Program Overview

---

BSc (Hons) Serious and Complex Crime Investigation | Degree Apprenticeship

Why study this course with LJMU?

• Designed to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours associated with a role in the field of investigation
• Working collaboratively with your employer, you will learn through a combination of on the job training and innovative and thought-provoking modules which reflect and challenge current investigative practices and debates
• Delivered online through a mix of live and pre-recorded lectures and seminars by lecturers with academic and practical experience in the field you will study topics including the criminal law, ethics and accountability, the criminal justice system, overt and covert investigation; evidence based practice; intelligence management; forensics; research methods and public protection
• You will develop a knowledge and understanding of investigative practice, its position in the social, political and cultural environment and its place within the wider context of criminal justice

About your course

The BSc Serious and Complex Crime Integrated Degree Apprenticeship develops knowledge, skills and behaviours for a career in investigation.

The programme aims:

1. To enable students to develop an understanding of investigative practice, its position in the social, political and cultural environment and its place within the wider context of criminal justice and legislation.
2. To provide students with a theoretical knowledge, understanding and practical skills necessary to achieve operational competence and complete the BSc (Hons) Serious and Complex Crime Investigation.
3. To provide students with knowledge and skills to utilise a range of analytical and research methodologies critically, allowing them to undertake ethically sound, professional, empirical research.
4. To contextualize the development of a range of interpersonal and transferrable graduate skills and knowledge developed by students during the programme.
5. To develop critical thinking and reflective practice within ethical and professional boundaries providing a critical academic understanding of policy, practices, and ethical values.
6. Students will build academic knowledge and skills to develop their understanding and application of Evidence-Based Practice and in turn develop themselves as professional investigative practitioners.

Course modules

What you will study on this degree

The programme is designed to meet the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) of the apprenticeship standards while at the same time meeting the needs of the employer. Apprentices will be required to successfully complete six core 20 credit modules at level 4, five core 20 credit modules at level 5 plus one of two optional 20 credit modules (one incorporates the National Investigators Examination (NIE)) and three core 20 credit modules at level 6 before entering the ‘gateway’ to complete a 60 credit End Point Assessment (EPA).

Apprentices will pass through the ‘gateway’ once the employer is satisfied the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard, which means the employer will work collaboratively with the university to assess operational competence to ensure the gateway requirements for EPA have been met and that they can be evidenced to an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO).

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Level 4

• Criminal Law, Practice and Procedure 1 (20 credits)
• Academic Skills for Serious and Complex Crime (20 credits)
• Introduction to Law Enforcement (20 credits)
• Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)
• Professional Standards, Governance and Accountability (20 credits)
• Criminal Justice (20 credits)

Level 5

• Fundamental principles of investigation (20 credits)
• Disclosure - Serious and Complex Cases (20 credits)
• The use of intelligence in serious and complex investigations (20 credits)
• Research Methods - Serious and Complex Crime (20 credits)
• Investigative Interviewing (20 credits)
• Pathway Criminal Law Practice and Procedure 2 (20 credits)
• Pathway Criminal Law Practice and Procedure 2 (NIE) (20 credits)

Level 6

• Covert Techniques: Legislation and Operational Capability (20 credits)
• Serious and complex crime investigation (20 credits)
• Public Protection, Vulnerability and Risk (20 credits)
• Operational Competence - Professional Discussion (20 credits)
• Evidence Based Research Project and Presentation (40 credits)

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching
• Support
• Assessment

Excellent facilities and learning resources

The programme is designed to be delivered through distance learning facilities; which will be balanced with synchronous (live online) and asynchronous (Pre-recorded) lectures, workshops and seminars. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Teaching can be offered in a block or day release format, meaning there is consistency to your studies but also offers some flexibility to study at times that suits you or your employer.

You will have easy access to support from your module leaders or personal tutor through online tutorials of discussion boards via the virtual learning environment.

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

There is a high level of support for students on this course and the needs of part-time students and degree apprentices are thought through. You will be appointed a Personal Tutor when you are inducted onto the course. They will be responsible for assisting you and providing guidance and care on academic and pastoral matters and also on the development of your Personal Development Plans (PDPs) which form an integral part of your programme and development.

Within the workplace you will have mentors that will provide additional support during your on the job training.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

Generally you will be assessed using written assignments, presentations and exams, which will be linked as close as possible to operational practice.

The majority of the assessment of professional skills will be carried out in the workplace with the compilation of an Occupational Competence portfolio (OCP). This will be supported by workplace mentors and assessors as well as LJMU staff. In addition there will be a requirement for self-reflection and at various points the programme will include reflection reports.

These together with the OCP will be subject of the End-Point Assessment, which will be composed of a professional discussion during which you will provide oral evidence of competency and a research project associated with your area of investigation.

Where you will study

The programme is predominantly delivered online through a virtual learning environment (VLE). Teaching includes live and pre-recorded lectures which will be accessed through the VLE or Microsoft Teams. Assessments will also be accessed and uploaded to the VLE.

Apprentices will be expected to have suitable IT equipment to enable them to meet the requirements of the programme.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home
• Fees
• Financial Support
• Additional Costs

Fees

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus Wi-Fi.

Financial Support

The University offers a range of scholarships to support students through their studies. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist funding pages, including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.

Additional Costs

In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:

• Accommodation
• Travel costs including those for placements, visas and travel for studying abroad and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
• Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in accordance with any changes to the maximum allowable fees set by the UK Parliament. In the event of such a change, any fee increase will be subject to a maximum cap of 10% of the total course cost as originally stated at the time of your offer.

Degree Apprenticeships are funded courses, with learning costs being paid to the university by the employer, through the Degree Apprenticeship levy, if a large company, or with the help of the government’s co-investment model, if a smaller company.

If you aren’t already employed by a company that is willing to sponsor you through an apprenticeship, you’ll need to find one. You can do this by regularly checking the Government’s Find an apprenticeship website.

You can also approach an employer yourself to find out whether they would be interested in offering Degree Apprenticeships and ask them to contact us. Our team will be able to explain to them how they can access the correct funding and the next steps.

Entry requirements

• Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
• Qualification requirements
• GCSEs and equivalents
• English and maths requirements
• Find your country

Qualification requirements

Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

GCSEs and equivalents

English and maths requirements

Apprentices for this programme are required to have achieved and provide evidence of a minimum of level 2 in both English and maths prior to starting the apprenticeship.

Level 2 means a:

• GCSE grade 4-9 (or A-C)
• Functional skills – Pass at level 2

There are other acceptable qualifications, but these must meet the Education and Skills Funding Agency requirements. The list of accepted qualifications for English and maths requirements can be viewed here (check on the Level 3 apprenticeship tab within the document).

How to apply

• Securing your place at LJMU
• To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU Degree Apprenticeship form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.

Your university life

• From accommodation and academic support to clubs and societies. Find out what LJMU has to offer.

Related Links

• Living in Liverpool
• Your campus
• Sports, societies and lifestyle

Talk to our students

Connect with a current LJMU student for advice and guidance on university life, courses and more.

See what our students are saying

At LJMU we want you to know you're making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:

Related Links

• Read Student Crowd reviews
• Ask questions on The Student Room forum

News and views

Browse through the latest news and stories from the university

Connect with us

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Spotify

Study

• Undergraduate students
• Postgraduate students
• International students
• Degree Apprenticeships
• Continuing Professional Development
• Applicants

About LJMU

• Your Student Experience
• Staff profiles
• Liverpool
• Our vision and values
• LJMU achievements and impact
• Celebrating LJMU's history
• Vacancies at LJMU

Get in touch

• Contact LJMU
• How to find us
• Press Office

Legal

• Accessibility statement
• Copyright notice
• Disclaimer
• Freedom of Information
• Governance and charitable status
• Modern Slavery Statement
• Privacy notice and cookies
• Cookie Preferences

Cookie settings

Some essential features of our website won't work without cookies. Please check your cookie settings below and deselect any you wish to opt out of:

• Essential cookies
• Marketing cookies
• Analytics cookies
• Personalisation cookies

Learn more about our cookies

Accept all Reject all Save preferences