Policing and Criminal Investigation

​Over the course of the programme you will be introduced to key developments in policing studies and given the skills necessary to produce a successful postgraduate research project. You will work individually with a supervisor throughout the year, as well as taking part in taught modules with fellow Policing Studies students and/or students from other disciplines/Faculties. In addition, you will be part of the wider research activities of the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies.

You will receive specialist supervision and study within a diverse community of fellow researchers. Staff are active in a wide range of fields including: Crime Prevention, GIS, People Trafficking, Public Order, Mental Health, Multi Agency and Partnership Working in the Public Sector, Computer Crime, Investigation, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism, Port Security, Risk Management and Education.

​Level 7

As core you will study in the areas of:

Policing and Criminal Investigation - providing you with a context to identify and explore opportunities for professional training and development. Through the examination of Criminal Investigation the module enhances professional knowledge, skills and understanding, and prepares you either for career development or as a researcher for further doctoral study

Advanced Research Skills (includes both Quantitative and Qualitative methods) - develops your generic research skills and guides you as you undertake individual research projects, helping you to: develop productive research questions; define the parameters of your research; apply suitable methods and present findings in a manner appropriate to your field. The module will also give you the opportunity to see yourself as part of a community of postgraduate researchers, and present your ideas to your peers accordingly

Dissertation - will assess your ability to present, in scholarly form, a sustained piece of research which demonstrates knowledge and understanding of a relevant field, appropriate methodologies and critical context. You will be expected to organise material into a clear and relevant argument, and demonstrate your ability to work independently

​You will complete a dissertation based on your personal interest. To support this you will be able to choose from a number of option modules that might cover:

• Criminal Behaviour;
• Investigative Interviewing;
• Forensic Cognition: Violence and Victims;
• Forensic and Medio-legal Death;
• Pro-Active Investigation;
• Re-active investigation of complex and serious offences.

​Further guidance on modules

The information listed in the section entitled 'What you will study' is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.