Course overview

All applicants should apply as soon as possible to reserve a place and ensure adequate preparations are made for the start of your studies. The latest we can receive an 'on time' application (with all associated documentation)is: 6 September 2013 (16 August 2013 for non-EU students). Applications received after this date may be processed, but your course induction and start to studies may well be disrupted.

This course recognises the many and diverse challenges confronting investigators in the modern era. Students will be encouraged to develop holistic approaches to investigations, which embrace the investigative strategies, tools and techniques that advances in the fields of science and technology provide. At course end, students will be equipped with an in-depth knowledge of the contemporary investigative paradigm and a range of skills that will enhance their ability to critically evaluate and manage investigations.  The course also will enhance students’ employability and career prospects as this is an area where there is a wide range of careers that graduates could pursue in investigation or in intelligence work. That includes employment in a broad range of public and private sector bodies where, amongst other things, managerialism, the search for best value and the need to manage risk effectively, have created many more openings for financial investigators, compliance officers, and analysts.

The course will be of particular interest to graduates of the University of Portsmouth BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice, Criminology and Forensic Studies and Criminology with Psychology degrees and to graduates from related courses at other institutions. The course will also appeal to overseas students already working in relevant sectors.  Students should have a first degree in a relevant subject or recent experience in the fields of investigation, intelligence or security and also display an aptitude for postgraduate study.

Course content

Students study four 30 credit units and complete a 60 credit dissertation. In Research Methods for Investigators, students learn key methods and skills that ensure their research activities are credible, efficient and ethical. They will study the postgraduate research methods course with students on other postgraduate pathways and attend additional specialist seminars where relevant.  In Criminal Investigation, Models and Practices, students examine theories and models of investigation.  They will formulate a range of investigative strategies that recognise the importance of accurately assessing risk and human rights-compliance.  In Crime Science - Tools and Techniques, students learn about the applied use of scientific techniques such as: crime analysis and mapping; investigative interviewing and debriefing, forensic computing, crime prevention technologies and digital imagery.  In Criminal Intelligence, Concepts and Management, students will study (amongst other things): national community safety and security strategies; strategic drivers (PESTELO); the importance of operational security and anti-corruption strategies; issues of governance and compliance, performance management, inter-agency operability and partnership working.

Teaching and assessment

Delivery will be via a range of lectures, seminars and interactive sessions. There are likely to be a number of field trips in the programme.  Students largely will be taught by ICJS staff with extensive backgrounds in policing and intelligence.  Throughout the course there will be an explicit emphasis on professional knowledge and practice, and the peer learning and networking opportunities that attendance affords.  ICJS has extensive and strong links with Hampshire Constabulary, Surrey Police and the Metropolitan Police and staff take every opportunity to exploit those links for the benefit of students.

Career prospects

The course is shaped to develop professional expertise in criminal investigation to support specialization in this field. Graduates will have been encouraged to develop their own links with the Institute's connections to police forces in Hampshire, Surrey and London. The programme also covers a range of criminal justice issues while developing the skills to produce a portfolio of knowledge and abilities that supports career development opportunities in a wider range of careers.

Facilities and features

Academic Skills Development

Relevant Unit Coordinators will act proactively, for example in contacting those students whose performance appears to indicate that they would benefit from study support. A marker referral system is also in place to identify specific academic skills gaps and their resolution via additional skills support.

The library

The library is renowned for its high quality, responsive and customised support to students studying at a distance, or seeking to research criminal justice projects at a distance. A range of library services for distance learning students are provided to supplement the broad range of online academic resources (e-journals and e-books, etc.) available to all.

• Library Information Literacy
• Library services for distance learning students
• Criminology subject resources

Further support

Other key support services include:

• Academic Skills Unit
• Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MSc Crime Science, Investigation and Intelligence are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Tel: +44 (023) 9284 3928
Email: icjsapplications@port.ac.uk