Published on 29 June 2022
The University of Sunderland’s first off-campus graduation for investigation students who are serving police officers took place earlier this month.
BA (Hons) Applied Investigation is a unique contemporary course which aims to build knowledge and expertise in the area of investigation through work-based learning. Students can attain a full degree with just six contact days over 18 months.
Head of School of Social Sciences, Peter Kay, along with other colleagues from the Faculty of Education and Society, Professor Gary Shaw, Dr Emma Spooner and Dr Ian Carr, attended the ceremony at Tulliallan Castle Kincardine in Fife alongside graduates, their families and guests. They were welcomed by the Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Sir Iain Livingstone, who spoke about his commitment to the professional development of police officers. Sir Iain also praised the links made with the University of Sunderland.
Professor Lynne McKenna, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Society, said: “I am delighted that Professor Gary Shaw and his academic team continue to innovate in this area and that our Crime, Policing and Investigations programes are continuing to serve the needs of the sector. One of our core ambitions of the University is to be a professions-facing institution and this portfolio of programmes are making a significant contribution to that ambition.
“Our Criminology, Professional Policing, Criminal Justice, and Appropriate Adult scheme, the BA (Hons) Applied Investigation and the MA Investigative Management programmes provide an important addition to the faculty provision. Alongside this, our research Centre, the Vulnerability and Criminal Justice Research Network brings together academics from across the University of Sunderland who have an interest in the study of children and adults that are/have been in contact with the criminal justice system and have been identified as having a significant ‘vulnerability’.”
Peter Kay added, “It was an honour and a great privilege to officiate at this ceremony. I know the graduates will go on to bigger and better things within the police force and will have a positive influence on their colleagues and communities. I congratulate them on their hard work and dedication.”