Diploma of Policing Investigations

What is this course about?

CSU's Diploma in Policing Investigations has been developed in partnership with the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service (ADFIS) to enhance the professional practice of service police employed as Australian Defence Force Investigators (ADFI).

About the course

This program aims to develop the skills, knowledge and attitude of ADFI by combining vocational instruction in investigations with academic studies in justice and policing.

Participants commence the program via distance education before attending the ADF Investigator Course (ADFIC) at the Defence Police Training Course. This course prepares participants for employment as an ADFI whilst providing further exposure to issues within other police investigative jurisdictions both in Australia and abroad.

Upon successful completion of the ADFIC, participants then complete their academic studies to become eligible for the award, which also articulates with the Bachelor of Policing (Investigations).

Successful participation in this course will broaden the professional knowledge of the participants in the investigations field. Participants will be given the opportunity, and guidance, to be able to improve their communication skills, both verbal and written, and also their ability to apply knowledge and problem solving to areas outside of their normal field of operations. In undertaking the course, the participants will be expected to widen their perspective in policing, to allow for their potential posting to any number of military theatres internationally, and to encourage a greater application of different social and professional issues to their practice.

Distance education subjects can be studied from any location. On-campus subjects will be delivered in-person during the ADF Investigators Course (ADFIC) conducted at the Defence Police Training Centre (DPTC) located at Holsworthy Barracks, Moorebank NSW 2173.

By the end of this program students will be able to:

• apply relevant aspects of civilian policing and investigative practices to a military environment
• apply the knowledge, techniques and equipment required for employment as an ADFI
• conduct further academic study in investigations or a related field.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Career opportunities

A career within ADFIS commences within a joint investigation office conducting serious and complex investigations within the ADF. Subsequent opportunities include forensic training in crime scene examination, training within an ADFI specialisation and overseas deployment on an ADF operation.

Admission requirements

Admission to the program is restricted to Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who:

• are actively serving full-time or part-time Service Police
• have attained substantive commissioned or non-commissioned rank
• have completed the Service Police Basic Course, or equivalent
• have completed the Service Police Investigator Course, or equivalent
• have completed, or have been selected to conduct, the Australian Defence Force Investigator Course (ADFIC)
• have obtained permission to enter the program from ADFIS.

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2