Crime and Investigation Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Crime and investigation now extend far beyond traditional policing roles. On this course you’ll critically explore how crime is investigated and addressed across a wide range of social contexts, including public, private and voluntary sector organisations involved in policing and investigative work.

The course focuses on understanding crime and investigation as part of wider systems of social control, public protection and justice. You’ll examine how policing and investigative practices operate locally, nationally and internationally, and how different models of investigation respond to contemporary crime challenges.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore theories of criminal behaviour alongside strategies for preventing, detecting and investigating crime. You’ll consider formal and informal responses to crime and anti-social behaviour, examine accountability and legitimacy within investigative work, and analyse crime data and evidence-based research that inform decision-making.

Why study Crime and Investigation BSc(Hons) at University of Huddersfield?

Learning is applied and discussion led. A key part of the learning strategy is active debate around crime and investigation, including the historical and social contexts in which investigative work takes place and its effectiveness in responding to serious, international and borderless crime. You’ll also have opportunities to focus on areas such as security and terrorism; serious crime and research methods used in crime and policing.

You’ll be taught by academics with senior professional experience in policing and investigation, alongside research-active staff with expertise in contemporary crime issues. Guest speakers, including detectives, crime and intelligence analysts, crime scene investigators and fraud investigators share first-hand insight into investigative practice and career pathways.

You’ll study as part of a small, supportive course community, where students are known by staff and supported to reach their full potential. You’ll also have a Personal Academic Tutor to guide your academic development and help you prepare for future study or employment.

The course places a strong emphasis on applied experience and employability. In your second year, you’ll complete compulsory work experience, giving you the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a relevant setting, apply your learning in practice and build experience that employers value.

This course is not accredited by the College of Policing and is not a pre-join policing degree. However, it provides strong preparation for further study, including Level 6 top-up direct entry policing degrees for graduates who meet police entry requirements. If you are seeking a College of Policing–accredited route, the Professional Policing BSc(Hons) may be more appropriate.

Graduates of this course are well prepared for careers in investigation and policing-related roles across public, private and voluntary sector organisations, as well as further education or training where required.

Professional Bodies

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the Global Professional Award alongside your degree†, allowing you to gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is.

†full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years.

Why Huddersfield?

Huddersfield’s vibrant and friendly campus is a great place from which to study, while the town itself offers lots to see and do, with good transport links in and around the area.