2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Online
Please note; this unit is only available to students approved for study in the Investigative Practice specialisation of R4C Bachelor of Arts with Professional Honours. For further information; please contact dpfem.enquiries@utas.edu.au.
Students are expected to have investigative knowledge and skills at or above the level of a probationary constable.
They are also expected to have functional computer skills, with proficiency in using both online and desktop systems and applications.
Introduction
This unit is a part of your Investigator Program and has been designed to maximise your ability to obtain accounts from vulnerable witnesses in an uninterrupted narrative format, leading to fairer outcomes for victim survivors. You will practice using different question types, and coding of interviews. You will also consider child development, cross-cultural issues, and challenges for people with complex communication needs. The unit will also engage with approaches to interviewing about repeated abuse, the ‘Whole Story’ framework, protocols for questioning child witnesses, and making audio visual recordings.
Most of your learning and assessment for this unit will occur online in Centre for Investigative Interviewing's (CII) online environment.
Summary
| Unit name | Specialist Interviewing |
| Unit code | LAW474 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Health School of Paramedicine and Public Safety |
| Discipline | Policing and Emergency Management |
| Coordinator | Doctor James Dwyer |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania and Third Party(ies): Tasmania Police |
| Level | Honours |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 |
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- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
International students- Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 5/7/2026 | 27/7/2026 | 30/8/2026 | 24/10/2026 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the requirements of legislation and relevant protocols for the interviewing of witnesses and suspects in Tasmania.
- Apply appropriate questioning techniques to obtain relevant, accurate, and complete accounts from vulnerable and other witnesses and suspects in relation to complex crimes.
- Apply protocols and frameworks to interviews that are reflective of the context and surrounding investigation.
- Assess the quality of investigative interviews.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 091105 | $2,174.00 | $1,020.00 | not applicable | $2,249.00 |
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | This unit is delivered fully online and is based in the workplace (Tasmania Police). |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Quizzes|Witness Interview|Written assignments and discussions |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
There is no prescribed textbook for this unit. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Recommended Readings -There are several articles and other texts for you to read and engage with, and there are links or copies of these provided through Brightspace. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.