Professional Policing - BA Hons Degree
Summary
The Professional Policing degree programme offers a comprehensive, practical and academic foundation for those wishing to pursue a career in Policing or related fields. Aligned with the national policing curriculum and developed in collaboration with policing agencies, this course equips students with the knowledge, skills,and ethical framework essential for modern policing. You will explore the theoretical and operational aspects of policing, covering topics such as criminal law, investigative skills, community policing, public protection, and policing in the future. The programme investigates the areas of problem-solving, critical thinking and ethical decision making, which are integral to addressing contemporary challenges in the policing world.
Your learning experience will combine the lecturing experience with practical, real-world scenarios; you will gain insight into crime scene management, conflict resolution and effective communication within diverse communities. The course includes seminars, practical activities and, where applicable, guest speakers and student visits for experiential learning and professional readiness. As a graduate, you will be well-prepared for entry into the police force or other roles within the criminal justice system. The skills developed throughout the course are also highly transferable to positions in community safety, public policy, and private security sectors. This programme not only supports immediate professional goals but also lays a foundation for continuous personal and career growth in policing and beyond.
The degree programme meets the standards set by the College of Policing for entry-level requirements, ensuring that graduates are highly regarded in the field and eligible for direct entry into the police force, pending additional assessment and training. This course is ideal for those committed to making a positive impact through law enforcement and community engagement, providing a comprehensive pathway into a meaningful and dynamic career in policing.
Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.
Entry Requirements
Typical Offer - 80 UCAS tariff points.
Typical BTEC Offer - BTEC Extended Diploma Merit Merit Pass
Typical Access to HE Offer - Pass the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points.
Additional Requirements: GCSEs: The programme normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
As a graduate of this programme you could apply to pursue careers within one of the 43 police forces across England and Wales or in related agencies, such as the British Transport Police. Prospective police constables should note that they must apply to a police force within five years of graduating from this degree to remain eligible for entry into the police via this pre-join route.
While the programme is designed to prepare you for roles within the UK police service, it also offers pathways into various other careers in policing and law enforcement. You may find opportunities as Custody Detention Officers, Police Control Room Operators, Police Community Support Officers, Intelligence Officers, Police Staff Investigators, among other roles.
With a focus on employability, the programme equips you for roles in both formal and informal agencies across the public, private, and voluntary sectors. This includes central and local government, The Prison Service, The Home Office, The National Crime Agency, the National Criminal Intelligence Service, and welfare charities. Outside of policing, graduates may enter roles such as Case Review Manager, Court Clerk, Community Worker, Immigration Officer, Fraud Investigator, Human Rights Officer, Border Control Officer, Prison Officer, Probation Officer, Youth and Community Worker, or roles in youth justice.
Other study options
The programme provides a strong foundation for those interested in further study. For example (MPhil Policing Studies and MSc Policing & Criminal Investigation), MSc Policing & Law Enforcement Investigation or MSc Terrorism, Security & Policing.
Employment Opportunities
As employability is key to the programme you will also be able to gain employment with a range of formal and informal agencies across public, private and voluntary sectors such as central and local government, The Prison Service, The Home Office, The National Crime Agency and National Criminal Intelligence Service and welfare charities. Specific job roles outside the Police you may progress into include: Case Review Manager, Court Clerk, Community Worker, Immigration Officer, Fraud Investigator, Human Rights Officer, Border Control Officer, Prison Officer, Probation Officer, Youth and Community Worker and work in youth justice.
Key information
Qualification obtained
BA (Hons) Professional PolicingFees and funding
Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding.
Extra costs and equipment
The University Centre primarily supplies the resources necessary for participation in the degree programme. You may incur minor expenses related to printing materials and posters throughout the programme.
Whilst you are advised to bring a personal laptop to lectures, seminars and workshops, the College provides access to on-campus computer facilities within the University library. Also, you are advised to bring notebooks and stationery to all lectures for taking notes within a lesson, seminar and practical activities.
Core policing texts will be available through the university library,
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institute: N/A
Awarding Body: The University of Lancaster
Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)
Terms and conditions
Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.
What will I learn?
The programme follows a traditional degree structure and the modules that make up the curriculum include core or key themes that naturally interrelate and build upon previous knowledge at different stages and reflect key aspects of knowledge in the National Policing Curriculum.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
Regular trips to both Lancashire Constabulary’s Hutton HQ as well as attendance at various policing conferences will serve to give you a vocational and experience-based curriculum. Evidence-based practice is increasingly being recognised and promoted in the field of policing and criminal justice policy and you will develop your skills throughout the programme. There are also guest lectures from people working within the policing sector and local Police Constabularies.
Students are also encouraged to volunteer as Special Police Constables to develop their practice-based understanding of taught material and to prepare them for a range of employment opportunities within the police service (subject to meeting the requirements of Lancashire Constabulary and those set out by the Home Office). However ,any volunteering/specials placements are not a mandatory requirement for successful completion of the course.
How will I learn?
Attendance at the university centre is scheduled over two days each week, allowing you the time to conduct independent research while advancing your theoretical knowledge. Each module requires a minimum of 152 hours of independent study, which includes guided reading activities, online tutorials, seminars and workshops. These elements are supported by detailed Canvas (VLE) online resources, enabling you to study at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Whilst lectures, seminars and practical workshops feature strongly in this programme, there are a range of other opportunities available due to the advantages of being taught in small cohorts. This means that evidence-based policing, research skills and wider policing knowledge can be developed as part of tutor- and student-led activities in the lectures, seminars and through role plays and table top scenarios.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of school leaver courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 288 | 288 | 288 |
| Independent | 912 | 912 | 912 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 |
How will I be assessed?
A comprehensive calendar of academic assessments, available digitally on the Canvas VLE and in your handbook at the beginning of the year, outlines the schedule for your work-based research projects, written reports, theory-based assignments and examinations. These assessments are designed to support the development of your independent study skills, as well as to deepen your understanding of course concepts.
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 68% | 60% | 72% |
| Exam | 16% | 16% | 10% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |