Criminal Investigation and Policing Studies BA (Hons)

Our Criminal Investigation and Policing Studies course teaches the skills required for ethical professional practice. It is the ideal choice if you are interested in studying policing and criminal investigation but do not necessarily wish to pursue a career in the police service.

The level and depth of knowledge and understanding taught, develops a high level of critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving, but also the necessary skills required for a criminal investigator in the criminal justice or private sector.

Taught by policing and criminology academics with significant practical experience of criminal justice practice, the modules are diverse and specifically tailored to the needs of a criminal investigation career.

In Year one 3 modules will be shared with criminology students which will provide a different perspective on policing focusing more on the causation of crime.

Year two is where you begin to specialise in your chosen field with a module dedicated to the leadership and management of criminal investigation. This module carries through to year three and becomes more intense and specialised. You also have the option of choosing two 15 credit elective modules in year two which will again be shared with criminology students.

Key features

  • This programme is taught by experienced practice-based policing and criminology academics and researchers, who will help broaden your understanding of the sector while keeping you up to date with contemporary issues and debates.
  • You will study a range of modules including Introduction to Criminology, The Profession of Policing, Leadership and Management of Contemporary Issues in Policing, Investigative Management and Leadership, and Multi-Agency Working.
  • Take advantage of placement opportunities with a local investigatory agency offered through our Careers Team, which will help enhance your employability through offering real-world experience alongside your studies.
  • Previous graduates have landed roles at local authority Trading Standards, the Leicestershire Police investigations teams and the Independent Police Complaints Authority, National Crime Agency and within fraud and intelligence departments of high profile retail businesses.
  • Gain international experience and apply your knowledge to a global context through our DMU Global programme. Previously, our Criminal investigation and Policing students have had the opportunity to visit destinations such as New York, where they were taught about the differences and similarities between the policing system in the US and the UK.
  • Benefit from Education 2030, where a simplified ‘block learning’ timetable means you will study one subject at a time and have more time to engage with your learning, receive faster feedback and enjoy a better study-life balance.
BA (Hons) Award
September Start
Full-time Study Mode
3 years Duration
5LN3 UCAS Code

Entry Requirements For This Course

GCSEs

  • Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English Language or English Literature and Maths*

Plus one of the following:

A levels

  • A minimum of 112 points for the BA (Hons) from at least two A levels

T Levels

  • Merit

BTEC

  • BTEC National Diploma - Distinction/Merit/Merit
  • BTEC Extended Diploma - Distinction/Merit/Merit

Access to HE Diploma 

  • Pass in QAA accredited Access to HE overall 112 UCAS tariff with at least 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. 
  • English GCSE required as separate qualification. Equivalency not accepted within the Access qualification. We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course.

International Baccalaureate: 24+ points

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 overall is essential.

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

*We may still consider applicants that do not meet the GCSE requirements providing they can demonstrate ability or attainment in these subjects in an alternative way; usually through work experience, alternative qualifications or by a university admissions test or interview. All such applicants will be considered on a case by case basis.

Interview required: No

Work experience required: No

Applications from mature students for this programme are welcome and candidates with relevant work experience and other qualifications, which do not necessarily amount to the minimum entry requirements for the programme will be considered on a case by case basis. Requirements for these students would include an interview and the consideration of the candidate’s CVs by the programme leader. Alongside this, the student would also be required to submit a piece of work to indicate the their abilities to write and engage at an appropriate level. A diagnostic test would be given with regards to Level 2 Functional Skills.

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