Criminal Investigation and Policing Studies

If you're passionate about policing and criminal investigation but don't necessarily want to join the police force, this course is the perfect fit. It equips you with the skills needed for ethical professional practice in the criminal justice or private sectors. From critical thinking and decision-making to leadership and investigative management, you'll gain knowledge tailored to real-world challenges.

In your first year, you'll explore foundational topics shared with criminology students, providing a broader perspective on crime and policing. In the second year, you'll begin to specialize, studying leadership in criminal investigation and choosing elective modules to deepen your understanding. By the third year, your studies will focus on advanced investigative management and leadership, preparing you for a career in criminal justice.

Taught by experienced academics with practical expertise in policing and criminology, this course combines academic theory with real-world application. Placement opportunities and international experiences like DMU Global will help you stand out in a competitive field.


• Industry-informed teaching:  Learn from experienced academics with real-world policing and criminology backgrounds.



• Contemporary topics:  Study modules like Introduction to Criminology, Investigative Management and Leadership, and Multi-Agency Working.



• Industry experience:  Visits to criminal justice providers e.g. police, provide industry insight and learning to inform your practice



• Global experience:  Benefit from DMU Global with the opportunity to visit the Department for Police Work at Malmo University, Sweden to actively experience international policing and training.



• Become career ready: Our graduates thrive in roles such as police officers, aviation security officers, and Crown Court clerks—making an impact at organisations like Leicestershire Police, the National Crime Agency, Manchester Airports Group, His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service, and major retail fraud and intelligence departments.



• Focused learning:  Block teaching lets you focus on one subject at a time.

At DMU, the focus is on your future - with work experience opportunities on every course, an employability-boosting careers award, and industry-led course content, you'll be well prepared to start your career.

You’ll get guaranteed work experience opportunities with UK and overseas placements, internships, and personalised training. DMU has been named the UK’s Best University for Work Experience (RateMyPlacement 2024 & 2025), offering personalised careers support, industry connections, and placements with global names like Rolls-Royce and Adobe.

DMU is one of only a few universities where you’ll benefit from modular, block teaching where you’ll study one subject at a time for deeper learning and better results.

Situated in the heart of Leicester, a vibrant student-friendly city, the campus is just a short walk from everything the city has to offer. Its central location means you can hop on a train and be in cities like London, Birmingham and Nottingham in around an hour or less.