2025/26 entry
BSc (Hons) Serious and Complex Crime Investigation
Why study Serious and Complex Crime Investigation at Liverpool John Moores University?
- The BSc Serious and Complex Crime integrated degree apprenticeship is designed to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours associated with a role in the field of investigation.
- Working collaboratively with your employer, you will learn through a combination of on the job training and innovative and thought-provoking modules which reflect and challenge current investigative practices and debates.
- Delivered online through a mix of live and prerecorded lectures and seminars by lecturers with academic and practical experience in the field you will study topics including the criminal law, ethics and accountability, the criminal justice system, overt and covert investigation; evidence based practice; intelligence management; forensics; research methods and public protection.
- You will develop a knowledge and understanding of investigative practice, its position in the social, political and cultural environment and its place within the wider context of criminal justice.
About your course
The BSc Serious and Complex Crime Integrated Degree Apprenticeship develops knowledge, skills and behaviours for a career in investigation.
The programme aims:
- To enable students to develop an understanding of investigative practice, its position in the social, political and cultural environment and its place within the wider context of criminal justice and legislation.
- To provide students with a theoretical knowledge, understanding and practical skills necessary to achieve operational competence and complete the BSc (Hons) Serious and Complex Crime Investigation.
- To provide students with knowledge and skills to utilise a range of analytical and research methodologies critically, allowing them to undertake ethically sound, professional, empirical research.
- To contextualize the development of a range of interpersonal and transferrable graduate skills and knowledge developed by students during the programme.
- To develop critical thinking and reflective practice within ethical and professional boundaries providing a critical academic understanding of policy, practices, and ethical values.
- Students will build academic knowledge and skills to develop their understanding and application of Evidence-Based Practice and in turn develop themselves as professional investigative practitioners.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Degree Apprenticeships are funded courses, with learning costs being paid to the university by the employer, through the Degree Apprenticeship levy, if a large company, or with the help of the government’s co-investment model, if a smaller company.
If you aren’t already employed by a company that is willing to sponsor you through an apprenticeship, you’ll need to find one. You can do this by regularly checking the Government’s Find an apprenticeship website.
You can also approach an employer yourself to find out whether they would be interested in offering Degree Apprenticeships and ask them to contact us. Our team will be able to explain to them how they can access the correct funding and the next steps.
A life-changing experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
News and views
Browse through the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond
What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
The programme is designed to meet the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) of the apprenticeship standards while at the same time meeting the needs of the employer. Apprentices will be required to successfully complete six core 20 credit modules at level 4, five core 20 credit modules at level 5 plus one of two optional 20 credit modules (one incorporates the National Investigators Examination (NIE)) and three core 20 credit modules at level 6 before entering the ‘gateway’ to complete a 60 credit End Point Assessment (EPA).
Apprentices will pass through the ‘gateway’ once the employer is satisfied the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard, which means the employer will work collaboratively with the university to assess operational competence to ensure the gateway requirements for EPA have been met and that they can be evidenced to an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO).
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Academic Skills for Serious and Complex Crime
20 credits
In this module you will develop your academic skills including referencing, writing and an understanding of the concept of critical evaluation. You will research the court system in England and Wales and develop your communication and presentation skills.
Introduction to Law Enforcement
20 credits
This module aims to help you understand key theories and concepts relevant to policing and the wider criminal justice system by examining the chronological development of policing and other institutions within the system, landmark events and their inter-relationship and relevance.
Criminal Law, Practice and Procedure 1
20 credits
This module will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of legislation and wider legal powers in relation to a range of typical policing and law enforcement incidents. It will enable you to apply such knowledge to a range of specified circumstances and incidents.
Evidence Based Practice
20 credits
The module will provide you with an appreciation of the concept of evidence-based practice. You will discuss a range of key concepts relating to criminology, exploring the relationship between community engagement, crime prevention, and the local policing and law enforcement strategies.
You will also be able to identify the importance of information and intelligence to all areas of policing and law enforcement, differentiating between them.
Professional Standards, Governance and Accountability
20 credits
This module will help you understand the meaning of ethics and their relevance in policing and wider law enforcement. Apprentices will consider both the theory and application of ethics, and what is meant by professional standards and how the apply to police officers, the police service and law enforcement professionals.
Criminal Justice
20 credits
The aim of this module is to learn about the components of the criminal justice system, how they operate and how they relate to each other. You will learn about the specific roles of the various agencies and institutions within the criminal justice system and you will explore the process of getting people to custody and the routine processes around detention.
Level 5
Core modules
Pathway Criminal Law Practice and Procedure 2
20 credits
To provide apprentices with the knowledge and develop their understanding of key legislation and powers in relation to a range of typical law enforcement matters. Enable students to apply such knowledge to a range of specified circumstances and incidents.
Pathway Criminal Law Practice and Procedure 2 (NIE)
20 credits
To provide apprentices with the knowledge and develop their understanding of key legislation and powers in relation to a range of typical law enforcement matters in support of their completion of the National Investigators Examination (NIE). Enable students to apply such knowledge to a range of specified circumstances and incidents.
Fundamental principles of investigation
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of the investigative process in a range of operational contexts. You will develop practical solutions to provide effective policing methods in this area whilst furthering your own competence within the discipline.
Disclosure - Serious and Complex Cases
20 credits
This module introduces students to the following key topics:
- Introduction to the disclosure of Unused Material
- What constitutes unused material
- The nature of sensitive material
- Complex cases and third-party material
- Defence disclosure, defence applications for disclosure and the continuing duty of disclosure
- Consequences of failures in disclosure and key partners
- Best practice in managing disclosure relating to serious organised and terrorism investigations
The use of intelligence in serious and complex investigations
20 credits
This module will develop knowledge and understanding of the theory, legislation, policy and practice relating to information and intelligence in policing.
Research Methods - Serious and Complex Crime
20 credits
This module will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of research methodologies and approaches, demonstrating effective referencing, applied to a range of theories and practices and associated with communication. You will also gain knowledge and understanding of quantitative and qualitative research techniques and their appropriate use.
Investigative Interviewing
20 credits
This module aims to allow apprentices to critically explore the intersection of psychology and investigation. The module will examine current practices, techniques and applications of investigative interviewing. During this module apprentices will be exposed to UK and comparative international techniques in interviewing, the value of ethical approaches to interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects, the interpretation of verbal and physical behaviour, eye witness identification, question types and their influence on young and vulnerable people, influencing factors associated with confessions and false confessions.
Level 6
Core modules
Serious and complex crime investigation
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of investigative practice in a range of operational contexts. You will develop your knowledge on practical solutions to serious and complex crime investigations whilst furthering your own competence within the discipline.
Public Protection, Vulnerability and Risk
20 credits
Apprentices will understand the nature of the relationship between police, wider law enforcement and vulnerable people. The module will examine the theory relating to offending and offending patterns and the impact of differing approaches and intervention strategies. Development of knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues around vulnerability and criminal exploitation of certain groups. Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). Effect of press and media on public protection strategies.
Apprentices will develop understanding of the concept of vulnerability in its broadest terms and familiarise themselves with the complex nature of vulnerability, whilst providing an understanding of how situational and environmental factors, combined with personal vulnerabilities may result in a person becoming a victim and/or perpetrator. Exploring how the effective use of training, knowledge and skills, can assist in supporting those who are vulnerable and why it is necessary to use a safeguarding approach to those who are vulnerable.
Operational Competence - Professional Discussion
20 credits
The module will test your knowledge, skills and behaviours associated with the apprenticeship standard for the serious and complex crime investigator. The professional discussion will be conducted by an independent assessor provided by the End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) (which in this case is the HEI (LJMU). The OCP will have been submitted to the independent assessor as a
Gateway requirement; this will allow the independent assessor sufficient time to review the document prior to conducting the professional discussion.
The professional discussion must last 70 minutes. The independent assessor has the discretion to increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10% to allow the apprentice to complete their last answer. Further time may be granted for apprentices with appropriate needs in line with the EPAOs Reasonable Adjustment Policy.
During the professional discussion the independent assessor must ask a minimum of 10 questions. Questions must be taken from the EPAO's question bank and those generated by the independent assessor based on their review of the apprentice’s OCP. This will offer the independent assessor the opportunity to seek further clarification if needed, as well as further testing the level of the apprentice’s
occupational competence. There is no upper limit on the number of questions that may be asked, rather a time limit. The assessment is designed to be a discussion, and so the number of questions will be guided by the apprentice’s answers.
For transparency, the independent assessor will record and present their feedback in a matrix format that clearly demonstrates how the apprentice has met each of the relevant KSBs. The independent assessor will make all grading decisions.
Evidence Based Research Project and Presentation
40 credits
The module will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to conduct research into more complex issues within the context of your own occupational interest. You will be provided with the opportunity to develop a research question and develop research methods to justify your choice. The research should develop practical solutions to provide effective policing methods in this area whilst showing your competence as an investigator of serious and complex crime
Covert Techniques: Legislation and Operational Capability
20 credits
This module provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary covert techniques used in law enforcement. It covers the legislative framework, privacy vs. security balance, and various methods for intelligence gathering. Students will explore the impact on community safety, analyse legal aspects, and delve into historical and contemporary insights, including future trends and alternatives like AI and biometrics.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
The programme is designed to be delivered through distance learning facilities; which will be balanced with synchronous (live online) and asynchronous (Pre-recorded) lectures, workshops and seminars. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Teaching can be offered in a block or day release format, meaning there is consistency to your studies but also offers some flexibility to study at times that suits you or your employer.
You will have easy access to support from your module leaders or personal tutor through online tutorials of discussion boards via the virtual learning environment.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
There is a high level of support for students on this course and the needs of part-time students and degree apprentices are thought through. You will be appointed a Personal Tutor when you are inducted onto the course. They will be responsible for assisting you and providing guidance and care on academic and pastoral matters and also on the development of your Personal Development Plans (PDPs) which form an integral part of your programme and development.
Within the workplace you will have mentors that will provide additional support during your on the job training.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
Generally you will be assessed using written assignments, presentations and exams, which will be linked as close as possible to operational practice.
The majority of the assessment of professional skills will be carried out in the workplace with the compilation of an Occupational Competence portfolio (OCP). This will be supported by workplace mentors and assessors as well as LJMU staff. In addition there will be a requirement for self-reflection and at various points the programme will include reflection reports.
These together with the OCP will be subject of the End-Point Assessment, which will comprise of a professional discussion during with your will provide oral evidence of competency and a research project associated with your area of investigation.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Richard Carr
Senior Lecturer
I am an experienced former Merseyside Police Detective Superintendent having joined the service in 1987. During the early stages of my police career, I undertook a number of uniformed roles before embarking on an investigative career in 1991. During my formative years as a Detective, I was engaged in front line operational investigations and those of a more specialist nature, particularly with regards to homicide and gun and gang related criminality.Between 2003 and 2009, I performed in the ranks of Detective Sergeant through to Detective Chief Inspector, developing my expertise in terms of the management of volume crime together with homicide and serious and organised crime.In 2009 I was awarded the Merseyside Police Investigator of the Year and in 2010, I was accredited as a Home Office Senior Investigating Officer and in 2014, I was accredited in the Strategic Management of Complex Cases.In 2012, I was promoted to the rank of Detective Superintendent and held the roles of Lead Responsible Officer for crime and covert intelligence, major crime, kidnap and extortion, gun and gang related criminality, human trafficking, modern slavery and cybercrime, which included the online sexual abuse of children and police corruption.During my police career I worked closely with other Law Enforcement Agencies both in the United Kingdom and abroad. Equally, I have developed strong working relationships with both statutory and non-statutory partner agencies, particularly those working within or in support of the Criminal Justice System.In 2015, I successfully completed a Master of Studies in Criminology and Police Management at Cambridge University. During the course of this programme of study, I undertook an exploratory analysis into the relationship between the use of gang injunctions as a crime reduction strategy and violent crime in Merseyside. This work has subsequently been published and is designed to help support the development of evidence based practice in the police service.
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
The programme is predominantly delivered online through a virtual learning environment (VLE). Teaching include live and pre-recorded lectures which will be accessed through the VLE or Microsoft Teams. Assessments will also be accessed and uploaded to the VLE.
Apprentices will be expected to have suitable IT equipment to enable them to meet the requirements of the programme.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications:
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
English and maths requirements
Apprentices for this programme are required to have achieved and provide evidence of a minimum of level 2 in both English and maths prior to starting the apprenticeship.
Level 2 means a:
GCSE grade 4-9 (or A-C)
Functional skills – Pass at level 2
There are other acceptable qualifications, but these must meet the Education and Skills Funding Agency requirements. The list of accepted qualifications for English and maths requirements can be viewed here (check on the Level 3 apprenticeship tab within the document).
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU Degree Apprenticeship form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.