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The Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Investigation professional certificate course will immerse you in the law enforcement and forensic investigative processes using state-of-the-art technology, giving you valuable practical insight into real-life criminal investigations.
This short introductory course consists of four modules that build on one another, taking you through the entirety of crime scene investigation in a logical and intelligible sequence. Beginning at the point of criminal activity and the scene of the crime, the course will guide you through the investigative process for both the crime scene investigator and the detective. Through the use of the supplementary immersive learning environment, you will be able to translate these theoretical principles to a range of real-world scenarios, giving you keen insight into the practical underpinnings of the investigative process. From this virtual world you will gain an awareness of the natural progress of a forensic and criminal investigation, including the steps and communication strategies involved in each phase.
This professional certificate is ideal for anyone who would like to pursue a degree but is currently unable to do so. By taking this course, you’ll have the chance to build up credits to ultimately gain a full degree if you wish to do so in the future. The flexible structure of the course gives you the opportunity to balance working full time while maintaining the study schedule that best suits your needs. If you already work in law enforcement and would like to supplement your knowledge of the investigative process, completing this course provides you with a qualification that could enhance your career prospects in the field.
After completing this course, you will have gained 80 credits at level 4 and will be able to continue at Arden with a professional certificate in Forensic and Criminal Investigation.
Your four course modules will introduce you to forensic and criminal investigation, police custody, and being an expert witness at Crown Court. You will learn the theoretical and practical underpinnings of the entire investigative process, from arrest to conviction, giving you a first-hand look into real-life criminal investigation, and how the various personnel involved work together to achieve their common goal of apprehending and charging a criminal offender.
In addition to imparting academic knowledge in the field, your modules will demonstrate the professional aspects of work as an investigator through the rigorous processes and procedures that need to be adhered to, including interview and complaint protocols and appropriate courtroom communication.
Arden is for winners. Nobody will beg you to sit down and start working on your career, if you don’t do it yourself! At Arden, if you have an honest interest for what you learn and you want to reach out for more, you will be welcomed, helped, and advised. But to do that, you must be determined.
Your four course modules will introduce you to forensic and criminal investigation, police custody, and being a witness at Crown Court. You will learn the theoretical and practical underpinnings of the entire investigative process, from crime scene management through the investigative process of identifying and arresting the offender. Once arrested, you will get a feel for the police custody suit and the interview processes before appealing to CPS for a charge decision. To conclude the course you will assume the role of either the CSI or the detective and give your witness statement in the court. This course will give you a first-hand look into real-life criminal investigation, and how the various personnel involved work together to achieve their common goal of apprehending and charging a criminal offender.
In addition to imparting academic knowledge in the field, your modules will demonstrate the professional aspects of work as an investigator through the rigorous processes and procedures that need to be adhered to, including interview and complaint protocols and appropriate courtroom communication. These will all be demonstrated within the immersive virtual environment that supplements the course.
This course is currently available to students as a fully online programme, which gives you the convenience of being able to study from anywhere worldwide.
I chose online learning because it suited my lifestyle and work schedule. Being able to access the online portal and libraries 24/7 has been extremely helpful for me to be able to keep up with my studies. Studying while working isn’t the easiest thing to do, but Arden gives you the support you need.
Studying the Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Investigation with Arden gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.
Our online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, As a blended learning student you’ll also have access to our Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully.
ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy.
Studying online with Arden University doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with like-minded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We’ve even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning.
At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.
Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.
That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.
With this one tool, you'll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and our online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively.
To be eligible for the Introduction to Forensic Criminal Investigation professional certificate, you should normally have:
Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English, can be accepted
We also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency. More information can be found here.
Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.
Rach Strzelecki started her career as a crime and intelligence analyst for Cleveland Police working on several major investigations including human trafficking, vulnerable missing persons, drugs, and suspicious deaths. In 2006, she started guest lecturing for Teesside University in crime analytics, intelligence, and forensic investigation before securing a permanent role as a lecturer in policing. Rach has also worked at University of Wolverhampton, Interactive Pro, and more recently Buckinghamshire College Group as an advanced practitioner leading on protective services and forensic and criminal investigation programmes. Her research has predominantly related to sexual offences and paedophilia; however, her publications have been within the field of terrorism, police and forensic investigations and online teaching and learning.
Our Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Investigation is designed for people who are interested in a career as a police community support officer, an intelligence analyst, civilian detention officer or civilian investigation officer. The programme will provide you with the foundations to continue on with further study and for future work in the field policing and criminal investigation.
The Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Investigation professional certificate will give you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in the field through:
Your Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Investigation qualification will support your academic or career development in a number of ways. Here are just a few of the roles graduates may want to explore further:
Once you’ve enrolled with Arden, our careers centre is easily accessible directly from inside our online platform, ilearn. The careers centre is here to help you discover the areas of your academic and professional life that you find most meaningful and rewarding, and then apply this to your career pathway.
Just a few of the career tools you’ll find in the careers centre include:
