Higher Diploma in Crime and Investigation

Higher Diploma

Mode of Study

Full time / Part time / Blended Mode

 

Medium of Instruction

English

 

Delivery Campus
  • Main Campus : SSP Campus
  • Other Learning Centre: CSW Campus

 

Duration
  • Full-time: 2 years
  • Part-time: 2-3 years

 

Programme Leader

Dr. Ernest So

 

Qualifications Framework

Level: 4

 

Programme Commencement Date

September / February / June

 

Enquiries

 

Application

HKIT Online Application System
Apply Now

 

hdcci

 

Programme Feature

The Higher Diploma in Crime & Investigation is specifically designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills to pursue careers in crime prevention, investigation, and related fields. The programme aims to develop a strong foundation for professional practice by providing comprehensive training in investigative techniques, security operations, and compliance practices.

Through this programme, students will gain practical skills and theoretical understanding required for roles across law enforcement, private investigation, and security services. Graduates will be prepared to take on entry-level positions such as junior investigator, crime scene assistant, crime prevention officer, or security personnel, as well as trainee roles in investigation and compliance within both public and private sectors.

In addition, the programme emphasizes professional ethics and effective workplace practices, enabling students to contribute to investigative, legal support, and administrative functions in relevant organisations.

This programme also provides a solid pathway for further academic advancement. Graduates may pursue degree programmes in criminology, law, criminal justice, or other related disciplines, enhancing their qualifications for career progression and professional development.

 

Programme Objective

The programme aims to provide students with a broad-based education in the fields of crime, criminal justice, and criminal investigation, with a focus on practical application in law enforcement and related sectors. Students will be equipped with a solid foundation of knowledge in crime, criminal justice, and investigation. They will develop the ability to understand the interrelationship between crime, justice, and investigation, and utilize their knowledge of legal framework and requirements, criminal behaviour, and investigative techniques in the course of investigation.

The programme also prepares students to design and plan crime investigation strategies to support effective case resolution. In addition, students will gain awareness of the ethical and professional standards required for effective practice in criminal investigation.

 

Qualifications Framework

The qualification of this programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF).

QF Level: 4

QR Registration No.: 26/000575/L4

Registration Validity Period: 01/09/2026 - 31/08/2029

 

 

 

 

 

Programme Structure

 

Category Course Details
5 Core Courses
(Required)
  • Introduction to Academic English
  • Practical Chinese
  • Project Skills No Examination
  • Professional Ethics
  • English for Communication in Workplace
Elective Course
(Choose 1 course)
  • Statistics
  • Ethical Hacking Skills
  • Introduction to Psychology
10 Specialised Courses
(Required)
  • Introduction to Criminal Law and Procedures No Examination
  • Penal System and Victim Support No Examination
  • Introduction to Forensic Science Investigation No Examination
  • Introduction to Policing No Examination
  • Introduction to Criminology No Examination
  • Studies of Transnational Crime No Examination
  • Criminal Investigation No Examination
  • Crime and Criminal Behaviour No Examination
  • Introduction to Criminal Justice System No Examination
  • Cybercrime No Examination

 

Delivery Campus

Main Campus : SSP Campus

Other Learning Centre: CSW Campus

 

Graduation Requirements

Completion and obtained Pass or above in 16 required subjects.

Remarks: Qualified applicants may be exempted from up to 8 modules, which will be decided on a case-by-case basis. (e.g. exemption of maximum 8 modules for Higher Diploma; and exemption of maximum 4 modules for Certificate)

Remarks: For Police Constable applicants and Correctional Services – Assistant Officer II applicants, 8 modules will be exempted from this higher diploma programme.

 

Advanced standing

Applicants who hold qualifications from recognized institutions may apply for advanced standing in the course. Successful applicants will be granted advanced standing for specific courses in the programme, with a maximum waiver of 8 courses. This means that they will only need to complete the remaining 8 courses to fulfill the graduation requirements of the programme.

For more information, please refer to entry requirements.

 

 

 

 

Full Time

Year 1

Tuition fee: $58,000

Year 2

Tuition fee: $58,000

 

Part Time

The tuition fee is charged per subject. A total of 16 subjects are to be studied.

 

 

 

#The tuition fee will be subject to adjustment by annual review.

 

Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)

FASP provides means-tested financial assistance to needy full-time students pursuing locally-accredited, self-financing post-secondary education programmes at the level of associate degree, higher diploma or degree. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to needy students so that no eligible students will be denied access to post-secondary education because of lack of means.

For more details about the scheme, please visit the Student Finance Office (SFO) website at:

https://www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/en/sfo/postsecondary/fasp/overview.php

 

Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)

The Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS) is to complement the Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) to provide loans to eligible students to settle tuition fees of locally-accredited, self-financing full-time programmes at the level of associate degree, higher diploma or degree.

For more details about the scheme, please visit the Student Finance Office (SFO) website at:

https://www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/en/sfo/postsecondary/nlsps/overview.php

 

Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme (SPSS)

To support the development of the self-financing post-secondary sector, the Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme (SPSS) has been established under the Self-financing Post-secondary Education Fund. This scheme offers scholarships and awards to students enrolled in full-time locally-accredited self-financing sub-degree or bachelor's degree (including top-up degree) programmes at non-profit-making educational institutions.

For more details about the scheme, please visit the Student Finance Office (SFO) website at:

https://www.cspe.edu.hk/en/Overview-Measures-Fund-SPSS.html

 

 

 

 

2+1 Top Up Articulation

HKIT Higher Diploma graduates have the opportunity to pursue one-year top-up degree programs in BSc (Hons) Criminology with Forensic Investigation offered by the University of West London.

The degree programmes offered by HKIT are accredited and recognized by the Hong Kong Government. Eligible students who qualify for the “Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme for Self-financing Undergraduate Studies in Hong Kong” (NMTSS) will receive an annual subsidy of up to HK$35120 for the academic year 2026/27.

For detail please visit to our top-up degree page.

 

 


 

Prospects

Graduates of this programme are eligible for admission to the top-up-degree programme offered by HKIT.

 

HKDSE / Diploma of Applied Education /Diploma Yi Jin / Certificate / Diploma

Higher Diploma in Crime and Investigation

Bachelor Degree (studying in Hong Kong)

University of West London
  • BSc (Hons) Criminology with Forensic Investigation (Year 3) (Registration Number: 252930)

 

 


 

Career Prospectus

Graduates may pursue various roles in crime prevention, investigation and related fields. Graduates may explore career opportunities in law enforcement, private investigation, security services and compliance roles within different sectors. Specifically, graduates may:

  • Pursue positions in law enforcement and security, working in roles such as junior investigator, crime scene assistant or crime prevention officer.
  • Join trainee programmes within the public or private sector, preparing for roles such as investigation trainee or compliance trainee.

Work in supportive roles in investigation, compliance or legal support services, taking on positions such as investigation assistant, legal assistant, security officer or administrative assistant in law enforcement agencies.

 

 

 

 

Year 1 Entry

  1. Level 2 in five HKDSE subjects including English and Chinese; or
  2. Completion of Diploma Yi Jin / Diploma of Applied Education; or
  3. Equivalent of the above qualifications (Non-local students with the equivalent qualifications are also considered); or
  4. Relevant and substantial work experience and/or prior qualification(s) obtained in or outside Hong Kong (e.g. assessed through recognition of prior learning and credit accumulation and transfer), with demonstrated ability to undertake sub-degree education.
Remarks:
  1. Applicants with HKDSE qualifications are eligible to use a maximum of two Applied Learning (ApL) subjects for admission applications.

    For HKDSE applicants from 2018 onwards:

    • An "Attained" result in an ApL subject is considered equivalent to a Level 2 in a Category A subject. "Attained with Distinction (I)" is considered equivalent to Level 3, and "Attained with Distinction (II)" is considered equivalent to Level 4 or above in a Category A subject.

    For the 2012-2017 HKDSE Applicants:

    • Students attaining the results of "Attained" and "Attained with Distinction" in the ApL subjects are accepted as attaining the competencies required at Level 2 and Level 3 or above of Category A subjects of the HKDSE Examination respectively for the purposes of further studies and work.
  2. Prior qualification(s) obtained in or outside Hong Kong:

    • Holder of Pre-Associate Degree; OR
    • Holder of Diploma for Tertiary Studies; OR
    • Holder of Diploma and in the relevant discipline(s) at QF Level 3 with a total learning size of normally 150 QF Credits, including Chinese and English languages.

 


Year 2 Entry

General Entrance Requirements:

  • Holder of recognised diploma/ advanced certificate of same or related discipline; or
  • Other equivalent qualification

 

 

Remarks: Qualified applicants for Year 2 Entry may receive maximum 8 modules exemption. Exemption decision will be on a case-by-case basis

Remarks: For Police Constable applicants and Correctional Services – Assistant Officer II applicants, 8 modules will be exempted from this higher diploma programme.

 

 

 

Application Period

Starting from 2 months before commencement of semester September, February, June

 

Application Procedure

Complete the Online Application form

Applicants will be required to submit/upload the following documents:

  • Photocopy of your Hong Kong Identity Card
  • Photocopy of all supporting documents for your application

Remarks:

  • Successful applicants should present originals of the above documents for verification during the admission interview/registration.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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