2025/26 entry Applications also open for 2024/25
CertHE Counter Fraud Investigation
Why study Counter Fraud Investigation at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Qualify with the professionally recognised Level 4 Apprenticeship in Counter Fraud Investigation and a Certificate of Higher Education in Counter Fraud Investigation.
- Delivered online through a mix of live and prerecorded lectures and seminars by lecturers with academic and practical experience in the field you will study topics including the fraud landscape (Public and Private Sector), fraud investigations: legislation, evidence & disclosure, building and presenting a case, POCA and fraud types, patterns & trends.
- Working collaboratively with your employer, you will learn through a combination of on the job training and innovative and thought-provoking modules which reflect and challenge current investigative practices and debates.
- Incorporates a variety and depth of understanding as to the role of the counter fraud investigator.
About your course
Study remotely to qualify with a professionally recognised Level 4 Apprenticeship in Counter Fraud Investigation and a Higher Education Certificate in Counter Fraud Investigation.
The Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship is structured as four 30-credit modules studied over a twelve month period, followed by an additional six months during which learners complete their End Point Assessment. Teaching is delivered remotely via a range of synchronous and asynchronous tools, including workshops, lectures, self-led research and group tasks. With the aim of enabling learners to both understand and demonstrate the duties, knowledge, skills and behaviours associated with the Counter Fraud Investigator role.
On completion of the programme learners will be awarded the Level 4 apprenticeship in Counter Fraud Investigation by the Institute of Apprenticeships and the Certificate of Higher Education in Counter Fraud Investigation by LJMU.
The programme is aimed at Counter Fraud Investigators working in law enforcement, other public sector agencies and private sector organisations.
Fees and funding
Degree Apprenticeships are funded courses, with learning costs being paid to the university by the employer, through the Degree Apprenticeship levy, if a large company, or with the help of the government’s co-investment model, if a smaller company.
If you aren’t already employed by a company that is willing to sponsor you through an apprenticeship, you’ll need to find one. You can do this by regularly checking the Government’s Find an apprenticeship website.
You can also approach an employer yourself to find out whether they would be interested in offering Degree Apprenticeships and ask them to contact us. Our team will be able to explain to them how they can access the correct funding and the next steps.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
The programme is designed to meet the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) of the apprenticeship standards while at the same time meeting the needs of the employer. Apprentices will be required to successfully complete four core 30 credit modules at level 4 before entering the ‘gateway’ to complete the End Point Assessment (EPA).
Apprentices will pass through the ‘gateway’ once the employer is satisfied the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard, which means the employer will work collaboratively with the university to assess operational competence to ensure the gateway requirements for EPA have been met and that they can be evidenced to an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO).
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
The Fraud Landscape: Public and Private Sector
30 credits
This module will provide apprentices with knowledge and understanding of the fraud landscape, how it has evolved and the impact of technology on it's rapid growth as one of the most common reported crimes in the UK. The cost of fraud will be discussed with the support of key reports both public and private sector, leading into the technology evolution and impact thereby, highlighting opportunities for investigators to identify and mitigate fraud risk. Apprentices will consider the value of information and intelligence for successfully identifying fraud patterns, trends and vulnerabilities, all whilst working within legal, ethical and professional boundaries. Understanding the offender will be important for the apprentice to ensure focus on investigation that present most risk. This will enable the apprentice to apply the knowledge to a variety of fraud related incidents and investigations.
Fraud Investigations: Legislation, Evidence and Disclosure
30 credits
This module will provide apprentices with knowledge and understanding of legislation (criminal, civil & procedural). Evidence gathering and the importance of disclosure to any investigation. The various interventions available to support their decision making from referral to conclusion in fraud investigations.
Fraud Types, Patterns & Trends
30 credits
This module will provide the apprentice with the knowledge of different fraud types and associated fraud patterns and trends. It will include the use of intelligence, information and link analysis and will enable the apprentice to apply this knowledge in support of fraud investigations both proactive and reactive.
Fraud Investigations: Building and Presenting a Case, POCA
30 credits
This module will provide the apprentice with knowledge and understanding of case building, file preparation, presenting a case and understanding of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). This will enable you to apply the knowledge to a range of fraud investigation activities.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
The programme is designed to be delivered through distance learning facilities; which will be balanced with synchronous (live online) and asynchronous (Pre-recorded) lectures, workshops and seminars. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Teaching can be offered in a block or day release format, meaning there is consistency to your studies but also offers some flexibility to study at times that suits you or your employer.
You will have easy access to support from your module leaders or personal tutor through online tutorials of discussion boards via the virtual learning environment.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
There is a high level of support for students on this course and the needs of part-time students and apprentices are thought through. You will be appointed a Personal Tutor when you are inducted onto the course. All apprentice learners will begin their programme of study with an induction period, the primary purpose of which is to foster a sense of community within the teaching group and establish peer-to-peer support networks which will enable learners to thrive and flourish throughout the course. Induction will also provide information as to the variety of support available to learners including academic skills, wellbeing, and career development. Whilst also equipping learners with the knowledge and skills required to manage the apprenticeship journey.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
Assessments throughout this programme are designed to reflect the tasks undertaken and challenges experienced by counter fraud investigators in the workplace. Thereby enabling them to apply learning directly to their professional practice, including reflecting upon the experience and identifying opportunities for further development. Each module incorporates a different assessment form and opportunity to receive feedback prior to final submission, enabling learners to maximise their potential and achieve deeper learning.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Ann Stevens
Programme Leader
Ann is currently a Senior Lecturer at LJMU with over 30 years experience in Law Enforcement and Private Sector roles in both the UK and Canada. Ann is a subject matter expert in Intelligence Led Policing, and Economic Crime. Ann worked for Merseyside Police in various roles throughout her career as a Police Officer and Intelligence Officer before moving to Canada to work for the Canadian Police as an Intelligence Analyst providing both Tactical and Strategic support as the first analyst employed by the municipal service she later won an International Award from the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts (IALEIA) for supporting the Provincial Threat Assessment Strategy by improving intelligence led operations targeting serious and organised crime. In 2007 the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) created a Centralised Financial Crime and Intelligence Unit (CFCIU) and Ann was asked to join the team in 2008 which she later led. The team won a number of awards from IALEIA & the International Association of Financial Crime Investigators (IAFCI) for their support of joint law enforcement and financial industry intelligence led investigations into various financial crimes. This included a joint operation over a 12 month period where the CFCIU informed the teams of suitable ATM 'hot spots' for surveillance by using predictive analysis with an 85% success rate. This operation led to numerous arrests, intelligence gathered and identification of key organised crime groups. Following successful conclusion there was a reduction in this fraudulent activity by more than 90%. Ann was recruited from the CBA to work for TD Bank to work in the Global Security & Investigations team and build a new Intelligence function, later moving to CIBC Corporate Security as a Director of Security Intelligence tasked with building a similar Intelligence function to proactively identify and mitigate fraud risk, support investigations and the fraud strategy through the use of fraud patterns, trends and characteristics associated with products and offenders. Recommending rules that could be built into the technology as a first line of defence with volume applications and transactions. Anns fraud and economic crime expertise was furthered when she moved to Equifax Canada the leading credit bureau to work on Intelligence Investigations for the consortium members (including Bank, Insurance, Telco, Government, Auto) using a technology called Citadel, which is known as SIRA in the UK, and later Symcor COR.IQ a consortium approach to fraud with a primary focus on cheque and transactions. Upon returning to the UK Ann returned to Merseyside Police in a civilian role before taking up her position at LJMU. Ann has built and taught programmes in both Intelligence and Financial Crime for Humber College in Canada and Justice Institute of British Columbia. She has a Masters in Counter Fraud & Corruption and also has the below professional designations which support the subject matter expertise. With an extensive global professional network, she stays current on whats new in the rapidly evolving world of Fraud, Economic Crime and Intelligence. With a broad understanding of technology and intelligence resources across public and private sector, Ann is an advocate of collaboration and information sharing within legal guidelines to reduce silos and improve the ability to detect, disrupt and deter fraud. CCA - Certified Criminal Analyst (Lifetime) GPA - Geographic Profiling Analyst ACFS - Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist ACFT - Accredited Counter Fraud Trainer CFE - Certified Fraud Examiner CAMS - Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
The programme is predominantly delivered online through a virtual learning environment (VLE). Teaching include live and pre-recorded lectures which will be accessed through the VLE or Microsoft Teams. Assessments will also be accessed and uploaded to the VLE.
Apprentices will be expected to have suitable IT equipment to enable them to meet the requirements of the programme.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications:
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Level 2 English and Mathematics as required by the Education and Skills Funding
Agency for apprenticeship EPA completion. Proof of qualification to be provided on
application.
Further information
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DBS, Occupational Health requirements
Employment in a public or private sector role requiring the knowledge and skills of a counter fraud investigator.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU Degree Apprenticeship form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
Alternative international qualifications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.