BA (Hons) Applied Investigation

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Applied Investigation program is a 18-month, part-time degree designed for professionals with extensive experience in investigations. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to conduct effective investigations, critically evaluate contemporary issues, and apply their learning directly to their workplaces. The program is delivered through a blended learning approach, combining online resources, lectures, workshops, and self-study. Graduates are qualified for diverse career paths in investigation, including detective constable, fraud investigator, and private investigator.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Title:

BA (Hons) Applied Investigation

Type:

Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA (Hons))

Length:

18 months, part-time

Start Date:

September 17/18, 2024 (Sunderland cohort), September 25/26, 2024 (London cohort)

Modules:

• Research Skills (20 credits)
• Extending Professional Competence (40 credits)
• Work Based Research Project in Applied Investigations (60 credits)

Delivery:

• Blended learning approach, combining online resources, lectures, workshops, and self-study.
• On-campus classroom sessions on specific dates (see start dates above).
• Online workshops and materials available throughout the program.
• Self-directed research and project work.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the knowledge and expertise to conduct effective investigations in their professional settings.
• Provide a framework for critically evaluating contemporary and significant issues in investigative practice.
• Foster the development of research skills, critical thinking, and reflective practice in the field of investigation.
• Enable students to attain a BA (Hons) degree in investigation within a flexible and accessible timeframe.
• Empower students to apply their learning directly to their workplaces and professional development.

Target Audience:

• Professionals with extensive experience in investigations.
• Individuals with PIP Level 2 qualification or equivalent experience.
• Those with five years' experience in an organization and actively involved in investigations.
• Professionals seeking to upskill or affirm their careers in investigation with a university degree.

Outline:

Module 1: Research Skills (20 credits):

• Focuses on developing essential academic reading, writing, and referencing skills.
• Equips students with knowledge of research methods and their application to investigative problems.
• Guides students to identify an area of investigation for their research project.
• Develops students' ability to articulate the current state of research and the need for further study.
• Introduces major conceptual, theoretical, and practical issues relevant to their chosen investigative field.
• Enables students to present a clear research plan for their project.

Module 2: Extending Professional Competence (40 credits):

• Emphasizes critical reflection and the application of professional skills and strategies in investigations.
• Promotes the development of flexibility and adaptability to meet changing investigative needs.
• Encourages understanding of personal development processes and applying a negotiated approach to self-improvement.
• Guides students in producing a personalized plan for fostering and enhancing their professional competence through workplace learning.

Module 3: Work Based Research Project in Applied Investigations (60 credits):

• Involves identifying a key area of operation within investigative procedures for further analysis and reflection.
• Tasks students with generating a research proposal in their chosen area of interest.
• Develops students' ability to critically evaluate existing research and professional practice.
• Equips students with the skills to select and summarize sources of information effectively.
• Enables students to present information clearly and professionally to their colleagues and audiences.

Assessment:

• Individual essays: Assessing students' understanding of key concepts, theories, and research methods in their chosen investigative field.
• Research proposal: Evaluating students' ability to formulate a clear research plan, including research questions, methodology, and ethical considerations.
• Work-based research project: Assessing students' research skills, critical analysis, and ability to apply their findings to their professional practice.
• Continuous assessment: Monitoring students' progress through engagement in online discussions, workshops, and self-study activities.

Teaching:

• Program Leaders: Experienced professionals in the field of investigation provide guidance and support throughout the program.
• Guest speakers: Experts from various investigative fields share their knowledge and real-world insights with students.
• Collaborative learning: Encourages discussions, group projects, and peer feedback to enhance understanding and knowledge sharing.
• Blended learning approach: Combines online resources, lectures, workshops, and self-study to cater to diverse learning styles and schedules.
• Individualized support: Program leaders and tutors offer personalized guidance and feedback to support students' progress and overcome challenges.

Careers:

• Completion of the program equips graduates with the academic qualifications and practical skills to pursue diverse career paths in investigation.
• Potential career options include:
• Detective Constable
• Fraud Investigator
• Intelligence Officer
• Private Investigator
• Forensic Scientist
• Crime Analyst
• Security Manager
• Compliance Officer
• Health and Safety Inspector
• Social Worker (with investigative specialization)
• The program also prepares graduates for further academic study, such as the MA Investigative Management offered by the University of Sunderland.

Other:

• The program is accredited at university level, recognizing the knowledge and experience of those who have successfully investigated serious and complex crimes.
• Successful completion of the program leads to a BA (Hons) degree in Applied Investigation.
• Graduates can access additional resources and support from the University's Career Service to explore career opportunities and enhance their employability.

Note:

The "Fees and Finance" and "Entry Requirements" sections were excluded as they were not part of the requested information.