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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 720
Per course
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Diploma
Major
Law Enforcement | Social Work and Counselling
Area of study
Social Sciences | Law
Education type
On campus
Timing
Part time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 720
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2024-07-16-
2024-04-09-
About Program

Program Overview


University Advanced Diploma in Investigative Interviews with Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses

Overview

This short course in investigation will help you to consider the elements required for planning for investigative interviews such as assessing the needs of witnesses as they relate to communication and behaviour, the analysis of information, and the formulation of a written interview plan using the relevant material. You'll explore the necessary factors to conduct an effective interview, including engaging and building rapport with vulnerable victims and witnesses and utilising appropriate interview techniques to help facilitate their access to justice.


You'll also examine post-interview procedures and ways of evaluating the interview in respect of the overall investigation, as well as your own performance. The course will allow you to explore the practicalities of the role and others with whom you'll need to engage during the interview process.


You're required to attend university for face-to-face teaching sessions for all three days at your chosen location. The remainder of your learning will consist of self-directed study and work-based learning, although you will have access to materials and your Programme Leaders throughout the duration of the course.


Why us?

  • Reflect upon personal experiences from your own workplace practice and link it to the module content to help develop your existing theoretical and practical knowledge
  • Engage in presentations from practitioner experts, participate in discussions with your peers, and take part in a range of practical exercises
  • Benefit from a flexible learning approach of both direct and independent study to assist in the development of specific knowledge relating to the way that investigative interviews are conducted

Course structure

Teaching and learning on this module will offer a combination of presentations, group work/discussions, practical exercises, formative assessment activities, and tutorials. Discussions will take place in both small and large groups to facilitate the ethos of teamwork and enhance communication and presentation skills.


Independent study (guided learning which isn't directly supervised) will consist of private study time, preparation of/for assessments, work-based learning, and problem-based learning. This will involve you identifying gaps in your own knowledge and skills and defining ways to bridge the gaps with new knowledge, understanding, and behaviour.


Topics covered on this course include:

  • The roles and responsibilities of the specialist interviewer
  • Victim and witness assessment, including the impact of trauma and the role of registered intermediaries in the process
  • Planning interviews, including the role of others at an interview, interview structure, and managing and mitigating any limitations on a victim or witness's communication
  • Preparing witnesses for interviews
  • Supporting victims and witnesses during interviews
  • Interviewing techniques and questioning style
  • Evaluating investigative material

You'll gain 40 credits at the end of the module.


Facilities

Teaching and learning will take place at either our Sunderland or London campus.


Entry requirements

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


This advanced diploma, worth 40 credits, has been designed to assist forces/organisations who have previously delivered this course in the continuous professional development of those who have been assessed as competent within the role of specialist witness interviewer.


Fees and finance

The fee for this course is £720.


The employer usually meets these costs – we advise you to speak to your workforce development lead before applying.


We also accept self-funded applicants and encourage anyone wishing to explore their options to contact .


This information was correct at the time of publication.


Meet the team — University Advanced Diploma in Investigative Interviews with Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses

  • Kev Smith Lecturer in Investigation View Kev Smith profile View all staff for University Advanced Diploma in Investigative Interviews with Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses

Related courses

  • Advanced Diploma in Investigations of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO)

Program Outline

Degree Overview:


Objectives:

  • To equip individuals with the skills necessary toeffectively plan and conduct investigative interviews withvulnerable victims and witnesses.
  • To enable professionals toreflect on experiences from their own workplace practiceand link it to the module content for enhanced theoretical and practical knowledge development.
  • To empower participants toengage with presentations from practitioners, participate in discussions with peers, and take part in a variety of practical exercisesfor a holistic learning experience.
  • ### Program Description: This short course on investigation is designed forindividuals working with vulnerable populations, including children, adults with learning disabilities, or victims of sexual offenses. The program providesparticipants with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct effective investigative interviews. The course covers topics such as:
  • The roles and responsibilities of specialist interviewers
  • Victim and witness assessment, including the impact of trauma and the role of intermediaries in the process
  • Planning interviews, including the role of others at an interview, interview structure, and managing limitations on a victim or witness's communication
  • Preparing witnesses for interviews
  • Supporting victims and witnesses during interviews
  • Interviewing techniques and questioning style
  • Evaluating investigative material
  • The course is delivered over a 12-month period, with participants attending face-to-face teaching sessions for three days at their chosen location. The remaining learning is through self-directed study and work-based learning, supported by access to materials and program leaders throughout the duration of the course. ## Outline: ### Course Components:
  • Subject:
  • Interviewing techniques
  • Structure:
  • Teaching sessions, group work, discussions, practical exercises, formative assessments, and tutorials
  • Content:
  • The roles and responsibilities of a specialist interviewer
  • Assessing victims and witnesses, including trauma, and intermediary roles
  • Interview planning, structure, and managing limitations in communication
  • Witness interview preparation support
  • Supporting victims and witnesses during interviews
  • Interviewing techniques and questioning styles
  • Evaluating investigative material
  • ### Course Schedule: The program involves 12 months of study with face-to-face sessions taking place over three days at the participant's chosen location. The remaining period is focused on self-directed and work-based learning. ## Assessment:
  • Assessments are a combination of written work, presentations, and practice-based submissions.
  • Each module will include:
  • Formative assessments: opportunities for feedback on your progress with the learning
  • Summative assessments: opportunities to demonstrate what you have learned through assessments of knowledge, understanding and skills.
  • ## Teaching: ### Methods: The program utilizes diverse teaching methods to enhance active learning and knowledge acquisition. These include:
  • Presentations by experienced professionals: Exposure to insights from practitioners in the field.
  • Group discussions: Facilitating collaborative learning and sharing perspectives with peers.
  • Practical exercises: Hands-on application of newly acquired skills.
  • Individual tutorials: Personalized clarification of doubts and guidance from program leaders.
  • ### Faculty: While specific faculty details are not provided, the course description assures that program participants will have access to experienced professionals and program leaders throughout their learning journey. ### Resources: The program offers access to various resources for student support, including:
  • Extensive library databases and a substantial collection of books and e-books.
  • Dedicated support team for addressing technical issues.
  • ## Careers: While specific career paths are not outlined, the course equips participants with valuable skills applicable in various fields involving interviewing vulnerable individuals. This opens up potential career opportunities such as:
  • Social workers
  • Police officers
  • Victim support specialists
  • Child protection workers
  • Mental health professionals
  • ## Other:
  • The course aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to facilitate victims' access to justice and contribute to improved investigative outcomes.
  • ## Summary: The University Advanced Diploma in Investigative Interviews with Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses provides a comprehensive program for those seeking to enhance their ability to conduct effective interviews with vulnerable populations. Through a balanced approach of theory, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, the course aims to empower participants with the necessary skills and confidence to serve these vulnerable groups. Additionally, the flexibility offered by the hybrid learning model makes this program accessible to busy professionals.
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