4B069E - Principles of Criminal Investigation 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 4B069E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Principles of Criminal Investigation | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Forensic Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Beth Nurse | ||
| Module Team: | James McCormack, Ella Mason-Buck | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 4 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100483 - criminal justice | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
The main aims of the module are:
To introduce students to the principles, processes and professional roles involved in criminal investigations within England and Wales.
To develop students’ understanding of the legal and procedural frameworks governing investigative practice, including key legislation and evidential requirements
To introduce the relationship between forensic investigation and police investigations, enabling students to understand how evidence gathered at crime scenes contributes to the development of criminal cases.
Content Summary
This module introduces you to the principles and processes of criminal investigation in England and Wales. You will explore how investigations are carried out, from the initial report of a crime through to case resolution within the criminal justice system. The module focuses on the investigation of volume crime and examines the roles and responsibilities of police officers, investigators and partner agencies involved in criminal enquiries.
You will develop an understanding of the structure of policing in England and Wales and how criminal cases progress through the criminal justice system. The module also introduces the legal and procedural frameworks that govern investigative practice, including key legislation such as the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and its associated Codes of Practice.
In addition, you will explore the role of forensic investigation within criminal enquiries and how forensic evidence supports investigative decision-making. This module complements the Level 4 Crime Scene Investigation module by helping you understand how evidence and information gathered at crime scenes are used within the wider investigative process.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 56 |
| Guided Learning | 10.5 |
| Summative Assessment and Preperation | 60 |
| Formative assessment (scheduled) | 12 |
| Independent Learning | 161.5 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Describe the principles and processes of criminal investigations within England and Wales, including the investigation of volume crime and the role of policing within the criminal justice system. |
| LO2 | Explain the legal and procedural frameworks governing criminal investigations, including key legislation such as the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, and the role of forensic investigation within the investigative process. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment | Group Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) | presents students with a realistic investigative scenario in which they must analyse the situation, articulate reasoned investigative decisions, identify further information and resources required, and demonstrate application of the relevant legal frameworks. This mirrors the situational judgement exercises used in current policing practice, where practitioners must demonstrate not only legal knowledge but sound, legally grounded professional judgement. The format is professionally authentic, aligns assessment with learning outcomes and teaching activities, and supports the development of communication, critical reasoning, and professional accountability — all core competencies for forensic investigators operating within the criminal justice system. | 15 | N/A | 100 | No | 100 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Group Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) | ✔ | ✔ | |