Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Policing and Investigations

Students on the Policing and Investigations degree at Derby will develop an advanced understanding of the investigation process, contemporary policing, and the fields of criminology and forensics. The course offers unique insights into real-world practices from an experienced teaching team, including former police detectives and investigators.

The program combines theory, policy, and practice in policing, criminology, forensics, and criminal justice, providing students with the skills to critically evaluate the contemporary challenges faced by police officers, criminal investigators, and civilian investigators. With applied learning at its core, the degree introduces students to criminal investigation, offering a logical framework for understanding investigative processes. Through engaging case studies, students explore historical, empirical, and theoretical approaches to key issues in evidence gathering and criminal justice.

Practical learning is emphasized, and students gain valuable skills that enhance their CV and improve employability in the competitive graduate job market. There are also opportunities for fieldtrips, with previous students visiting settings such as police custody suites, prisons, victim support facilities, courts, and voluntary organizations within the criminal justice sphere.

The university supports students in applying to become Police Support Volunteers alongside their studies, providing an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop professional practice. This experience is invaluable for those wishing to pursue a career in policing after graduation. Police Support Volunteers assist police officers and staff investigators with tasks such as front counter services, administration, and following up on crime reports with the public. The application process for these volunteer roles involves vetting, and the university offers guidance throughout. Additionally, students interested in joining the Special Constabulary—volunteers who patrol and serve as a crucial link between full-time officers and the local community—are also supported in their applications.