entry point
Students must have extensive experience of investigations in a professional capacity. Those that have a Pip level 2 qualification or experience at a similar level are encouraged to apply for this stage.

In addition, you should be able to demonstrate competence and knowledge in the investigation of serious and complex crime.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Fees and finance

The course fee for 2019/20 entry is £3,750 per 120 credits.

Please note that part-time courses are not available to international students who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.

If you are not sure whether you qualify as a UK, EU or international student, find out more in our Help and Advice article.

If you currently serve (or have recently served) within the Armed Forces, then the Ministry of Defence's ELCAS scheme may be able to help cover your funding for this course. For more information, see our Funding for Armed Forces personnel page.

Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

Use our scholarships calculator to see what you may be entitled to.

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This information was correct at the time of publication.

Student in the Sunderland Futures department

Employment

The BA (Hons) Applied Investigation course offers accreditation at university level for those who have the knowledge and experience of investigating serious and complex crime.

When you complete the course you will gain a BA (Hons) degree, and you will also be qualified to study at the next level, which is MA Investigative Management.

Meet the team

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000
student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

For more information on studying this course, contact:

Corporate and Professional Education Team
0191 515 3361
cape@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism.

Page last updated: 14 October 2019

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