Program Overview

Graduate Certificate of Investigative Practice

The Graduate Certificate of Investigative Practice is a postgraduate course designed for individuals seeking to advance their skills in investigative practices. This course is particularly suited for police officers, justice system professionals, and investigators in both public and private sectors.

Course Overview

The Graduate Certificate of Investigative Practice offers specialized skills that can lead to new career directions or promotional opportunities in various organizations. Upon completion, graduates may also choose to fast-track their studies in a Master of Criminology and Justice.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level

This course is accredited as an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate Award.

Course Code

The course code for the Graduate Certificate of Investigative Practice is P30.

Entry Requirements

• ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
• Academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of a Bachelor degree or equivalent prior learning, including at least five years of relevant professional experience.
• English language requirements may be satisfied through an IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5, a Bachelor degree from a specified country, or other defined tests and courses.

Admissions

ECU admission profile applies, with opportunities for recognition of prior learning for applicants with significant coursework in a related field or professional practice.

Fees

• Domestic fee paying: estimated 1st year indicative fee is AUD $13,000.
• International students: estimated 1st year indicative fee is AUD $19,500.

Duration

The course is available for part-time study over 1 year.

Availability & Campus

The course is available online for part-time study in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Course Details

Semester Availability

• Semester 1: Part-time online.
• Semester 2: Part-time online.

Course Structure

The course structure includes:

• CRI6405: Investigative Practices (20 credit points).
• CRI6415: Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power (20 credit points).
• Plus, one core option from:
  • CRI6400: Contemporary Issues in Criminology and Justice (20 credit points).
  • CRI6455: Principles of Evidence Informed Practice (20 credit points).

Course Notes

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, graduates will be able to:

1. Apply a specialized understanding of complex and emerging knowledge in investigations to various domains of professional practice.
2. Apply independent judgment to research, evaluate, and synthesize complex issues in investigative practice.
3. Apply communication, collaboration, and reflective skills to create innovative solutions to complex issues in investigative practice.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can expect to apply for senior investigative or training roles in local or federal policing, corrections, public sector commissions, or national intelligence agencies. The course may also lead to senior investigative roles in private industries, including mining, security, finance, HR, or IT. Possible future job titles include Detective, Crime Scene Investigator, Cybercrime Investigator, Intelligence Analyst, Major Crime Investigator, and Cyber Security Specialist.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

• The estimated 1st year indicative fee is provided as a guide only and is based on a typical enrollment.
• ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies.