Crime, Policing, and Investigation
Welcome to Crime, Policing, and Investigation at the University of Sunderland. Whether you're looking to study for your first undergraduate degree or are already established within your field, here, you'll find everything you need to know about our fantastic, career-focused courses and beyond.
Welcome to Crime, Policing, and Investigation
Enrol on one of our crime, policing, or investigation courses and graduate with the essential skills and expertise you need to kickstart your career in this exciting and varied line of work.
The range of courses we offer will cater to a number of backgrounds – whether you’re joining us as an undergraduate straight out of school or college, or you’re already in work and looking to develop your training even further. Several of our courses have been specially designed in collaboration with serving representatives in the police and criminal justice sector, drawing on their diverse experience to equip you with all that you’ll need for your professional development. Read our useful guide to find out which course is right for you.
You’ll be taught and supported by knowledgeable academics who are experts in their field, many of whom come from a well-established background in policing and investigation. As well as this, the University has strong links with numerous organisations, enabling you to enhance your employability via placements and volunteering.
Our location
Our Crime, Policing, and Investigation courses are part of the School of Social Sciences, which is based at Wearside View at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. The building is newly renovated and features a wealth of bright and spacious teaching spaces, plus a social area with its own balcony.
St Peter's Campus offers a superb riverside location and is walkable from both Sunderland city centre and the coast. You can take advantage of some excellent facilities including the library, plenty of IT resources, and various on-campus eateries.
Why us?
Our Crime, Policing, and Investigation courses
Take a look below to find the right course for you.
Undergraduate courses
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Professional Policing
Drawing on our knowledge and expertise in police investigation and our well established reputation within the fields of Criminology and Law , we've launched the pre-join degree in Professional Policing. The policing degree follows the National Policing Curriculum and provides you with the skills and knowledge to become a police officer.
Find out more about Professional Policing
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Criminology
Learn about crime, criminal behaviour and punishment, visit criminal courts and prisons and take advantage of volunteering opportunities and an optional placement in a relevant organisation. Develop analytical and practical skills in both quantitative and qualitative research, often needed for further academic study and highly sought after by employers.
Find out more about BSc (Hons) Criminology
Part-time
BA (Hons) Applied Investigation
This unique course provides a degree in Applied Investigation for investigators who can demonstrate competence at PIP Level 2 or equivalent.
Find out more about Applied Investigation
Full-time/Part-time
BSc (Hons) Policing Studies (Top-Up)
Our BSc (Hons) Policing Studies (Top-Up) has been developed in conjunction with feedback from regional police units and colleges. This course will examine the most important issues facing modern policing and will provide a professional and academic basis for policing practice. Our curriculum complements the national agenda for professionalising the police force and allows students to gain a BSc qualification in one year of study.
Find out more about Policing Studies (Top-Up)
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Professional Policing with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our BSc (Hons) Professional Policing course, with an Integrated Foundation Year. Study current topics such as digital policing and organised crime and terrorism. Help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Graduate and go on to apply for a role as a Police Constable in England and Wales.
Find out more about BSc (Hons) Professional Policing with Integrated Foundation Year
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Criminology with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Criminology course, with an integrated foundation year. Learn about crime, criminal behaviour and punishment, visit criminal courts and prisons, and take advantage of volunteering opportunities and an optional placement in a relevant organisation.
Find out more about BSc (Hons) Criminology with Integrated Foundation Year
Full-time/Part-time
Customised Awards Scheme
Pick and choose the modules you want to study to build a tailor-made course. Available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, this course allows you to gain a qualification that closely matches your particular needs.
Find out more about Customised Awards SchemePostgraduate courses
Full-time/Part-time
MSc Leadership in Criminal Justice and Policing
This course specialises in leadership and management in any criminal justice setting, including the police, probation, prisons, youth offending sectors, or security related and policing roles. You will engage with the latest criminological research and trends. Learning is embedded throughout the course with a theoretical study of criminological and penological theory, as well as criminal justice policy and practice. Our research practice is based in criminal justice, so gives our students a social science orientation – distinct from MBAs in leadership and management.
Find out more about Leadership in Criminal Justice and Policing
Part-time
MA Investigative Management
Develop and enhance your professional practice in leading and managing investigations. Study leadership and management theories in the context of work-based investigative practice. On completion, you’ll have a highly relevant masters qualification which will help you take a leading role in today’s evolving investigative processes.
Find out more about Investigative ManagementResearch courses
Partner Centres
Part-time
BA (Hons) Applied Investigation
This unique course provides a degree in Applied Investigation for investigators who can demonstrate competence at PIP Level 2 or equivalent.
Find out more about Applied Investigation