Policing and Criminal Investigation

Policing and criminal investigation is a discipline that bridges the academic study of crime and criminal justice with the practical and procedural knowledge that underpins investigative work. It examines how police services are organised and governed, how investigations are conducted, how evidence is gathered and assessed, and how the criminal justice system responds to different types of crime. It draws on criminology, law, forensic science and organisational studies to give students a grounded understanding of the realities of policing and investigation in contemporary society.

At Arden University, this programme is delivered by distance learning, which means you study entirely online, accessing course materials, lectures and assessments through the university's digital learning environment. This mode of study suits people who are working, have caring responsibilities or cannot easily attend a campus, and it is particularly relevant in policing and criminal investigation, where many students are already employed in related roles and want to formalise and deepen their knowledge while continuing to work. The online delivery means you can study at times that suit your schedule.

You will engage with the theory and practice of policing, exploring issues including investigative methodology, evidence and intelligence, crime prevention, community policing, ethics and the governance of police services. The programme also examines how technological, social and political change is reshaping policing and criminal investigation in the UK and internationally.

Graduates move into or progress within policing, the wider criminal justice system, security, intelligence, investigative roles in the public and private sectors, and policy and research roles focused on crime and justice. The combination of academic knowledge and practical orientation is valued by employers across the sector. Postgraduate study in criminology, law or criminal justice is a natural option for those who want to develop their expertise further.