FdA
Investigation and Evidence
Improve your efficiency and effectiveness as an investigator
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This Foundation degree is aimed at professionals who wish to specialise in the investigation and proof of incidents. It 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). You will explore how the criminal justice process works, how investigation processes operate and the function forensic psychology has to play in aiding investigations.
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.
What will I experience?
On this course you will:
- Develop a broad range of transferable skills that can be applied successfully in the workplace through work-based learning and personal development planning
- Improve your efficiency and effectiveness in your role as an investigator
- Be able to attend student conferences held in Portsmouth once a year
What opportunities might it lead to?
As an employment-related higher qualification for investigators, this course has been developed to ensure that it meets your needs and those of your employer. Its overall purpose is to provide a qualification that complements and develops the knowledge and skills you have developed through your experience and training.
If, after successfully completing the degree, you wish to take your studies further you are guaranteed progression onto an appropriate honours degree such as our BSc (Hons) Crime and Criminology, BSc (Hons) Risk and Security Management and BSc (Hons) Counter Fraud and Criminal Justice Studies.
How do I apply?
Complete the University's online application form (not a UCAS form)
I have a genuine interest in the psychology behind investigative interviewing and the course allowed me to explore this.
Pete Gartrell, FdA Investigation and Evidence student
Key Facts
- Duration
- 2 years part time
- Entry
Satisfactory completion of a recognised investigator training programme. Applicants should also be signed off as competent by their organisation (OPONI, IPCC, initial CID, ICIDP, L31C and GSOC).
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands/Isle of Man and International students
Serving police officers structure Year 1 - 60 credits APL, Year 2 - 40 credits APL Year 1 £2,250 Year 2 £3,000
Police Staff structure - Year 1 - 40 credits APL, Year 2 - 20 credits APL Year 1 £3,000 Year 2 £3,750
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- icjsapplications@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 3928 - Department
- Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Course:
Foundation Degrees in ICJS
Find out what our students say about studying a Foundation degree in ICJS including:
- Foundation degrees as a re-introduction to study
- Keeping up with rapidly changing professional challenges
- Lecturers with practical experience in the subjects
Structure & Teaching
Year one
The first year of the degree is an introduction to the essential study skills 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 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 following units:
- Social Context of Policing
- Introduction to Research Skills
Year two
In the second year, you will study three units:
- Frameworks of Investigation: this unit critically examines the area of intelligence, data protection and models of investigation, as well as looks at what we can learn from miscarriages of justice.
- Investigation: Psychology and Law
- Extended practical investigation project: 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 that is relevant to your work or your workplace. This is a major piece of independent work, but you will be supported and guided throughout.
Teaching and Assessment
This degree is delivered by distance learning so that you are able to continue working. Typically, you will need to devote12-15 hours per week to study, but with distance learning you have the flexibility to choose when and where this takes place.
The degree is open to officers at any stage of their career. We have a large number of students currently studying with us who are well beyond their probationary period and some holding senior rank.
How are you 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 that 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.
Facilities & Features
ICJS
One of the UK's leading centres for research and course provision in criminology, criminal justice and police studies
Professional links
Links with the criminal justice sector: local, national and international
Distance Learning
Pioneering distance learning programmes for professionals
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
ICJS
The Institute of Criminal Justice Studies was founded in 1992 and has since grown to comprise 50 academic staff and more than 1,800 students. Now an internationally-renowned focal point for the study of crime and criminal justice processes, it draws together expertise in criminological analysis, applied psychology, police governance and management, victimology, penology, risk and security.
Professional links
Our extensive experience and close professional relationships with the police service and criminal justice agencies ensure that our courses reflect the changing needs of the profession. You may benefit from these links by hearing guest speakers, listening to leading-edge research and being helped to find professional work placements.
Distance Learning
Our distinctive approach to supported distance learning, robust procedures for the accreditation of prior learning and modular award framework not only help facilitate access to higher education but also offer flexible and transferable platforms for life-long learning.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
The programme has been designed with input from key stakeholders to support professional career development. Additionally, successful completion of the degree allows you to take your studies further if you wish. Graduates are guaranteed progression onto an appropriate honours degree such as the BSc (Hons) Crime and Criminology, BSc (Hons) Risk and Security Management or BSc (Hons) Counter Fraud and Criminal Justice Studies.
Career planning
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.