MSc
Crime Science, Investigation and Intelligence
Exploring investigation in the modern era
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This course will enable you to develop holistic approaches to investigations that embrace the investigative strategies, tools and techniques which advances in the fields of science and technology provide, enhancing your ability to critically evaluate and manage 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 can:
- Take up advanced study of issues of interest from your first degree in a related subject, or recent experience in investigation, intelligence or security
- Develop professional expertise in criminal investigation to support specialisation in this field
What opportunities might it lead to?
You will be encouraged to develop your 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.
How do I apply?
Complete the University's online application form (not a UCAS form)
The various workshops and seminars I attend in line with my course have awakened my knowledge much more than I ever imagined.
Marvin Adim Nwaefulu, law and criminology student 2013
Key Facts
- Duration
- 1 year full time, 2 years part time
- Entry
A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject or a Master's degree in an appropriate subject. Exceptionally, equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 or equivalent, with no component score below 6.0.- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £4,500
International full-time students: £10,500- Contact
- adrian.james@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 3066 - Department
- Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Structure & Teaching
You will study four 30-credit units and complete a 60-credit dissertation:
Research Methods and Research Management:you will study with with students on other postgraduate pathways and attend additional specialist seminars where relevant, to learn key methods and skills that ensure your research activities are credible, efficient and ethical.
Managing Investigations: you will examine theories and models of investigation, plus formulate a range of investigative strategies that recognise the importance of accurately in assessing risk and human rights compliance.
Tools and Techniques of Crime Science: you will 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.
Managing Intelligence: this unit covers 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, amongst other things.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught via a range of lectures, seminars and interactive sessions. There are likely to be a number of field trips in the programme. You'll largely be taught by ICJS staff with extensive backgrounds in policing and intelligence.
Professional learning
Throughout the course there is explicit emphasis on professional knowledge and practice, as well as learning from and networking with others on the course. 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 your benefit.
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
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.
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 course will enhance your employability and career prospects in an area where there is a wide range of careers in investigation or intelligence work. That includes employment in a broad range of public and private sector bodies where, amongst other things, the search for best value and the need to manage risk effectively, have created many more openings for financial investigators, compliance officers and analysts.
Career planning
One of the benefits of studying at Portsmouth is the support that we provide to our Master's and Research Degrees students in career planning. Our careers and recruitment service – Purple Door – can assist you in career research and finding employment opportunities. Help is also available if you wish to find a part-time job while studying your degree. We offer our postgraduate students and alumni one-to-one appointments with a careers adviser, or an online service for those not able to travel back to the University. Our alumni can call on our career services for five years after graduation.
In addition, regular employability events offer you the chance to meet employers, find out about different career sectors and improve your applications or CV. The Graduate Summer Programme provides a range of guidance and employability seminars and workshops.