Course overview

This Foundation degree in investigation and evidence is aimed at professionals who wish to specialise in the investigation and proof of incidents, and has been designed to complement and enhance the knowledge and skills developed in investigator training programmes and in accordance with the National Competency Framework (Skills for Justice). Watch our course video here.

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 above date and time is the latest we can receive an 'on time' application (with all associated documentation). Applications received after this date may be processed, but your course induction and start to studies may well be disrupted.

It is an interdisciplinary degree providing you with an understanding of how the criminal justice process works, how investigation processes operate, and the function forensic psychology has to play in aiding investigations so that you can improve your efficiency and effectiveness in your role as an investigator.

The Foundation degree aims to develop a broad range of academic and transferable skills that can be applied successfully in the workplace and so emphasis is placed on work based learning, key skills and personal development planning. If, after successfully completing the degree, you wish to take your studies further you are guaranteed progression onto an appropriate honours degree, BSc (Hons) Crime and Criminology, BSc (Hons) Risk and Security Management and BSc (Hons) Counter Fraud and Criminal Justice Studies.

As our course materials are delivered online, being able to access the internet (either at home, work or through public facilities) is essential for the successful completion of this degree.

How do I apply?

Complete a University application form – not a UCAS form – by going to our How to apply page.

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.

Course content

The first year of the degree is an introduction to the essential skills in studying that will equip you for academic work. The study skills unit, called ‘Studying Criminology’, has a work-based learning focus to ensure that your learning is relevant to and useful for your work. You will build upon your academic learning by being introduced to research skills, which will enable you to learn, interpret and examine a range of research methods used in the study of investigation.

You will also study the academic subjects Social Context of Policing and Introduction to Research Skills.

In the second year, you will study three units. The first, Frameworks of Investigation, is a unit that critically examines the area of intelligence and data protection and models of investigation, and looks at what we can learn from miscarriages of justice. The second will look at the area of Investigation: Psychology and Law. The final stage of the degree is an extended practical investigation project, which will bring together your skills and knowledge in an applied context, enabling you to investigate in depth an issue, which is relevant to your work or your workplace. This is a major piece of independent work, but you will be supported and guided throughout.

How will I be taught?

The FdA in Investigation and Evidence is delivered by supported distance learning and the Institute has extensive experience in the design, delivery and support of such programmes. You will receive high quality course materials to guide you through each unit of study. We also use the Moodle online learning environment, which will enable you to access course materials, communicate with the tutors and other students and to discuss and present your work. You will receive induction material at the beginning of the course, which will guide you through the use of Moodle and registering and accessing the distance learning facilities offered by the University Library.

Second-year students will be supported personally through the Professional Practice Project. The Institute holds two annual events in Portsmouth which you are invited to attend. A two day induction and re-induction event takes place in September and a Study Conference in late January. This is an opportunity for you to meet the staff and other students who you have worked with and to sample more traditional forms of learning such as lectures and tutorials.

Throughout the course you will also work towards achieving key skills standards in Communication, Application of Number, Information Technology and Improving your Own Learning and Performance. You will also be participating in personal development planning to help you monitor and plan your progress.

In addition to this flexibility, distance learning offers:

• up-to-date research-based course materials
• access to the University’s library catalogue and library services
• clear and professionally presented information and debate
• detailed guidance on study skills, research methods, research project management, and essay writing skills
• professional administrative support
• access to dedicated tutor support, by phone, letter or email
• access to University’s web course tools service, Moodle

Moodle is an internet-based electronic learning environment. It will:

• give you access to extra learning resources
• enable you to access to the University’s library catalogue and many other services, such as support in developing learning skills
• provide you with direct access to a wide range of journals i.e. you will be able to download relevant articles and materials to your computer, to read in your own home
• enable you to communicate with fellow students and build a learning community
• allow you to take part in online discussions with tutors and lecturers
• enable you to post information about yourself, and start and engage in discussion

How will I be assessed?

All of the units are assessed through coursework and this takes a variety of forms including essays, online discussions, a portfolio and a project. There are also opportunities for you to undertake activities and exercises which will not count towards your overall mark, but which will enable you to develop your knowledge and skills in preparation for the assessments. We also provide clear assessment criteria for all coursework assessments and give you prompt feedback so that you can improve your own learning and performance.

How much time do I need to commit to study?

As a broad guideline, you should expect to study for between 12 and 15 hours each week of the academic year. This may seem a lot to fit in with your schedule, but remember that much of the study will be directly relevant and helpful to your work as an investigator.

What if I want to progress to an honours degree?

Successful completion of the Foundation degree in Investigation and Evidence guarantees you a place on the BSc (Hons) Crime and Criminology or BSc (Hons) Risk and Security Management degree and BSc (Hons) Counter Fraud and Criminal Justice Studies, provided that you take up your place within five years of obtaining the FdA.

Career prospects

Foundation degrees are new employment-related, higher education qualifications, designed to equip students with the higher level skills that employers need. The Foundation degree in Investigation and Evidence has been developed through consultation with key stakeholders (e.g. IPCC, OPONI, NPIA, PSSO) in the policing sector to ensure that the skills that they need are met, and in accordance with the National Competency Framework (Skills for Justice) in line with the Professionalising the Investigative Process (PIP) Initiative. The purpose of the degree is to provide you with the opportunity to develop existing skills and develop new competencies that will enable you to maximise professional opportunities within your organisation.

Facilities and features

The University Library offers a tailored service to distance learners including:

• access to a range of electronic books (over 47,000 titles) and journals (17,000 titles)
• access to local UK academic libraries via SCONUL access scheme
• delivery of book chapters and articles from hard copy in stock at no cost
• loan of books by post in the UK for return postage
• help and advice in locating and using information sources from an online advice service in your Virtual Learning Environment
• telephone helpline staffed 8.30am–8.45pm weekdays and 10am–4pm at weekends during term-time
• lectures and hands-on sessions in using University resources at induction days and study schools

Entry requirements

View all the entry requirements for FdA Investigation and Evidence for the academic year 2013/14 (opens in new window).