Professional Policing

Our Degree in Professional Policing (PPD) is licenced and validated by the College of Policing, the professional body for policing in England and Wales. This is the only qualification which enables you to apply for the ‘pre-degree' (PPD) entry route into the Police Service in England and Wales and meets the professional requirements for policing in the 21st century.

Though this degree is primarily designed for students wishing to pursue a career as a police officer, the course is also suitable for students wishing to work in other law enforcement or investigative roles, for example; the National Crime Agency, Probation Service, Prison Service, local authority, banking and similar organisations where investigative or practical legal knowledge are required. The degree has a currency of 5 years following graduation, for police officer recruitment via the PPD route.

You will study response policing, community policing, public protection and criminal investigation strategies and techniques, including suspect interviewing. Policing strategies and models will be explored with an evidence-based approach throughout to embed critical thinking into operational decision-making, problem-solving and police practice. You’ll learn policing and criminological concepts to explain, prevent and detect crime, criminality and victimisation and will understand how these underpin both criminal justice practice and policing practice in England and Wales. You will practice applying your new knowledge in simulated practical policing scenarios on campus and at the local West Mercia Police Headquarters, whilst wearing the police uniform, to give you an immersive learning experience.

You’ll also have the opportunity to develop communication and team working skills at our Lakeside Campus Days, where you will take part in outdoor activities and you have the choice to volunteer with local organisations, including West Mercia Police, as a Special Constable or member of police staff; building on your practical experience throughout your studies. You'll learn from lecturers who are all retired officers with real-world experience, so you'll get a genuine taste of the work policing entails on a day-to-day basis.

Key features

• Designed for individuals who wish to join the police service, prison, private security organisations or wider criminal justice roles

• You'll study the College of Policing (CoP) PEQF National Policing Curriculum; including the five principal areas of professional functionality (known as Police Practice areas) that have been specified as core to the performance of the police constable role: Response Policing, Policing Communities, Policing the Roads, Information and Intelligence and Conducting Investigations

• You'll develop specific police skills, knowledge and critical understanding of policing in the 21st century, with opportunities to put knowledge into practice in simulations

Why the University of Worcester?

The University of Worcester is a campus university, meaning everything you need is on site. We’re based in a vibrant cathedral city just 40 mins south of Birmingham and an hour north of Bristol, and our beautiful green campuses have plenty of parking and quality on-site accommodation.

At Worcester, small class sizes, supportive tutors, and professionally focused courses mean you’ll be prepared for your dream career. These are just some of the reasons why we’re first in the UK for both graduate employment and quality education.

• University of the Year finalist in the Times Higher Education Awards 2025.

• First in the UK for sustained employment, further study or both, from any multidisciplinary university – Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) 2017 to 2025.

• First in the UK for quality education – Joint 1st in the Times Higher Education’s University Impact Rankings 2025.

Join us at one of our regular Open Days to see if the University is a good fit for you: www.worcester.ac.uk/opendays