
BA (Hons) Applied Investigation Part-time
University of SunderlandOn campus, United Kingdom
Course overview
BA (Hons) Applied Investigation is a unique degree that evolves with the changing landscape of investigative practice. Primarily delivered through work-based learning, with only six contact days at university, this course allows you to gain a full undergraduate qualification in just 18 months. The work-based learning approach enables you to build on your knowledge and expertise while focusing on your own area of interest.
It also encourages critical reflection on investigative skills and strategies, helping you to develop professionally. Designed by senior police officers and members of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the course is relevant for those in law enforcement, but it’s also perfectly suited for criminal investigators across various professions who want to enhance their skills or formalise their career with a degree. Those who’ve achieved PIP Level 2 or have five years of relevant experience can enter the degree in its third and final stage.
Key highlights
- Full undergraduate degree completed in just 18 months
- Delivered mainly through work-based learning with six university contact days
- Designed by senior police officers and National Police Chiefs' Council members
- Focus your studies on your own area of investigative interest
- Develops critical reflection on investigative skills and strategies
- Suited to criminal investigators across law enforcement and other professions
Entry requirements
- IELTS: 6 — 6.0 IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) — standard University of Sunderland requirement (source: sunderland.ac.uk/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements)
Scholarships
Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship
The scholarship will award the following in each year of study (based on academic progression): £2,000 cash payment; a tuition fee discount of 20%; a 20% discount on university-managed accommodation.
East Durham College Partnership Award
This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study, helping you access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £1,500First Choice Travel Award
This award provides £500 cash in your first year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping students access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £500Global Leaders Scholarship
£6,000 tuition fee reduction for undergraduates, £4,000 for MPharm Pharmacy students, or £5,500 tuition fee reduction (postgraduates).
Helen McArdle Nursing Scholarship
There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,200 in each year of study.
Up to £1,200Interview Travel Reimbursement
Up to £100
Open Day Travel Reimbursement
Up to £100
Sir Bob Murray Health Scholarship (Psychology)
There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,000 in your first year of study.
Up to £1,000Sunderland College Award
Our Sunderland College Award provides £1,500 plus a £250 voucher, in each year of continuous study. This will support you financially throughout your time at university.
Tees Valley Travel Award
This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping you access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £1,500The Mary and Brian Archer Experience Scholarships
Up to £750.
Careers this course leads to
- Police detective
- Criminal investigator
- Fraud investigator
- Financial crime investigator
- Counter-fraud specialist
- Regulatory compliance investigator
Cost of study
UK/Home: £4,450 per year | International: £17,500 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Sunderland, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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