My favourite CSI module

Studying Crime and Investigative Studies is never boring. Due to how the course is designed, we have a very diverse programme with modules covering numerous aspects of the criminal justice system. However, every student has their own favourite subject. Here's mine...

The Investigative Skills module covers essential information pertaining to different investigation strategies, law enforcement agencies and personnel involved in criminal investigations as well as the different types of crime.

We've had the opportunity to investigate a mock case and apply theory into practice by deciding which investigation strategy we can use in order to solve the case. This particular exercise involved critical thinking, analysis and mainly teamwork. It allowed us to gain an understanding of what it is like to develop and use the ‘investigative mindset’ and it was absolutely astonishing.

Apart from that, the module is very interactive, and you’ll find yourself discussing almost every single lecture with your fellow students or your teacher. In addition, you will attend lectures presented by guest lectures from law enforcement. For example, when we had our investigative interviewing lecture, it was presented by a detective constable and we examined a serial-killer case in the Cambridgeshire area. We were able to gain an understanding of what investigative interviewing was about by analysing a real case. That was truly an unforgettable day.

This is my favourite module so far because of my intention to pursue a career as a detective in the future. Investigative Skills encompasses important parts of the criminal investigation which are crucial for the preparation for a career as a detective.

My favourite subject in this module was investigative interviewing as it was something that I was always incredibly interested in. In my opinion, the ability to talk and negotiate with suspects, victims, witnesses, etc is incredible. Investigative interviewing plays a central part in almost every criminal investigation. It might start at the beginning of a police scene related to a missing person report and end in the police interview room as a murder case. Extracting valuable information about a case is of great assistance to the investigation and when done properly, could lead to success. Contrary to that, using outdated and ineffective interview techniques could lead to failure. Fortunately, the UK has adopted a very successful interview model known as PACE.

I am sure that if you’re an aspiring detective, you'll also enjoy this module and it could even – like with me – turn out to be your favourite one.

Nick studies Crime and Investigative Studies at ARU in Cambridge. If you're interested in this or similar subjects, browse our undergraduate degree courses or come along to an Open Day to find out more.