Serious and complex crime investigator (integrated degree)
Level 6 · DegreeProtective services 2.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This integrated degree apprenticeship at Level 6 trains investigators to handle the most serious and complex criminal cases, including organised crime, fraud, cybercrime, and major incidents. Apprentices develop specialist investigative skills alongside an undergraduate degree qualification. It can lead to senior investigator and specialist roles across policing and law enforcement bodies such as the NCA, HMRC, FCA, and MoD.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Advanced criminal investigation and evidence-gathering techniques
Legislation relevant to serious and organised crime
Digital forensics and open-source intelligence methods
Interview techniques for complex and sensitive cases
Case preparation and presenting evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service
Risk management and protecting vulnerable persons
Multi-agency working and information-sharing protocols
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Investigate serious crime scenes and gather forensic evidence
Conduct structured interviews with witnesses and suspects
Analyse intelligence to develop investigative strategies
Prepare case files for submission to the CPS
Work with partner agencies such as the NCA, HMRC, and Border Force
Manage disclosure obligations under criminal procedure rules
Safeguard victims and witnesses throughout investigations
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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