Criminal and Corporate Investigations and Intelligence MA

Course Content

• Course Details

  With a passion for excellence, the Criminal Justice Team at the University of Northampton aims to inspire you to become trailblazers as leaders and policymakers in the investigations and intelligence arena. A blend of practical exercises, classroom-based learning and independent research activities will see you take your career to the next level. Our team of experts, consisting of former investigators, leaders and published academics, are ready to support you in developing the skills and knowledge you need to further your expertise.

  The programme has been designed with input from our industry partners and is therefore designed with your future career in mind. In addition, the larger project module has been designed flexibly, to enable you to tailor this to your needs, whether this be in the context of your research, professional or practical development.

  During the first trimester of your MA, you will be provided with advanced training pertaining to research and academic writing. You will also undertake modules pertaining to the underpinning of investigations and intelligence in the corporate context and the risks posed to corporations.

  In the second trimester, you will look more closely at key factors impacting corporate resilience and safety, such as organised crime, financial crime and digital criminality. In the third and final trimester, you will undertake a supervised extended project, which might take the form of a traditional dissertation, a work-based learning portfolio or a policy reform exercise.

  • Stage 1

    Modules

    Academic Development (20 credits):

    The purpose of this module is to introduce and signpost students to a range of advanced academic and employability/professional skills to support their successful engagement with the programme. Students will develop the skills needed to undertake academic research related to their area of expertise or interest.

    ​Organisational Vulnerabilities and Solutions (20 Credits):

    ​The purpose of this module is to equip students with broader appreciation of the role of investigations/intelligence and solution generation in the context of business continuity and success, particularly through the lens of potential threats and vulnerabilities. Students will explore creative and practical approaches to risk and vulnerability management.

    ​Cybercrime and Digital Criminality (20 Credits):

    ​The purpose of this module is to explore theoretical perspectives on Cybercrime and digital criminality, and their potential impact on individuals and organisations. Students will develop understanding of investigative approaches and techniques, and will gather insights into opportunities for intelligence acquisition and analysis in digital contexts.

    ​Investigations and Intelligence (30 Credits):

    ​The purpose of this module is equip students with advanced investigative and intelligence skills and techniques in order to tackle complex issues within the criminal and corporate sphere. Students will engage in opportunities to test their decision-making skills in various scenarios in order to advance their practice as investigators/intelligence professionals.

    ​Transnational Organised Crime and Terrorism (20 Credits):

    ​The purpose of this module is to explore the global governance, fluidity and complexity of transnational organised crime and terrorism in the context of criminal and corporate spheres. Students will be equipped with advanced understanding of the structures, motivations and methodologies of groups engaged in transnational criminality and terrorism.

    ​Ethical Leadership in Investigations and Intelligence (30 Credits):

    ​The purpose of this module is for students to explore their own leadership styles and values, developing their critical ethical thinking skills and decision-making approaches. Students will investigate a variety of principles and theories and apply the skills required to support organisations as ethical leaders.

    ​Major Project (40 Credits):

    ​This final project module will provide students with the opportunity to select an area of focus within Criminal and Corporate Investigation and Intelligence for an in-depth research project. Students will develop and utilise research skills garnered throughout the programme to become independent researchers.

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• Frequently Asked Questions

  How will I be taught?

  Your taught sessions will be delivered via a range of face-to-face, online and blended learning activities, consisting of discussion-based workshops, practical exercises (including in our state-of-the-art Hydra suite) and academic skills exercises.  You will study three modules per semester and receive two hours of instruction per week, per module.

  How will I be assessed?

  We use a range of assessment methods, such as written essays, reports, simulations, presentations and pitches. We aim to be as inclusive as possible in our assessment approach, so all students can achieve their best.

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