UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution and Location
of Delivery
University of Central Lancashire
Preston Campus
3. University School/Centre
Forensic and Investigative Sciences
4. External Accreditation
5. Title of Final Award
MSc Criminal Investigation
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full-time/part time/distance learning
7. UCAS Code
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
9. Other external influences
10. Date of production/revision of this
form
December 2014
11. Aims of the Programme




To equip students with the knowledge and practical skills to operate as a crime investigator in
serious and complex cases.
To develop in students the critical thinking skills required in the investigation of serious and
complex cases.
To develop analytical skills involving the principles, practices and techniques of crime
investigation in serious and complex cases.
To develop competence in research methods and the presentation of information.


To develop skills in solving complex problems both independently and as a team member.
To develop in students the confidence to make decisions in complex case investigations
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Analyse a problem involving the specific aspects of criminal investigation and be able to design
and implement a suitable solution.
A2. Present complex case information.
A3. Apply data handling skills, effectively plan a project and use documentation skills in an appropriate
manner.
A4. Design, plan and implement solutions to problems in criminal investigation and be capable of
analysing the potential effectiveness of such solutions.
A5. Develop and write a case study analysis and a dissertation within guidelines and be able to
critically evaluate the success of such a project.
A6. Apply the skills developed on the course to a relevant individual project.
A7. Synthesise solutions to problems involving several aspects of criminal investigation either
independently and/or as a team member.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, seminars, directed reading, presentations and case studies
Assessment methods
Examinations, essays, case studies, projects, reports, dissertation and presentations.
B.
B1.
B2.
B3.
B4.
B5.
Subject-specific skills
Implement investigative solutions to problems.
Effectively communicate criminal investigation solutions with both experts and non-experts.
Research information from all relevant sources.
Evaluate different potential solutions to complex case problems.
Identify gaps in current knowledge.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, seminars, directed reading, group and individual projects and presentations.
Assessment methods
Examinations, essays, case studies, projects, reports, dissertation and presentations.
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Critically evaluate complex and conflicting information that may arise in complex case
investigation
C2. Plan and conduct a research project.
C3. Communicate findings with both experts and non-experts.
C4. Make informed decisions, and reflect on the implications of those decisions
Teaching and Learning Methods
Skills developed through lectures, data interpretation, case studies, research projects, presentations,
problem solving.
Assessment methods
Examinations, essays, case studies, projects, reports, dissertation and presentations.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Time management skills
D2. Work in, and lead, teams.
D3. Work independently.
D4. Generate original ideas.
D5. Confidence to make decisions.
D6. Presentation Skills
Teaching and Learning Methods
Skills developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, case studies, research projects,
presentations, problem solving.
Assessment methods
Examinations, essays, case studies, projects, reports, dissertation and presentations.
13. Programme Structures*
Level
Level 7
Module
Code
FZ4701
FZ4702
FZ4703
FZ4704
FZ4705
FZ4706
FZ4707
Module Title
Research Methods for Crime and
Criminal Justice
Fraud Investigation
Complex Case Management
The Ethics of Criminal Investigation
and Policing
Policing of Serious and Organised
Crime
Homicide Investigation
MSc
Criminal
Investigation
Dissertation
Credit
rating
20
20
20
20
20
20
60
14. Awards
Credits*
and
Masters Degree in
Criminal
Investigation
Requires 180 credits
at Level 7
MSc with Distinction
APM and Dissertation
 70%
MSc with Merit APM
and
Dissertation
60%
Postgraduate
Diploma in Criminal
Investigation
Requires 120 credits
at Level 7
Postgraduate
Certificate
in
Criminal
Investigation
Requires 60 credits at
Level 7
15. Personal Development Planning
PDP is delivered and monitored through project modules and the personal tutor system. Students are
provided with a PDP handbook and an introductory lecture on it during induction week.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have
been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website
for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
For entry on the MSc programme, a student must hold one of the following qualifications:
1. An honours degree of the level 2.2 or above from a United Kingdom university or an equivalent
qualification in an appropriate discipline e.g. law, policing, criminology, psychology.
2. A degree or HNC or HND in an appropriate discipline, together with appropriate professional
experience.
3. A qualification or experience deemed to be equivalent to any of the above. This will be established
through interview.
International applicants for the programme will be required to have a minimum level of proficiency in
English Language equivalent to IELTS band 6.5.
17. Key sources of information about the programme




University web site www.uclan.ac.uk
School website www.uclan.ac.uk/forensic
Course Leaders
Admissions tutor
LEVEL 7
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Level Module Module Title
Core
(C),
Programme Learning Outcomes
Code
Compulsory Knowledge and Understanding Subject-specific
Thinking
(COMP)
or
Skills
Skills
Option (O)
Note:
FZ4701 Research Methods for
Crime and Criminal
Justice
FZ4702 Fraud Investigation
FZ4703 Complex
Case
Management
FZ4704 The Ethics of Criminal
Investigation
and
Policing
FZ4705 Policing of Serious and
Organised Crime
FZ4706 Homicide Investigation
FZ4707 MSc
Criminal
Investigation
Dissertation
A1
A2
A3
A4




A5
A6
Other skills relevant to
employability and
personal development
A7
B1
B2
B3
B4
C1 C2 C3 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5































COMP
COMP
COMP























COMP
COMP
 
COMP
CORE




























Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks


