MSc Policing and Criminal Investigation

Program Overview

This MSc program at LJMU equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for successful criminal investigations. The program explores the connections between investigation, forensics, and psychology and provides opportunities for students to interact with professionals in the field through workshops and masterclasses. Graduates are prepared for careers in policing, security, and related sectors, with potential progression to higher-level research roles.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc program in Policing and Criminal Investigation at LJMU is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of criminal investigation. The program aims to equip students with the practical skills and theoretical understanding necessary to operate as crime investigators in serious and complex cases.

Objectives:

• Develop investigative skills and prepare students for career success in policing, private security, or other public bodies.
• Gain practical skills and knowledge to operate as a crime investigator.
• Challenge students intellectually and encourage them to critically analyze key developments in criminal investigations and policing.

Program Description:

The program focuses on working with crime victims and witnesses, exploring the intersection of investigation, forensics, and psychology. Students will receive specialist supervision and study within a diverse community of fellow researchers. The program faculty boasts significant research expertise in various fields, including:

• Data Science
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Forensic Science
• Leadership, Governance, and Ethics
• Professional Development and Knowledge Exchange
• Transnational and Public Order Policing
• Urban Intelligence and Informatics
• Victimology and Domestic Violence
• Serious and Organized Crime and Intelligence-Led Policing

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to cater to the diverse learning preferences of students. These methods include:

• Academic essays
• Annotated bibliographies
• Reflective research exercises
• Position papers
• Exams
• Reports
• Case studies
• Portfolios
• Online blogs and wikis
• Workplace practice
• Posters
• Oral presentations (individual and group)
• Debates
• Reviews
• Group work
• Dissertation/research project

Teaching:

• Study Hours: Full-time students are expected to attend sessions for 12 hours per week, while part-time students should expect to participate for 6 hours per week, with additional outside study hours.
• Teaching Methods: The program employs a range of teaching approaches, including workshops, tutor support, and peer feedback.
Formative feedback is encouraged to help students identify areas for improvement and build upon their strengths.
• Applied Learning: Policing Studies students have opportunities to learn directly from practitioners through workshops and masterclasses.
These masterclasses feature talks from eminent experts, professionals, and practitioners in the field.

Careers:

The MSc in Policing and Criminal Investigation prepares students for further study, employment, or new roles in their current profession. The program aims to address the skills gap in quantitative research within policing and other related public sector fields.

• Potential Career Paths:
• Police service
• Investigation, security, or criminal justice-related roles
• Armed services
• Prison service
• Social work
• Criminal justice-related roles within the Civil Service
• Outcomes:
• Specialization in areas of interest
• Progression to PhD level for those interested in academic careers

Other:

• The program is based within the John Foster Building at the Mount Pleasant Campus.
• The School of Justice Studies is equipped with a bespoke crime scene investigation facility, well-equipped IT Suites, a light-filled Student Common Room, and dedicated postgraduate study areas.
• The Aldham Robarts Library provides a comprehensive range of materials to support student studies.

• Home fee: £9,545
• International full-time per year: £17,750
• Access to programme-appropriate software
• Library and student IT support
• Free on-campus wifi via eduroam