University of Portsmouth 

BSc (Hons) Counter Fraud and Criminal Justice Studies
(part time by distance learning)

Duration:    Four and a half years minimum
 
Entry Requirements: Entry is restricted to applicants holding the qualification of ACFS/ACFM. Or international equivalent CFPAB qualification, and/or NVQ Level 3 Investigations. Exceptional cases may be considered on merit.

The overall purpose of this course is to provide a qualification for counter fraud investigators in the public sector that expands their knowledge, enhances key skills, and improves their professional effectiveness and career prospects. The course has been developed in Partnership with the Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board (CFPAB), Department for Work and Pensions and NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service.

How will I study?
As this course is via distance learning, you will study part time, in your own home, even whilst remaining in your current job, at rates much lower than those for full-time, campus-based courses.

Provided you complete a minimum number of units, you can pace your study at a rate that suits you. An award delivered by distance learning has the same status and comparability as a campus-based version.

As a distance learning student you will benefit from a high level of electronic resources and support.
You will:

• Receive specially prepared unit material, which explain the topics and point you towards additional reading. These will have been written, or commissioned, by members of the Institute and reviewed annually.
• Be given access, via the internet, to electronic journals and other online library resources.
• Be able to discuss the issues you are studying with fellow students on your course, via online discussion rooms with staff of the ICJS.
• Be able to phone, during normal office hours and email at any time, a named course tutor or member of the administrative staff.
• You will have access to a dedicated Tutor Centre by phone, letter or email. The tutors will provide advice and guidance, involving lecturers and unit authors wherever necessary.
• Be invited to attend a five-day study school or conference each year free of charge, where you attend lectures, seminars and workshops of your choice and meet with fellow students and members of University staff.

For further details, please visit www.port.ac.uk/icjs and go to ‘courses’ and/or ‘student support’.

What will I study?
This course is divided into three levels, worth 120 credit points each. It is kept under constant review; new units are added, others updated, amended and withdrawn, as appropriate. The units planned for 2007/8, subject to change, are as follows:

Level One:
(All compulsory, with credit values indicated)

• Advances Standing (ACF/S/M)
• Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies (20)
• Fraud, Intelligence and Data Protection (20)
• Study Skills (10)
• Personal Development Profile I (10)
• Personal Development Profile II (20)

Level Two:
(All 20 credits, c = compulsory, o = optional)

• The Fraud Problem (c)
• Anti-Fraud Strategies (c)
• Issues in Criminal Justice (c)
• Research Methods (c)
• Project Management (o)
• Issues in Criminology (o)
• Psychology of Criminal Justice (o)
• Workplace Violence (o)

Level Three:
(All 20 credits except dissertation which is 40, c = compulsory, o = optional)

• Fraud: Legal Structures and Investigations (c)
• Fraud: Enforcing the Law (c)
• Dissertation (c)
• Cyber Crime and Security (o)
• Private Policing and Punishment (c)
• Interviewing and Evidence (o)
• Gambling Crime: Fact, Fiction and Recreation (o)

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APEL)
You may have acquired, through formal courses or work experience, relevant knowledge and qualifications. We can recognise these, rather than expect you to repeat work for which you have already demonstrated competence. Within certain limits we are able to award credit which would reduce the total number you require to obtain your award. In this way it is possible to obtain your qualification in a shorter period.

You can choose to leave the course early, when you may be eligible for a Diploma or Certificate, or on completion of your full degree, you can apply to join one of our postgraduate courses (listed on our website).

Admissions and further information
If you would like further information please go to our website www.port.ac.uk/icjs and click on courses, and then on the title of this course. There is plenty of information there. Look around the site at what the university and, in particular, the library has to offer.