Criminal and corporate investigations

The University of Northampton was the first university to develop this type of course and is the only course provider to bring together all of the elements that other courses offer, such as policing, fraud, HR law and employment law.”

Investigating crime and corporate wrong doing has, since the Leveson Inquiry, become a rapidly evolving area. Many types of investigations, for instance corporate fraud, are now handled by in-house investigators and, if there is a criminal element, then passed to the police for further examination.

To keep up with the changing times and provide the new breed of investigation professional required to manage such cases, the University of Northampton developed a degree course that specifically trains people in areas such as employment investigations, how to manage a crime scene and criminal justice.

Criminal and corporate investigations is a fast-growing area and the University of Northampton’s course offers a broader selection of modules than other similar courses in the UK, such as cybercrime and brings together all the elements from similar courses, but under one ‘roof’.

Originally launched in 2014 and recently renamed as Criminal and Corporate Investigations (Ba hons), the course trains the investigative professionals of tomorrow to ensure they gain the essential legal knowledge and ability to conduct professional investigations whilst securing admissible evidence.

It was designed and developed with input from leading investigation, intelligence, security and financial specialists and provides an entry route into a profession where many roles within the private sector are filled by ex-police detectives or military personnel of mature age.

The combination of classroom teaching delivered by former police professionals and practical role-play based activities, including leading on actual investigations, means students are a valuable asset to any organisation.

Students graduate able to carry out professional, large-scale investigations to the highest level within commercial, public or criminal justice settings.

The skills acquired enable them to gain employment in a variety of professions such as managing teams in industry or commerce, roles within the public sector, the military or security forces.

University of Northampton’s course is led by John Fox, himself a former police officer with 25 years’ experience on the force, also offers exceptional career prospects through the university’s close links with private sector and Criminal Justice organisations.

“We live in changing times and, as any police officer knows, crime evolves too. Part and parcel of this is adapting how we investigate it. “Our students graduate with a sound theoretical grounding as well as hands-on experience at running and managing their own corporate investigations. Directly relatable to real world practice, this increases their employment chances.”

Although the university welcomes all applicants of all ages, mature students with relevant experience as practitioners, such as police officers, will be considered without normal entry requirements, subject to interview. The course is available as a three year Bachelor of Arts degree.

• Further details about the course and application details can be found on the university’s website: https://www.northampton.ac.uk/study/courses/criminal-and-corporateinvestigation-ba-hons/