Charles Sturt University
3-6 years
The Bachelor of Policing (Investigations) is a specialised degree for serving police officers seeking to advance their investigative careers. Delivered entirely online, it builds expertise in criminal investigation, evidence handling, and emerging policing practice areas while allowing professionals to balance study with their operational duties.
Applicants must be currently serving police officers who have successfully completed a recognised policing diploma or associate degree (such as Diploma of Policing, Diploma of Applied Policing, or Associate Degree in Policing Practice from CSU, or equivalent). Additionally, applicants must have completed or be undertaking the Advanced Diploma in Public Safety (Police Investigations) or equivalent detective training in their jurisdiction. Standard English Language Proficiency requirements apply for international students.
The course comprises 192 credit points across core and elective subjects. Core subjects (40 credit points) include: Applying Criminology to Crime Reduction, Indigenous Communities and Criminal Justice, Evidence and Investigation, Criminal Law and Investigation Management, and Accountability and Policing. Restricted electives allow students to choose from subjects such as Information and Investigation, Investigative Interviewing, Crime Reduction, Team Management and Leadership, Terrorism Awareness, Theoretical and Forensic Victimology, Criminal Investigations in Culturally Diverse Societies, Policing and the Media, Islam and Policing, and Organised Crime. Additional electives may be selected from psychology, criminology, politics and sociology disciplines.
Charles Sturt University's Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security (AGSPS), established in 1993, is a leading provider of postgraduate policing education. The course has been designed in extensive consultation with police, the justice community, and academics, ensuring vocational relevance and currency. Faculty members are leaders in their fields with significant field experience and academic expertise. The university is ranked #1 in Australia for law undergraduate salaries, with graduates earning a median salary of $80,600.
Upon completion, graduates are prepared for advancement within law enforcement agencies, particularly in investigative roles. The course enhances capabilities for serving as investigators and senior investigators within police departments and related law enforcement organisations. Graduates develop expertise in criminal investigation, evidence management, intelligence analysis, and investigation management, positioning them for leadership and specialist investigative positions within their organisations.