TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BSc (Hons)

Professional Policing

Our Professional Policing degree, licensed by the UK College of Policing, is taught by expert criminologists and senior ex-officers. Gain the skills and hands-on experience needed for careers in law enforcement, security, and all areas of policing.

Our typical offer

104 UCAS points

Places still available

Contact our Clearing hotline to discuss your options and secure your place this September

Immersive, real-world training

Experience realistic crime scene investigations, live suspect interviews with actors, and simulated courtroom trials - bridging theory and practice in a hands-on learning environment.

Expert-led teaching

Learn from former senior police officers and leading criminologists who bring decades of frontline experience and academic insight, including major event management like the 2012 Olympic torch relay.

Career-focussed

Licensed by the UK College of Policing as a Pre-Join degree, this course opens doors to a variety of careers across public, private and third sectors.

About

 
The Professional Policing Degree, licensed by the UK College of Policing, is one of three routes into the police which now requires a higher education qualification.
This degree does not guarantee entry into employment as a police constable or any police staff position. It is tailored towards developing the skills, knowledge, experience and personal confidence students will need to apply for any of the posts offered by the police service. It will also prepare you for other roles in the increasingly pluralised environment of policing in the UK.
Each Police force in England and Wales has its own recruitment process, selection policy, and entry requirements. Students who wish to apply to the Police service should check their eligibility against the respective force's website.
 
 
 
Step into the future of law enforcement with 麻豆传媒鈥檚 professional policing degree, licensed by the UK College of Policing and uniquely offered in the Southwest Peninsula. 
Designed for aspiring officers and investigative professionals, this Pre-Join degree blends academic excellence with immersive, hands-on training. Learn from seasoned senior police officers and leading criminologists as you explore real-world crime scenes, conduct live suspect interviews, and present evidence in simulated courtrooms. Whether your ambitions lie in public service, private security, or third-sector investigation, this course equips you with the skills, experience, and insight to thrive across a wide range of policing and enforcement careers.
 

This course is for you if...

you have a desire to make a tangible difference 鈥 to serve and protect communities.
Three heads with hands holding them depicting community
you seek to develop transferable skills across law enforcement, security and public service roles.
person with lines around their head, depicting experience
you're driven to apply your skills in real-world settings 鈥 through immersive experiences such as crime scene simulations, courtroom presentations, and live suspect interviews.
Mug shot of person
you are aiming for a rewarding and dynamic career in law enforcement.
Hand holding scales of justice

Details

Year 1

Semester 1 鈥 Who are the police and what do they do?
You will start with a history of the modern police, their role and function and how they respond to public need and gain insights into roads policing and the trauma experienced by first responders.
Semester 2 鈥 Criminology and communities
Understanding the causes of crime and applying criminological theory, you will problem-solve real policing issues by analysing criminal and community intelligence. 
Policing in the community

Core modules

PPD4001
Introduction to British Policing 20 credits

This module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the profession of policing in modern Britain. It explores the structure and function of the police service, the unique position of the office of constable, and how the police secure and maintain public consent for policing to take place. It describes the exercise of using police powers without favour or affection, malice or ill will and the role of the College of Policing in developing and maintaining national standards and evidence-based policing.

100% Coursework

PPD4002
First Responders 20 credits

This module introduces the acute customer facing activities of response officers and the challenges faced by those at the 鈥渟harp end鈥 of policing. It examines the personal impact on officers of handling trauma and violence. It also explains the controversial aspects of policing the road network, both for the safety of road uses, as well as denying criminal the use of the roads.

100% Coursework

PPD4003
The Importance of Knowledge in Policing 20 credits

Intelligence is the lifeblood of policing, and this module will identify the key aspects of the National Intelligence Model and explain the challenges associated with the collection, analysis, dissemination and practical applications of criminal and community intelligence. The legislation on handling and storing police information is also explored using case studies.

100% Coursework

PPD4004
Getting the Grease to the Squeak 20 credits

This module explains the history and development of problem-oriented policing and students will interpret the problem analysis triangle and SARA models alongside criminological concepts such as routine activity and rational choice theories. The module encourages reflection on evidence-based policing foundations to develop creative and innovative approaches to solving policing problems.

100% Coursework

PPD4005
Moving Beyond the "Bobby on the Beat" 20 credits

This module Illustrates the challenges associated with trying to police both economically and socially deprived urban environments as well as isolated coastal and rural communities. Students will utilise their understanding of community policing to dissect the complicated interactions between community needs and how policing treads a fine line to improve community cohesion. This will be exemplified in case studies examining the strengths of communities when they come together, whilst acknowledging the issues associated with assumptions about the 鈥済reater good鈥.

100% Practicals

PPD4006
Why Crimes Occur and How to Prevent Them 20 credits

This module provides introduction to criminology and sociology as they relate to the causes and prevention of criminal activities. Building on the work of the module entitled 鈥淕etting the Grease to the Squeak鈥 this module outlines the concept of procedural justice and applies criminological theory to the creation of innovative crime prevention solution as well as reviewing national crime prevention strategies and high-profile initiatives.

100% Coursework

Year 2

Semester 1 鈥 From crime scene to court
Immersing yourself in our realistic crime scene you will form investigative hypotheses, interview live suspects, and develop policing skills to solve a murder scenario. 
Semester 2 鈥 The ethics of the police
The police service operates in a risky environment with the need for fast paced but high-quality decision making. You will work through real-life case studies where the police have caused the death of a member of the public to enhance your decision-making capabilities under stress.
Crime suite / murder house, forensic criminology and policing facility.Interview room, CCTV monitoring and two way glass.

Core modules

PPD5001
Crime Scenes and Suspect Interviews 20 credits

In this module students will investigate a simulated serious crime scenario. Starting from a real-life or virtual reality crime scene students will secure the area, collect samples for forensic analysis, look at the wider collection of evidence from victims, witnesses, CCTV etc and interview a suspect in real time using the PEACE model of police interviewing. This will help to dispel any myths about the investigation process from watching police TV and film dramas and concentrates on the significant issues associated with investigator bias, forensic capture, and witness capability.

100% Coursework

PPD5002
No Witness, No Justice 20 credits

In this module the complexities associated with victim and witness evidence and the care required when dealing with them are demonstrated and analysed. Personal communication skills and the ability to manage inter-personal conflict in a professional manner will be addressed practically and theoretically.

100% Coursework

PPD5003
Delivering Justice 20 credits

No policing degree can be complete without a detailed understanding of the UK criminal justice system and the role of the police within it. Students will look at a crime and take it through the criminal justice process, the Crown Prosecution Service, a simulated Magistrates and Crown Court, and look at prison and probation as well the often-neglected role of the police with Her Majesties鈥 Coroner when seeking to understand why and how a person has died.

100% Practicals

PPD5004
Managing Critical Incidents 20 credits

The police service operates in a risky environment with the need for fast paced but high-quality decision making. The presence near 麻豆传媒 of a Naval dockyard, Critical National Infrastructure, a football club, and well-known rave sites, gives ample opportunity to experientially examine the National Police Decision Model and its links to the Code of Ethics. Students will also look at policing protests and the discretion available to the police during such critical incidents. We will use real-life case studies where the police have caused the death or serious injury of a member of the public to dissect the heuristic nature of police decision making.

100% Coursework

PPD5005
Equality, Diversity and Human Rights 20 credits

This module builds on the Policing Communities work from stage 1 and takes a more detailed and nuanced look at those communities who are perceived as 鈥渙ther鈥, especially in rural environments. How is it possible to improve community cohesion and the quality of police service offering to those who are marginalised or neglected by public services across the peace? The lived experiences of Black and Minority ethnic, LGBTQ+, faith, disabled, and travelling communities will be explored through the involvement of members of those communities.

100% Coursework

PPD5006
Research and Methodology Skills 20 credits

This module will develop the student鈥檚 enquiring mindset and equip them with the essential skills of an academic researcher in preparation for the final year dissertation. It will look at the importance of evidence-based policing and the benefits and pitfalls associated with qualitative and quantitative, inductive and deductive research methods.

100% Coursework

Final year

Semester 1 鈥 Protecting the vulnerable
You will challenge your understanding of how to safeguard the vulnerable, protecting children and tackling extremist radicalisation and domestic abuse. 
Semester 2 鈥 Criminology and communities
Police corruption and cyber-crime are examined in depth, and you will be able to contribute to the development of evidenced-based policing through your dissertation research into real-world policing problems. 
Policewoman talking with parents and children outdoors. 2156271838 Getty.

Core modules

PPD6000
Dissertation 40 credits

This 40-credit module straddles both semesters and offers the opportunity for students to research an area of policing in which they have a particular interest, based on their stage 1 and 2 studies. It will be linked with Devon and Cornwall Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall who will propose topics in which they need research to be conducted. In this way the University aims to put the dissertation at the forefront of policing innovation as it will actively assist the police and OPCC in scanning, analysing and developing evidence based policing policy in new and emerging areas of criminological concern.

100% Coursework

PPD6001
Working Together to Keep People Safe in a Democracy 20 credits

This module offers students the opportunity to analyse and critically examine the issues associated with public protection, child and adult safeguarding, to identify and mitigate the risks to vulnerable people through multi-agency interventions and policy making. It will also look in detail at counter terrorism work and the links between diversity and inclusion, community cohesion and the nature of radicalisation.

100% Coursework

PPD6002
Understanding and Managing Vulnerability 20 credits

This module defines the concept of vulnerability and analyses the national drivers for the police in providing a professional and ethical service to people who are, or may be, vulnerable, suffering harm or at risk of harm. It uses national examples of vulnerability and risk, such as the Baby P case and gang culture, to develop a deep understanding of the psychology of vulnerability and the importance of a bespoke police response to handling the associated challenges.

100% Coursework

PPD6003
Keeping People Safe in the Digital Age 20 credits

The area of digital policing is explored in detail as there can be no criminal cases in the modern world that do not involve cyber-derived evidence from phones and other mobile electronic devices. The prevalence of online hate crime, fraud, bullying and sexual exploitation are examined with a view to synthesising the literature into a roadmap for protecting people in a digital environment.

100% Coursework

PPD6004
Who Guards the Guards Themselves 20 credits

The ethics of the police service and standards of morality and probity in public life are a matter of constant concern. Drawing on international counter corruption experience this module will examine police corruption, its causes, the harm it produces and the cultural icons of the police service, such as the 鈥渂lue wall of silence鈥 that might encourage corrupt or improper behaviours.

100% Coursework

Featured module: Crime scenes and suspect interviews

In this module students will investigate a simulated serious crime scenario. Starting from a real-life or virtual reality crime scene students will secure the area, collect samples for forensic analysis, look at the wider collection of evidence from victims, witnesses, CCTV etc. and interview a suspect in real time using the PEACE model of police interviewing. This will help to dispel any myths about the investigation process that you may have from watching police TV and film dramas and to concentrate on the significant issues associated with investigator bias, forensic capture, and witness capability. 
Crime scene tape with blurred forensic in cinematic tone. 641925028 Getty.
 
 
 

Personalise your degree

At 麻豆传媒, your degree really is what you make it. 

You can tailor your studies to focus on what fascinates you. By taking different options, you will gain a thorough grounding in your areas of interest 鈥 whether it be criminology related or a completely different subject such as history, politics or sociology. Whatever your passion, you will have the freedom to explore it.

I knew that 麻豆传媒 was very good for the course I wanted to do. They offered a flexible choice of modules, and I felt like I could choose modules I was interested in, and which fitted the career I wanted.

Kayleigh, National Probation Service
BSc (Hons) Criminology graduate

Optional pathways

We offer a variety of law and criminology courses allowing you to choose your specialist field.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University鈥檚 curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University鈥檚 policies and requirements.

Experience

Investigate 'The Murder House' Crime Suite

Examine simulated crime scenes and real missing persons cases
Learn by doing in scenarios that are based on real-life investigations in our state-of-the-art crime, interview and simulated policing suite. You'll be able to explore physical crime scenes, harvest forensic material, learn and practise police interview techniques and analyse CCTV footage.
The unique combination of immersive learning and our staff expertise sets us apart as the only university in the South West peninsula providing this exceptional student experience.
 
 
 

Witness mock trials and observe the justice system

Situated inside The Box, 麻豆传媒's 拢40 million cultural hub, the University uses The Foulston Room for its moot court facility.
In our very own mock courtroom, you can gain an insight into the criminal justice system through observing mock trial scenarios.
Students using Moot Court in the Foulston Room (full-bleed version)
 
 
 
Moot Court in the Foulston Room

The Foulston Room offers our professional policing students such a unique and valuable experience. To set foot in such a historic building, walk up its grand staircase and enter into an environment that authentically looks and feels like a real courtroom, provides our students with insights into how a courtroom in the UK criminal justice system looks and operates. It's the perfect space for our professional policing students to gain the confidence and skills that they will need to provide evidence, as police officers, in a court of law.

Brendan Brookshaw
Brendan Brookshaw Lecturer in Policing
 
 
 

Become an investigator

By joining the 麻豆传媒 Cold Case Unit (PCCU), you can investigate a range of unsolved missing persons cases.
Uncover new evidence which can be used by the police to solve these cases while gaining experience and skills 鈥 including investigative, analytical and social 鈥 to help launch you into a rewarding career. As part of this student-led, expert-guided group, you'll have access to international connections alongside facilities and training at both the 麻豆传媒 and Locate International. 
Applications are open to all foundation and year 1 students in the School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Students and staff of the Cold Case Unit discussing an evidence board on the Salcombe Man

After hearing the details about cold cases and how there are not enough resources to revisit them, and knowing that I could help bring resolution to the families and friends of missing people, I felt it was my duty to help 鈥 the PCCU gave me a chance to do that.

Natasha Hughes, 

















BSc
(Hons) Criminology
 
 
 

Preparing you for your future

Real-world workplace experience ensures our students are career ready upon graduation
We believe that real-world experience is central to success in today's job market. We focus on embedding experiential learning into our courses through our exciting partnerships with external organisations, offering students the opportunity to undertake internships, placements and volunteering. 
Explore our exciting internship opportunities
Police at the 麻豆传媒
 
 
 

Meet your lecturers

Brendan Brookshaw Lecturer in Policing


Lecturer in Policing

Ms Emma Taylor Lecturer in Professional Policing


Lecturer in Professional Policing

Dr Sharon Beckett Lecturer in Criminology (Education)


Lecturer in Criminology (Education)

Show all
 
 
 

Enrich your studies 鈥 join CrimSoc

The Criminology Society is open to anyone studying or interested in criminology and related fields. The society organises events, socials, and study groups, capitalising on the theme of crime and the police, to foster community and engagement among members. Make friends, develop skills and enjoy new experiences.
Criminology society members
 
 
 

Life in 麻豆传媒

麻豆传媒's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don鈥檛 need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Careers

When I started university I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do as a career. Studying at 麻豆传媒, I developed a deeper understanding of the different career paths I could go down. The knowledge of my lecturers meant they could give me real advice on what it is like to be a Probation Officer, which helped me make the decision I did.

Kayleigh, National Probation Service, BSc (Hons) Criminology graduate

Kayleigh McCluskey
 
 

Your pathway to a career in law enforcement

This degree prepares you to apply for police constable roles in England and Wales, including the British Transport Police, Ministry of Defence Police and Military Police, the Security Services or the National Crime Agency. It provides valuable skills and experience for applying to staff roles within UK policing such as:
  • Police Community Support Officer, Tri-Service officer 
  • Accredited criminal or misconduct investigators 
  • Accredited alcohol or firearms licensing officers 
  • Control room and call handling officers
  • Administration, analytical, and support roles
  • Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
You will also gain a firm grounding to apply to private sector security positions, event management, and private investigation positions.
Finally, there are a plethora of public service roles which require the investigative skills and knowledge of the criminal justice system gained through the degree.
  • Environment Agency Water Bailiffs
  • Health and Safety Executive 
  • RSPCA
  • Local Authority Licensing and Enforcement Officers 
  • Independent office for Police Conduct investigators
  • NHS and Department of Work and Pensions Investigators
  • Border Force 
  • Her Majesty鈥檚 Revenue and Customs
The list is growing as the traditional functions of the police are taken on by an increasing number of agencies and companies.

The placement experience

We offer an extensive range of voluntary and paid opportunities to engage and work with organisations that support people whose lives have been affected by crime, either as victims or perpetrators.
This includes agencies dealing with addiction, victims of crime, homelessness, substance misuse, domestic violence issues, drug rehabilitation and sexual violence; as well as reoffending units, young offenders institutes, prisons and probation.
These opportunities develop resilience, adaptability, and life-experience, as you learn how handle difficult issues, make a difference to people's lives for the better and thrive in challenging environments.
"I know the experience I got from volunteering at LandWorks will benefit me in the future. Not only will it look good on my CV, but it has also taught me skills I wouldn't learn elsewhere."
Amber volunteered one day a week over the summer at LandWorks, an award-winning charity that helps creates a support route back into the community and employment for people in prison or at risk of going to prison.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
2026-2027.
Full-time study
拢9,535 per year
Part-time study
拢795 per 10 credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes

In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at 拢9,535 per year and the University鈥檚 tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about  fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
拢17,600 per year
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
拢18,150 per year

Tuition fee price changes

Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at 麻豆传媒, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

Places still available

Contact our Clearing hotline to discuss your options and secure your place this September
0333 241 6929
Three students sitting on a wall at the Barbican eating fish and chips
 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
104 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE

All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.

A levels

104 points from a minimum of 2 A levels. This course accepts general studies.

18 Unit BTEC Extended Diploma:

DMM in any subject.

BTEC National Diploma modules

If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Access courses

Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction.

T level

Merit in any subject.

International Baccalaureate

26-28 overall to include 4 at any Higher Level subject.
English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
L900
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years

Course type

Full-time

Study location
麻豆传媒
 

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
 
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
 
 

BSearch entry requirements for your country

English language requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 

Ready to apply?

As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
 
UCAS course code
L900
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years

Course type

Full-time

Study location
麻豆传媒
 
 
 

Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the 麻豆传媒.
 
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Man sitting outside with surrounded by friends