What will I learn on this module?
You will examine the fundamental principles and practices underpinning a police investigation. Beginning with the legislation and powers governing the recovery and use of investigative and potential evidential material, you will be equipped with the knowledge pertinent to the effective recovery of materials and information. Building through the module, you will study the progressive stages of an investigation: from the knowledge and mind-set required to plan and conduct an investigation, including investigative concepts and decision making models, through to developing and testing an investigative hypothesis, ensuring all appropriate evidence gathering opportunities are explored and full disclosure completed. Learning when to involve other areas, you will become familiar with the roles and knowledge available from other key actors involved in investigations, such as the CPS,forensic specialists, victims and witnesses, ensuring that you have familiarity to support a thorough investigative and interview strategy.
CoP pre-join curriculum learning outcomes: CoP December 2023 v1.1
Core National Learning
Victims and witnesses: 6.2
Criminal Justice System: 2.1-2.5, 3.1-3.3
Community policing and partnership working: 3.2, 1.1 (EVALUATE NIM)
Information, intelligence and evidence: 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.5
Conducting investigations: 1.1-1.2, 2.1-2.1a, 3.1-3.5, 4.1, 6.1-6.2, 7.1, 2
Core National Supplementary Information
Supporting/Supplementary Material
Conducting investigations
Legal/Reference Material
Conducting investigations
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through a series of different delivery styles which will include traditional taught lectures to cover theoretical aspects, supplemented with seminar and workshop sessions, where you will be a more active learner, applying the theory into practice.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported through active participation and discussion during seminars and workshops. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand the theory underpinning the principles and practices of a thorough and effective police investigation. All lecture, seminar and workshop material will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects.
Written assessment feedback will also be provided to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in subsequent assessments within your programme.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding: 1. You will acquire the necessary knowledge and understanding to conduct a lawful, safe and effective investigation Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities: 2. You will develop practical skills in the design and implementation of PEACE based interview 3. You will demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between the criminal justice system and policing Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA): 4. You will understand and put into practice the fundamental responsibility of the police service to identify and support those who are vulnerable or at risk
How will I be assessed?
Assessment 1 - coursework Design an Investigative strategy for a given scenario (K&U 1; IPSA 2)
Assessment 2 – coursework 2000 word written assessment on a series of questions designed to illustrate knowledge of the CJS and the requirements for a lawful, safe and effective investigation (K&U 1, 4; IPS 2; PVA 1)
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module provides the theoretical and practical knowledge required to undertake a thorough and effective police investigation. Enriched with the latest research on investigative techniques, you will explore the concepts relating to intelligence based policing and decision-making. Supported by knowledge of the legal and investigative powers in policing, you will cover and practice the range of techniques and methods adopted from the recovery of evidence at a scene through to implementing a PEACE interview strategy. You will become familiar with the roles and knowledge available from other key actors involved in investigations, such as the CPS,forensic specialists, victims and witnesses, ensuring that you have familiarity to support a thorough investigative and interview strategy.
Course info
UCAS Code LL44
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
Department Social Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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