Serious and Complex Crime Investigator (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship - Level 6

The programme is modular and follows the duties and assessment criteria set out in the apprenticeship standard mapped to the College of Policing National Policing Curriculum for PIP 2 accreditation, which is delivered as 360 Credits over three years and is assessed at Levels 4 - 6 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

Level 4: Introduces professional investigation practice, legislation and policy that underpins the roles and responsibilities of investigators meeting the standard. Knowledge and skills relating to investigation are delivered. A study of criminological aspects of crime and crime prevention is undertaken, together with a strong focus on introducing academic and professional skills.

Level 5: Builds upon the learning achieved at level 4, with focus being on delivering professional investigations at serious and complex level, including deeper exploration of investigation strategies and the management of victims, witnesses, and suspects.

Level 6: Provides opportunity to learn about more advanced aspects of investigation and to conduct evidenced based research. Focus of learning in the first 26 weeks of the level is on career development beyond completion of the apprenticeship through study of a chosen optional specialist areas of investigation. Post week 26, focus is upon completion of the Evidence Based Research Project for investigators, which incorporates the Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA).

Modules

Level 4 (Year 1)

• Introduction to Serious and Complex Crime Investigation 
• Introduction to Victim and Witness Strategy 
• Introduction to Suspect Strategy 

Level 5 (Year 2)

• Strategy Development for Serious and Complex Crime Investigations 
• Strategy Development for Victims, Witnesses, and Suspects 
• Advanced Concepts in Serious and Complex Investigation Duties 
• Research Methods for Investigators 

Optional Modules (One must be undertaken)

• Specialist Suspect Interviewing 
• Specialist Digital Investigation 
• Specialist Fraud and Financial Investigation 
• Specialist Rape and Serious Sexual Abuse Investigation 

End Point Assessment

• Professional Discussion 
• Evidence Based Research Project for Investigators  

• Level 2 maths and English (GCSE, functional skills or equivalent)

• Ideally a level 3 or qualification in a relevant subject

Delivery

Online (face to face is an option for discussion with employers)

Assessment

Apprentices will undertake a series of operational assessments during the programme, which will be a combination of naturally occurring workplace activities and specific tasks set to reinforce aspects of the Degree Apprenticeship Standard and to demonstrate competence relating to core skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard and the employer. These assessments will be conducted over the first two and a half years of the programme to establish that the apprentice has achieved the required level of operational competence.

The On-Programme assessment will take the form of completion of a Portfolio of Operational Competence, which will provide a written record to confirm the apprentice’s achievements. Assessment will be in the workplace and will be conducted by an operationally competent member of the employer’s organisation.

In addition to completion of the portfolios, apprentices will be able to use the summative assignments from the modules on the programme. (Only the assignments that are NOT based on reflective practice will be used).

End Point Assessment

The End Point Assessment (EPA) is taken in the latter half of the third year of the apprenticeship. To be eligible to take the EPA, apprentices will have to pass through the ‘Gateway’ at week 26 of year three. To do so they will need to have successfully completed all modules taken up until that point and demonstrated operational competence specific to their employer, through evidence contained in their Portfolio of Operational Competence.

The EPA is conducted by a qualified Independent Assessor who is not involved in the delivery of the programme.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our AccessAbility Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties. You will also have full access to our support services such as Student Guidance.

Feedback

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship provides a formal qualification to the recognised standard of operating at the serious and complex level of investigation. This award is transferable across organisations and creates a mobility across the sector to meet the aspirations of professional investigators.