Serious and Complex Crime Investigator (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship Standard

The programme is modular and follows the duties and assessment criteria set out in the apprenticeship standard which is delivered as 360 Credits and is assessed at Levels 4 – 6.

•  Level 4: This level provides a foundational understanding of core principles and practices.
•  Level 5: Building upon the foundation, this level delves into wider topics.
•  Level 6: This level explores advanced topics and helps to develop more autonomous learning, culminating in a major undergraduate project.

The final year includes focus upon completion of the Evidence Based Research Project, and preparation for the Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA).

Subject to validation.

A varied blend of instructional methods is used to develop the analytical and critical thinking skills required for effective investigative practice. Lectures, seminars, and practical workshops are all integral to the learning process, where students are exposed to both well-defined problems and open-ended scenarios that encourage independent thought.

 Through moderated group discussions and in-class exercises, learners are given opportunities to apply problem-solving techniques, evaluate legislative and ethical considerations, and synthesise information from diverse sources. Assessments are designed to simulate real-world challenges and include essays, case study analyses, and presentations that mirror industry standards. Formative assessments such as in-class tests and group evaluations are also used to provide timely feedback, helping students reflect on their progress and refine their cognitive strategies Assessments include reports, practical demonstrations, and evidential exercises that are designed to mirror industry practices.

These methods ensure that students not only learn theoretical concepts but also develop the practical competencies required to manage operational tasks effectively, including risk assessments and the utilisation of information technologies. 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 to establish that the apprentice has achieved the required level of operational competence. The On-Programme assessment will include the completion of a Portfolio of Operational Competence, which will provide a written record to confirm the apprentice’s achievements. Application 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.

 The End Point Assessment (EPA) is taken at the end of the apprenticeship. To be eligible to take the EPA, apprentices will have to pass through the ‘Gateway’ . 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.

Students will need to pay for transport, stationery, trips (non-mandatory), sportswear/kit and art-based materials. Black and white photocopying is available, but students will be required to pay for colour copies and posters for presentations.

Rob Stewart

I am the Course Leader for the FdSc and BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation degrees at University Centre Peterborough. I started lecturing at University Centre Peterborough in 2016 and use my industrial experience in Crime Scene Investigation and Photography to bring a ‘real world’ perspective to the course.

I am highly experienced in my specialised field as I have 12 years’ experience as a Crime Scene Investigator for Cambridgeshire Constabulary, which saw me work on many major incidents and high profile cases while attending over five thousand crime scenes. I also have eight years’ experience as a freelance motorsport photographer making photography in any situation second nature to me.

From an early age, I’ve always had a fascination with science and technology and combining this with the artistic element of photography is something I really enjoy. When my free time allows I still enjoy photographing motorsport events and keeping up to date with the advances in forensic science.

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Behavioural Science, Leicester University
Diploma in Crime Scene Examination, Durham University