Professional Policing BSc (Hons)

UCAS code I766

Duration

3 Years

4 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Want a career on the policing frontline? You’ll be ready to cope from day one as a police officer after taking our BSc (Hons) Professional Policing degree.

Alongside the practical skills, procedures and knowledge of the law, you will develop an understanding of offending, the impact on victims and the wider challenges of police work.

Licensed by the College of Policing, the course is a recognised route into the police service and will place you in the best position when applying for jobs. You’ll be taught by experienced professionals – including former senior officers - who have walked the path you’re plotting.

From dealing with knife crime and public order offences through to online grooming and organised gangs, the world of policing is hugely varied.

On the course, you’ll look at response policing, covert operations, investigative techniques, arrest and detention powers, and the rules around evidence disclosure and sources. We will also cover vulnerabilities such as domestic abuse and mental health issues.

You will follow the practical policing techniques used in real-life investigations, learning how to protect a crime scene, interview suspects and take witness statements.

Using our £2.2m simulation facilities, you’ll practise different scenarios. We’ll get you to apply for a search warrant, book a suspect into our mock custody suite and defend your case in our courtroom.

But it won’t just be police training as you’ll delve into criminology, social factors and evidence-led research too. We explore issues raised by high-profile cases like the murders of Sarah Everard and Stephen Lawrence.

You’ll be taught by staff with extensive academic and operational expertise, including former police officers. They have backgrounds in areas such as investigating missing people, child sexual exploitation and major crimes.

Many students also gain wider experience by becoming special constables or doing crime prevention work through our Cop Shop.

Completing our BSc (Hons) Professional Policing degree will equip you with a high level of knowledge and expertise of carrying out the role of the police constable and the complex requirements of 21st century policing. Although specifically designed for those seeking to become police constables with Police forces in England & Wales, the programme is of value to those interested in other branches of law enforcement and who are considering pursuing a career in the wider policing sector.

Our well-rounded programme will give you the best chance of employability after graduation. You’ll get the chance to study under experienced professionals, who have walked the path you’re plotting, and all while using our state-of-the-art facilities. At University of Staffordshire we have a dedicated Crime Scene House for you to practise real-life situations and investigations, and mock courtrooms for a chance to experience a taste of the justice system. There’ll also be opportunities to listen to active professionals in guest lectures and seminars, and the chance to get out of the classroom and experience the world of law enforcement on organised trips.

Our BSc (Hons) Professional Policing is delivered under licence by the College of Policing, who are the professional body for policing in England & Wales.

The Foundation Year option is available for those who may not have the academic profile for direct entry onto the 3-year degree. It will prepare you for the Professional Policing degree by studying modules such as Crime in Context and Theories of Criminality. The Foundation year is taught with the City of Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College, so you will be on the University of Staffordshire Stoke on Trent campus and the college's campus for the first year.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Professional Policing

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Professional Policing

Course content

In year 1, you will be introduced to the legislation, policy and practice that underpins the roles and responsibilities of the police constable. This will include an introduction to the use of Information and Intelligence, Investigation, Crime and Crime Prevention, and Response Policing.

In year 2, you will build upon the learning achieved so far, with your focus being on delivering a professional policing service with modules such as Roads Policing, Policing Vulnerability and Professionalising Investigation. Additionally, you will study Policing in a Digital Age and develop your research skills in preparation for your final year evidence-based research project.

In year 3, you will have the opportunity to learn about the more advanced aspects of policing and through the selection of an optional module, you will be able to focus upon specialisms within policing in which you have developed an interest and may wish to pursue in your chosen career.

In Year 1, you will build on your academic skills by discussing the different Theories of Criminality and Crime in Context, as well as learning about the Principles of Law.

In year 2, you will be introduced to the legislation, policy and practice that underpins the roles and responsibilities of the police constable. This will include an introduction to the use of Information and Intelligence, Investigation, Crime and Crime Prevention, and Response Policing.

In year 3, you will build upon the learning achieved so far, with your focus being on delivering a professional policing service with modules such as Roads Policing, Policing Vulnerability and Professionalising Investigation. Additionally, you will study Policing in a Digital Age and develop your research skills in preparation for your final year evidence-based research project.

In year 4, you will have the opportunity to learn about the more advanced aspects of policing and through the selection of an optional module, you will be able to focus upon specialisms within policing in which you have developed an interest and may wish to pursue in your chosen career.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 and 40 academic credits. 

All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification evidenced-based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.  The full-time course has one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 and 40 academic credits. 

All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification evidenced-based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.  The full-time course has one start point in September.

Professional body accreditation

Professional body accreditation

NSS shows positive improvement in teaching

News

Teaching provision has improved across the University’s extensive course portfolio in this year’s National Student Survey results.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Academic Study Skills 20 credits
Information And Intelligence 20 credits
Introduction To Core Policing Principles 20 credits
Introduction To Crime And Crime Prevention 20 credits
Introduction To Investigation 20 credits
Introduction To Response Policing 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Policing In A Digital Age 20 credits
Policing Vulnerability 20 credits
Professionalising Investigation 20 credits
Professionalising Policing 20 credits
Research Methods 20 credits
Roads Policing 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 0 compulsory modules
Year 0 compulsory modules
Academic Skills 20 credits
Crime In Context 20 credits
Introduction To Critical Thinking And Argument 20 credits
Sociology Of Crime 20 credits
Theories Of Criminality And An Introduction From Crime Scene To Courtroom 40 credits
Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Academic Study Skills 20 credits
Information And Intelligence 20 credits
Introduction To Core Policing Principles 20 credits
Introduction To Crime And Crime Prevention 20 credits
Introduction To Investigation 20 credits
Introduction To Response Policing 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Policing In A Digital Age 20 credits
Policing Vulnerability 20 credits
Professionalising Investigation 20 credits
Professionalising Policing 20 credits
Research Methods 20 credits

Entry requirements

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points

  • A levels: A, DD, EEE
  • BTEC: PPP

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

The Criminalistics Laboratory

Libraries

We have Libraries and service desks at both sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Our experienced and friendly staff can answer your IT queries, help you to access resources, show you how to research for your assignments and help with referencing.

Careers

Successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Professional Policing degree will provide one of the recognised routes into the police service. However, successful attainment of the Award does not in itself provide any guarantee of recruitment as a trainee police constable. Each police force within England and Wales sets out its own recruitment process and selection policy and entry requirements may vary from force to force. Prospective students are therefore strongly advised to check the specific requirements of their chosen force prior to undertaking study.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your academic mentor. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your academic mentor. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Students will be allocated one of the teaching team as their personal tutor throughout the three years.  Personal tutors will support students throughout their time at university both pastorally and academically.  The tutor will meet with their personal tutees regularly as part of group Personal Development Planning sessions as well as being available individually during Academic Support Times 

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Students will be allocated one of the teaching team as their personal tutor throughout the three years.  Personal tutors will support students throughout their time at university both pastorally and academically.  The tutor will meet with their personal tutees regularly as part of group Personal Development Planning sessions as well as being available individually during Academic Support Times 

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Year 1

21% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
79% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

21% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
79% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 3

12% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
88% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 1

30% practical assessments
32% coursework
38% written exams

Year 2

28% practical assessments
72% coursework
0% written exams

Year 3

23% practical assessments
77% coursework
0% written exams

Staff

Teaching staff are dedicated to improving the course and ensuring it remains current within the context of operational policing.  The department maintains strong partnerships with a number of police services providing additional insight into policing through guest lectures and real world research opportunities.

You will be taught by an expert teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Dr Lauren Metcalfe

Course Director

Lauren completed her PhD in Evidence Based Policing and joined Staffordshire University in 2017. She is now Course Leader for Professional Policing (our Pre-join degree) and Course Director for our policing degrees.

Lauren's profile

Dr Leanne Savigar-Shaw

Senior Lecturer

I am a Lecturer in Policing with an academic and research background. I have been involved in a number of research projects focusing on mobile phone use by drivers, police legitimacy and procedural justice.

Leanne's profile

Justin Mason-Spanner

Lecturer

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £16,750 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:
  • As a University of Staffordshire student, you’ll be entitled to a range of free software
  • The use of all specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.
  • As a University of Staffordshire student, you’ll be entitled to a range of free software
  • The use of all specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.
Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Travel costs
  • Printing
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Travel costs
  • Printing
  • Any optional field trips
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Our students

I have had the best experience at Staffs and this is down to the people, the environment and all of the facilities available to us as students. The lecturers on my course have definitely made my experience as best as it can be because they all truly do have students’ best interests at heart and do everything, they possibly can to help you reach your full potential.

Ellie Bowers

Professional Policing

The lecturers at Staffordshire University come from a wide range of policing, some of them worked in CID, some in Mental Health Policing, so there’s a big range of professions there. It’s absolutely fantastic as we’re able to get so much knowledge and so much experience from them.

Adam Hetherington

Professional Policing

The lecturers have been incredibly supportive. They have shown a genuine passion for the subject area and are readily available to offer support should you need access. With the bonus of the lecturers themselves coming from an array of Policing backgrounds allows a genuine insight into the life of a Police officer and the broader Policing context.

Sarah Hodgkinson

BSc (Hons) Professional Policing

The best part of studying Professional Policing is getting to know and experience what the lecturers have already been through. They have had policing backgrounds and careers and they have bought all their knowledge and experience into the course. It’s brilliant to learn from them.

Joe Hillcox

Professional Policing

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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