BSc (Hons) Professional Policing
University of Portsmouth
Key Information
Campus location
Southsea, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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* for UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students/EU residents | £16,200/year: international students
Scholarships
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Introduction
Following the National Police Curriculum as set out by the College of Policing, this BSc (Hons) Professional Policing degree prepares you for the emotional, physical and mental demands of a rewarding career in policing and related fields.
Use simulated facilities that replicate situations you’ll face in your job, gain insights from teaching staff with law enforcement experience, and get experience with local police forces.
You'll also gain legislative, policy and procedural knowledge and develop the critical thinking, communication, decision making and conflict management skills you need.
You'll graduate with the core knowledge required of a probationary police constable, which provides you with an entry route into policing in England and Wales, the foundations to pursue other careers in law enforcement and criminal justice, or to continue your studies at the postgraduate level.
Course highlights
- Explore crime scenes and situations using virtual reality environments, allowing you to test your skills in a simulated environment
- Build your professional network through our close ties with Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire constabularies
- Get the experience of the interdisciplinary work practices you’ll encounter in your career as you study alongside criminology students
- Enhance your CV and apply your skills through volunteering opportunities with local police forces
- Have the opportunity to see other countries' approaches to policing by spending your placement year at a policing-focused overseas university
Recognised by:
This course is in the top 10 for Tourism, Transport, Travel and Heritage Studies in the Complete University Guide League Tables 2022.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Modules
Year 1
Core modules in this year include:
- Introduction to Policing
- Evidence-based Policing
- Crime and Society
- Criminal Justice
- Understanding Criminology
Year 2
Core modules in this year include:
- Policing and Society
- Complex Investigations
- Safeguarding, Vulnerability and Community Policing
- Victims of Crime: Key Players in the Criminal Justice System
- Researching Criminology
Year 3
Core modules in this year include:
- Policing: communities, intelligence and information
- Policing: Law policy and practice, Response Policing
- Operational Policing Practice
Specialist options in this year include:
- Intelligence Analysis
- Contemporary Terrorism
- Murder Investigation
- Management of Criminal Investigations
- Dangerous Offenders and Public Protection
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry, and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Placement year (optional)
We'll help you secure a work or study placement or that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Working in a police force
After your second year, you can do a work placement year with a UK police force to get valuable longer-term work experience in policing and law enforcement.
Studying abroad
You'll also have the opportunity to spend a year studying abroad in locations such as Canada and South Korea.
Volunteering opportunities
Through our ties to Hampshire Constabulary, you'll have the opportunity to take on a position such as a Special Constable or another police volunteer role.
These positions include police training in areas such as officer safety, police first aid and the police IT and communication systems.
As with all similar roles, successful application is still dependent on vetting and medical checks.
Career Opportunities
A career in policing is an exciting, rewarding way to serve your local community and make a positive impact on society.
Working as a police constable
This degree is an approved entry route into the police services in England and Wales, so you'll be eligible to apply for police constable roles when you graduate (you won’t need to do a graduate conversion programme). This allows you to work in neighbourhood and response policing.
With experience, you can rise in the ranks to roles such as:
- sergeant
- inspector
- superintendent
- chief constable
Working in other police force units
After a 2-year probationary period as a police constable, you can apply to work in specialist areas such as:
- criminal investigation department (CID)
- firearms
- traffic
- intelligence
- child protection
- fraud squad
- drug squad
This course also gives you the knowledge and skills for roles in security organisations such as the National Crime Agency.
Ongoing careers support
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Facilities
English Language Requirements
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