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

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