Professional Policing

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.

Level 4 Modules
Title Code Credits Options
Introduction to Policing TH4MD300 20 Mandatory
Police Powers TH4MD301 20 Mandatory
Policing Contemporary Society TH4MD302 20 Mandatory
Public Protection Risk and Vulnerability TH4MD303 20 Mandatory
Crime Prevention and Detection TH4MD304 20 Mandatory
Researching the Evidence Skills and Methods TH4MD305 20 Mandatory
Level 5 Modules
Title Code Credits Options
Digital Policing for a Digital Age TH5MD316 20 Mandatory
Fieldwork for Policing TH5MD317 20 Mandatory
Ethics Integrity and Professional Standards TH5MD318 20 Mandatory
Criminal Procedure and Investigation TH5MD319 20 Mandatory
Criminal Justice Environment TH5MD320 20 Mandatory
Crime Abuse and Human Behaviour TH5MD321 20 Mandatory
Level 6 Modules
Title Code Credits Options
Evidence Based Project TH6MD291 40 Mandatory
Working with Victims and Witnesses TH6MD292 20 Mandatory
Community Cohesion and Strategic Policing TH6MD293 20 Mandatory
Information and Intelligence Case Management TH6MD294 20 Mandatory
Counter Terrorism TH6MD295 20 Mandatory

Coursework
Most courses are assessed via a combination of coursework and exams – the percentage weighting of each of these is outlined below. Coursework might range from written tasks and assignments to the collation of a portfolio of evidence based around a work placement. Coursework differs from exams in that it is usually non-timed and carried out independently.

Exam
Exams are formal, timed written assessments, carried out in a controlled environment and overseen by one or more invigilators. They assess your grasp of the theory and underpinning knowledge related to your chosen career area. The opposite of practicals, they require you to set out your practical understanding within an academic context. Some courses have no exams – the exam/coursework ratio is outlined below.

Practical
Practical assessments identify your technical ability to apply theory to hands-on tasks in your chosen career area. They can be timed or non-timed and involve observation of your practical skills and competencies, either in a work-based environment or a dedicated College setting that closely resembles the workplace. Practical work-based assessments are supported and carried out by a trained assessor.

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 77% 62% 68%
Exam 10% 10% 12%
Practical 13% 28% 20%