School of Criminology, Investigation and Policing
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Welcome to the School of Criminology, Investigation and Policing
We are delighted to introduce our exciting programmes, designed to educate and prepare you for your future careers. At Leeds Trinity, employability stands at the forefront of our educational philosophy - every course, workshop, and lecture is designed with your career success in mind.
Based at our new Leeds City Campus, you’ll study in specialist facilities in the heart of Leeds. Depending on your course, you’ll gain experience through built-in work placements or be encouraged to form professional links through volunteering.
Criminology, Sociology, and Related Disciplines
Our curriculum is specifically designed to address current societal issues, encouraging you to engage with relevant and pressing challenges. These courses are structured to deepen your knowledge and provoke thought about the complexities of our society today.
Professional Policing
This programme is licensed by the College of Policing and delivered by experienced professionals. It provides you with nationally endorsed knowledge and skills for a career in policing.
Policing and Investigation
If you are interested in developing high-standard investigative skills applicable to roles in policing and other sectors, this programme is for you. It is designed to align with national standards, ensuring your qualifications are recognised and respected wherever you work.
Our achievements
Leeds Trinity University is top in Yorkshire and top 10 in the UK for 'satisfaction with teaching'
The Guardian University Guide 2025
Our courses
Postgraduate courses
A School with connections
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MISSPER
MISSPER
MISSPER (Missing and Unsolved Investigative Support Service, formerly Cold Case Unit) was launched in 2020 and works with 16 families in the UK and abroad. Through student-led teams, the Unit provides an independent review of unsolved murders and long-term missing persons. We complement ongoing police investigative efforts and look to “modernise” inquiries to ensure all lines of inquiry, recommendations, and future work are effective in trying to find answers for the families. The unit is free and utilises student volunteers across the teaching year.
Find out more about the unit by visiting our dedicated MISSPER page.
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Armed Forces Covenant
Armed Forces Covenant
Leeds Trinity University have recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are currently Bronze Award holders. This represents an innovative next step in the University's mission to assist our communities.
It serves as a dynamic and collaborative platform where students, military personnel, veterans, military families, researchers, and university scholars converge to advance knowledge, foster innovation, and address the multifaceted challenges faced by this marginalised and underrepresented section of our community.
At its core it is a commitment to education, research, and partnership, ensuring that our armed forces and their families are equipped with the skills needed to transition to civilian life.
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West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership
West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership
Leeds Trinity has been involved with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) ‘Research Knowledge Hub’ with several other West Yorkshire universities and NGOs and is informing the VRU (Knowledge Exchange activity).
The VRP is continuously striving to better understand the scale and extent of violence in West Yorkshire as well as the root causes and protective factors that may make a person and/or their communities susceptible, or protect them from violence and exploitation. To date the VRP Knowledge Hub has provided valuable insights on violence into issues involving (but not exclusively) Domestic Abuse Programmes of Intervention, Drugs and Alcohol-related violence, the long-lasting impacts of parental imprisonment, and interventions on serious violence and exploitation of young people in West Yorkshire.
Make more happen with our specialist facilities
Our Leeds City Centre Campus merges academic theory with practical experience, creating a unique, immersive learning environment. The Criminology and Policing facilities include:
- A fully equipped custody suite
- Professional interview rooms
- An immersive learning suite
- An authentic courtroom setup
These facilities allow you to step into the roles of criminologists, police officers, and legal professionals, offering rare hands-on experiences in academic settings. This blend of rigorous academics and practical application ensures you are exceptionally well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of your future career. Our programmes are designed to turn ambition into achievement, equipping you with the tools to excel in your chosen field.
School activities
As a student in the School of Criminology, Investigation and Policing, you'll have the chance to build your skills and experience outside of your lectures.
You'll have opportunities to take part in study trips, projects supporting the local community, MISSPER, and learning from guest speakers at conferences. Here's just a snapshot of what you can expect.
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History of crime and justice in London
History of crime and justice in London
Recently, some of our Level 6 students went on a two night trip to London.
On the trip the students visited famous sites with a crime focused history. This included:
- A walking tour of the East End
- Royal Courts of Justice guided tour
- View of a live trial at the Old Bailey
"My favourite activity was the tour of the Royal Courts of Justice. It was really insightful to learn more about the legal profession but also the rich history, both the architecture and the profession. Also it was really refreshing to learn so much about the lives of the women who were murdered by Jack the Ripper, so often we only hear about him but not his victims and they're lost to history." Level 6 Criminology and Law Student
"The most interesting thing for me was watching a live trial at the Old Bailey as it gave me insight as to how a live trial works and how it is set out" Level 6 Criminology Student.
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Short courses
Short courses
Outside of your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to take specialist employability skills courses to enhance your CV and help you stand out in a competitive job market. These optional short courses blend theory and practical application, so you’ll develop real-world knowledge and expertise as well as the confidence needed to excel in your chosen career in law enforcement, offender rehabilitation, intelligence analysis, social justice or the wider criminal justice system.
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Celebrating student work at Policing Conference
Celebrating student work at Policing Conference
In December, Leeds Trinity University hosted its inaugural Policing Conference, showcasing the incredible work of our student officers on the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship, which is delivered in partnership with West Yorkshire Police.
The importance of evidence-based teaching and learning is crucial in creating change within policing organisations, and several of our current and former apprentices presented the research projects they completed as part of their Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship. Each student presented their findings to an audience of academics, policing leaders and professionals, external partners, and fellow students demonstrating a vast amount of experience and knowledge. The feedback students received, praised the uniqueness of the research areas covered, one example being the link between football matches and an increase in domestic abuse reports, as well as the effort they invested.
Cutting-edge research
Staff within the School of Criminology, Investigation and Policing have expertise from various professions and academic disciplines. They have strong connections with external partners such as schools, colleges, prisons, police, forensics teams, drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services, health organisations, law firms and legal services providers, courts and tribunals, legal professional bodies, professional service providers as well as professional and academic societies.
International Journal of Criminology and Policing Education
Leeds Trinity University's International Journal of Criminology and Policing Education also provides students, police officers, and academics with a platform to publish influential, evidence-based research. Student contributions not only enhance their professional development but also make a real impact on society.
Research themes
Addiction Recovery
Our research in addiction recovery explores innovative methods and evidence-based practices that aim to support individuals through their recovery journey, enhance long-term well-being, and promote societal reintegration.
Violence Reduction
We focus on developing and evaluating strategies for violence reduction, addressing root causes, and implementing preventative measures that contribute to safer communities and reduced crime rates.
Youth Offending and Youth Justice
Our research in youth offending and justice delves into the complexities of youth behaviour, aiming to influence policy and practice to better support rehabilitation and positive futures for young offenders.
Policing
Our policing research examines contemporary challenges and best practices within law enforcement, contributing to developing more effective, equitable, and community-focused policing strategies.
Prisons and Rehabilitation
We investigate the efficacy of prison systems and rehabilitation programs, advocating for reforms that enhance prisoner reintegration and reduce recidivism, ultimately contributing to a more just society.
Our highly experienced academic staff are also current researchers in the fields of:
- Terrorism and extremism
- Serious and organised crime
- Policing
- Violence Against Women and Girls
- Leadership
- Crime and disability
- Prisons and punishment
- Gender inequality
- Young people and criminality
- LGBTQ+ and crime
For more information on Research from the School of Criminology, Investigation and Policing, contact:
Research Director - Dr Rob Hornsby
Research Knowledge Exchange Lead - Dr Liam Wrigley
Our people
Photo | Name | Position | Link to full profile |
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Andi Brierley | Senior Lecturer | Research profile |
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Andy Lawler | Progress Tutor - Professional Policing Apprenticeship | |
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Thomas Naden | University Teacher | Research profile |
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Tony Blockley | Head of School: Criminology, Investigation and Policing | Research profile |
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Donna Eastham | Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Policing | Research profile |
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Dr Joanna Adhikari | Deputy Head of School: Criminology, Investigation and Policing | Research profile |
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Jonathan Jackson | University Teacher | Research profile |
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Kevin Pickles | Lecturer in Policing | Research profile |
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Lauren Brown | Progress Tutor - PCDA and DHEP Policing programmes | |
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Dr Natalie Rutter | Senior Lecturer in Criminology | Research profile |
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Sarah Fenton | Progress Tutor for Professional Policing | |
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Dr Shaun McDaid | Senior Lecturer in Criminology | Research profile |
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Dr Zoe Moreton | Progress Tutor - PCDA and DHEP programmes |
School of Criminology, Investigation and Policing blogs
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Celebrating student work at Leeds Trinity’s first policing conference
20 January 2025
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Restorative justice – a learning journey for all
9 September 2024
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Knife crime and the role of community collaboration in empowering young people
10 June 2024
School of Criminology, Investigation and Policing News
Alumni, Criminology, Investigation and Policing, Graduation
16/07/2025Palestinian graduate aims to empower Muslim women as she pursues dream of becoming a detective
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Business, Computer Science, Criminology, Investigation and Policing, Employability, Law, Leeds
12/05/2025City Campus inspires fresh challenges for annual employability skills initiative
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Criminology, Investigation and Policing, Research
17/04/2025Finding meaning and purpose in life is key to success in addiction recovery for over-50s, according to new study
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Criminology, Investigation and Policing, Research
04/12/2024Loneliness, stigma and lack of opportunity: How current policies are failing young people not in education, employment and training
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