MA Investigative Management

Program Overview

MA Investigative Management

Overview

The MA Investigative Management degree is ideal for professionals seeking to advance their careers by studying leadership and management in the context of work-based investigative practice.

This investigation course has been designed in collaboration with senior police representatives to enhance your intellectual capability and professional practice in relation to how investigations are led, managed and delivered.

By its nature, this cross-disciplinary investigation course has a substantive professional experience component. Throughout your studies you will be supported by academic staff, as well as various professionals with practical experience of investigation. With a clear focus on merging theory and practice, you will gain a deeper understanding of investigative management in the context of real-world experience(s) and professional practice(s).

This investigation course includes a dissertation module which allows you to tailor your studying to suit your career needs and research interests.

Why us?

• Benefit from flexible studying that fits around your work commitments
• Learn from academic teaching staff with substantial experience in the field of investigation
• Qualify for more senior positions in investigative practice
• Gain an extremely industry-specific postgraduate qualification

Course structure

MA Investigative Management is taught via lectures, workshops, and self-study.

Your progress will be assessed with coursework, a research proposal (in written and presentation form), and your dissertation.

Throughout your studies, you will receive one-on-one guidance and support from academic staff and professionals with practical experience in investigation.

The course module dates are:

• 12–13 February 2025
• 4–5 June 2025
• 15–16 October 2025
• 14–15 January 2026

Course modules

Core modules:

• Advanced Critical Thinking and Applied Research Skills (30 credits) Gain a critical understanding of the processes involved in conducting effective business management and build awareness of a range of research strategies and techniques to pursue your own research interests. Explore the significant role that theoretical principles play in the research process and the importance of presenting clear and credible argumentation and evidence to support both the research design and study’s findings.
• Professional Leadership and Decision-Making in Investigation (30 credits) Examine the wider impact of your professional leadership and decision-making in investigations, both for your own and your organisation’s benefit. Consider the changing nature of your professional environment by exploring various theories of professional leadership and management, focusing on a process of critical reflection upon your professional identity. Develop a deeper understanding of the practical issues of managing and leading investigations with a view to improve current practice.
• Critical Decision-Making in Investigation (30 credits) Develop an understanding of and reflect upon the importance of criticality in decision-making within the professional context of investigative management. Examine the similarities and differences between the approaches to critical evaluation of different stakeholders, and how these approaches impact outcomes of relevant investigations.
• Advanced Investigative Management Proposal (30 credits) Identify a key area of operational practice related to investigative procedure which you perceive requires further reflection and analysis to produce a written assessment, tailored towards writing for a practitioner-friendly peer journal.
• Investigative Management Dissertation (60 credits) Enhance your understanding of the processes involved in conducting effective business management research. Analyse, interpret and critically evaluate information relevant to the research topic and produce an investigative management dissertation from the gathered data.

Facilities

You'll be based at the recently refurbished Wearside View, situated on the award-winning Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. This stunning riverside location benefits from dedicated library services and has superb transport links with the city centre and City Campus.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for Ireland. Please contact the Student Admin team on or .

To apply for this course you need to be at least one of the following:

• Graduate in BA (Hons) Applied Investigation
• Senior investigative professional with experience of leading and managing investigations
• Professional graduate with at least five years’ experience in investigation
• Have attained PIP level 3.

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

Fees and finance

The total fee for this course is £5,300 (£2,650 per year).

Please note, part-time study isn't available to international students.

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. Visit this page for more information about funding.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

The MA Investigative Management course has been designed in response to the current sector needs in policing. It is extremely relevant to modern police practices, and its structure, content and assessment strategies have been created in collaboration with senior police representatives. As an Investigative Management graduate you will be able to immediately make a positive impact in your current role in the police. If you are seeking employment or planning to change roles, you will be qualified for positions with more seniority and responsibility within police investigation.

Program Outline

MA Investigative Management at the University of Sunderland: A Detailed Program Analysis

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Enhance critical thinking and applied research skills for effective business management.
• Understand the impact of professional leadership in investigations.
• Develop advanced critical decision-making skills within investigative contexts.
• Analyze and critically evaluate information relevant to investigative procedures.
• Enhance leadership and management capabilities in investigative practice.

Description:

This cross-disciplinary program emphasizes merging theory and practice. Students benefit from support from academic staff and professionals with extensive experience in investigation. The course content focuses on developing a deep understanding of investigative management in the context of practical experience and professional situations. The dissertation module allows students to tailor their studies to specific career needs and research interests.

Outline:

Course Modules:

• Advanced Critical Thinking and Applied Research Skills (30 credits): This module builds critical understanding of business management processes and research strategies.
Students explore critical analysis and argumentation in conducting research and presenting findings.
• Professional Leadership and Decision-Making in Investigation (30 credits): This module examines the impact of leadership on investigative practices and explores various leadership theories.
Students analyze the changing professional environment and develop their leadership and decision-making skills.
• Critical Decision-Making in Investigation (30 credits): This module focuses on developing critical decision-making skills within investigative contexts.
Students examine the approaches to critical evaluation by various stakeholders and their impact on investigative outcomes.
• Advanced Investigative Management Proposal (30 credits): Students identify a key operational area in investigative procedures requiring further analysis.
They write a detailed assessment tailored for a practitioner-friendly peer journal.
• Investigative Management Dissertation (60 credits): This module builds on research skills by applying them to an in-depth analysis of a chosen topic related to investigative management.
Students conduct research, analyze data, interpret findings, and present their conclusions in a comprehensive dissertation.

Course Schedule:

• October 23-24, 2024
• February 12-13, 2025
• June 4-5, 2025
• October 15-16, 2025
• January 14-15, 2026

Note:

Some modules have prerequisites. Please refer to the "Help and Advice" section on the website for more information about prerequisites.

Assessment:

• Coursework: Students complete various assignments throughout the modules, which demonstrate their understanding of key concepts, apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, and develop critical analysis and communication skills.
• Research Proposal: This assessment requires students to develop a detailed proposal for their dissertation research, demonstrating their ability to identify a relevant research topic, formulate research questions, and design a methodology for conducting research.
• Dissertation: The dissertation is a significant piece of independent research, requiring students to analyze and interpret data to produce a well-structured and critical evaluation of their chosen topic within the field of investigative management.
The assessment criteria vary depending on the specific assignment or module. However, they generally focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject, applying theoretical knowledge to practical contexts, critical analysis, effective communication of findings, and research skills. ### Teaching:

• Lectures: These sessions provide students with an overview of key concepts, theories, and current trends related to investigative management.
• Workshops: Workshops offer a more interactive learning environment where students can apply theoretical knowledge to practical case studies, engage in group discussions, and develop their problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Self-study: Students are expected to engage in independent study to supplement their understanding of the taught material, further explore specific topics of interest, and develop their research and critical thinking skills.
• One-on-one Guidance: Throughout the program, students receive personalized support from academic staff and professionals with extensive experience in the field.
This guidance ensures students receive tailored feedback on their progress, address any challenges they may face, and receive assistance in developing their research and writing skills.

The program also adopts innovative teaching approaches, incorporating real-world case studies and simulations to enhance the learning experience and prepare students for professional practice.

Careers:

• Senior investigative positions within police forces: Graduates can apply their advanced leadership and management skills, critical thinking and decision-making abilities, and in-depth understanding of investigative practices to take on roles with greater responsibility and leadership within police investigations.
• Investigative roles in other sectors: The program also prepares graduates for investigative roles across various sectors, including private security firms, forensic science organizations, government agencies, and fraud investigation companies.
• Further academic or research pursuits: The program can also serve as a stepping stone for those who wish to continue their academic journey or pursue research careers in related fields like criminology, forensic psychology, or criminal justice.
The program's emphasis on developing critical skills, analytical abilities, and research expertise makes graduates highly sought-after in various investigative fields, opening doors to diverse career options and advancement opportunities. ### Other:
• The program emphasizes practical experience and professional development.
Students benefit from access to experienced professionals who provide guidance and share their insights from real-world investigative work. This ensures graduates enter the workforce with valuable practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
• The program is offered part-time, allowing working professionals the flexibility to advance their studies while fulfilling their career commitments.
This flexible study model makes the program accessible to a wider range of individuals seeking to enhance their investigative expertise and career prospects.

Please note:

The information provided here is based on the current program details and may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official website of the University of Sunderland or contact the program coordinator directly.

The total fee for this course is £5,300 (£2,650 per year). Please note, part-time study isn't available to international students.