In the first year of the course, you will be introduced to a range of different topics, all related to Policing. There are six core modules that all help to contextualise criminal investigations for you before you move on in years two and three to more specialist aspects of investigations. Each academic year is divided into two main semesters, allowing you to concentrate on three modules each semester. Semester One lasts from September until January. The second semester lasts from the end of January until May.
The modules you will study in your first year are:
- Crime: Representations & Realities
- The Criminal Justice System and How to Tell What Works
- Introduction to Study Skills and Contexts within Justice Specialisms
- The Law and Politics of Policing
- Introducing Crime Scene Investigation
- Crime Science and Problem Solving
In the last few years there has been some controversy around the way the police dealt with a series of deaths within the Metropolitan Police (Barking). Some of the victims (all young males) were found dead in or near the same cemetery. Despite suspicious circumstances, each case was initially treated as a non-suspicious death. The family of the fourth victim undertook their own investigations and eventually a person was convicted of four homicides and a number of sexual crimes.
I have deliberately given only a few details of this famous case. Your task (this is for interest and discussion and is not compulsory) is to find out as much as you can about this case for the first week of your studies. Try to use as many sources as you can, such as Google, Google Scholar etc, to see what you can find. Why do you think the case may have initially failed to identify the cases as suspicious?
We have sought to develop the course even more since it began, and we now have exciting facilities such as a Hydra Suite, Interview rooms, and a custody suite (with cells!). In the third year we have a new module which links to Inside Justice, a charity that investigates potential miscarriages of justice. You will have opportunity to do this module and investigate real cases and present findings to Inside Justice. Alternatively, you can choose Gangs and Serious Youth offending.
You can stay up to date with what's happening in our Faculty with the Faculty Instagram page
We look forward to meeting you in the Welcome and Induction week w.c Monday 16th September 2024.
Community
On the social side, the Student Union (CCSU) has a huge range of clubs and societies – all of which have unique social calendars of their own and offer endless opportunities to make lifelong friends and discover new hobbies. And you can always create your own society and cultivate your own community!
CCSU will be hosting their Welcome Fayre on Wednesday 18th September 2024. Make sure you keep checking the CCSU website for further details and how to get involved.
We understand that you may be nervous about your first few weeks on campus but rest assured - you'll be joining a nurturing and supportive environment where diversity, equality and individuality are part of everything we do.
You can find out more about our welcoming community and making friends
If you are an International Student joining us then please see our International Student Support pages for further information and guidance.
