BA (Hons) Applied Investigation Part-time

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 in investigation.

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A detective's case notes and a bullet casing

Start date/study mode:

Course codeCID951

Duration18 months

Fee (UK)£4,450

LocationOn campus

Course summary

BA (Hons) Applied Investigation is a unique degree that evolves with the changing landscape of investigative practice. Delivery is through work-based learning, plus six contact days on campus. This course allows you to gain a full undergraduate qualification in only 18 months.

The work-based learning approach means you can build on your existing knowledge while focusing on an area of interest. It also encourages critical reflection on investigative skills and strategies. This supports your overall professional development.

The design of the course is by senior police officers and members of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). It's relevant for those in law enforcement, but is also perfect for criminal investigators who want to enhance their skills or formalise their career with a degree.

You could enter the degree in its third and final stage if you have:

Achieved Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP) Level 2 or,
Five years of relevant experience.

You’ll learn from experienced teaching staff with extensive backgrounds in investigative practice. This will provide you with unparalleled academic and practical support. On successful completion, you’ll be well-equipped to study on our MA Investigative Management(opens in new tab) course.

Why Sunderland for Policing and Investigation

What you'll study

Level 5 modules

Conducting Investigations (Core, 40 credits)
Contemporary Issues in Interviewing Victims and Witnesses (Core, 40 credits)
Contemporary Issues in Interviewing Suspects (Core, 40 credits)

Level 6 modules

Research Skills (Core, 20 credits)
Work Based Research Project in Applied Investigation (Core, 60 credits)
Extending Professional Competence (Optional, 40 credits)
Specialist Suspect Interviewing (Optional, 40 credits)
Management and Coordination of Investigative Interviews (Optional, 40 credits)
Management and Coordination of Family Liaison (Optional, 40 credits)
Investigative Interviews with Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses (Optional, 40 credits)
Initial triage classification of firearms and ammunition (Optional, 40 credits)
Investigations of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) (Optional, 40 credits)

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific modules. If you’re not sure what you need before picking a module, your course leader can help.

Undergraduate module credits should total 120 credits per academic year. If optional modules are available, choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

The BA (Hons) Applied Investigation course is highly flexible. You can fit your studying around existing work commitments.

During the course, you’ll engage in various teaching and learning methods. This includes lectures, workshops, and self-study. Assessment methods include an essay, research proposal, and project.

The course dates are:

Sunderland cohort

22–23 September 2026 (classroom)
19–20 October 2026 (online)
23–24 February 2027 (classroom).

London cohort

29–30 September 2026 (classroom)
26–27 October 2026 (online)
2–3 March 2027 (classroom).

Entry requirements

Final stage entry point (18 months)

You must have extensive experience of investigations in a professional capacity. You're encouraged to apply for the final stage entry point if you have:

A PIP level 2 qualification (or equivalent experience) or,
Five years' experience in an organisation and are currently operating in an investigative capacity.

You should also be able to demonstrate competence and knowledge in the investigation of serious and complex crime.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Fees and finance support

UK£4,450

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. If you're a Home fee-paying student, the fee for your first year of study for 2026/27 will be £9,790. You'll pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Please note, part-time courses aren't available to international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK.

Check your fee status(opens in new tab).

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

See all course tuition fees.

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