Professional Policing

Why choose this course?
Our Professional Policing degree equips you with the knowledge and skills required for a modern policing career. Engage in scenario-based learning, lectures, and seminars led by experienced academics and former police officers, ensuring you're prepared to meet the demands of the 21st-century police service.

You will:
Learn from experienced academic staff and retired police officers, providing real-world insights.
Access specialised facilities such as an onsite 'Learning House' and mock police interview rooms.
Build strong links with public service and third-sector organisations involved in policing.
Benefit from collaborations with North Wales Police and other regional forces.
Earn additional qualifications, such as Welsh in the Workplace, tailored to the needs of regional police forces.

Key Course Features:
During the course, you will participate in simulated policing encounters, including an annual Major Incident Day, to develop practical skills.
You will have opportunities to become special constables during the course, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to the local community.
The course will develop your knowledge of the broader criminal justice system and skills for effective public engagement.
You will gain necessary legal knowledge and transferable skills to meet operational police requirements.
Your employability will be enhanced through practical training throughout the course in facilities such as the police custody training suite.

What you will study
Year 1 (Level 4)
In the first year, you'll be introduced to key concepts and principles in policing, developing foundational skills and knowledge required for the police constable role.

Modules:
Study Skills in Higher Education: Develop essential academic skills, including research, critical thinking, and effective communication.
Understanding the Police Constable Role: Gain an overview of the roles, responsibilities, and challenges faced by police constables.
Police Professionalism: Explore the importance of professional standards, ethics, and integrity in policing.
Police Law: Examine key legal frameworks and legislation underpinning policing in England and Wales.
Criminal Justice: Study the structure and processes of the criminal justice system and its interaction with the police.
Decision Making and Leadership: Focus on leadership and decision-making within policing, especially in challenging situations.

Year 2 (Level 5)
In the second year, you will build on foundational knowledge, delving deeper into specific areas of policing such as information management, digital policing, and the application of police powers.

Modules:
Information and Intelligence in Policing: Learn to manage and use intelligence to inform policing strategies and operations.
Digital Policing: Understand the impact of digital technologies on policing, including cybercrime and technological investigations.
Roads Policing: Cover key elements of roads policing, focusing on legislation, enforcement, and associated challenges.
Applying Police Powers: Learn about the legal powers available to police officers and their practical application.
Response Policing: Examine challenges associated with first-response policing, including public order management and emergencies.
Police Investigations 1: Explore the investigative process and how to conduct professional and effective investigations.

Year 3 (Level 6)
In the third year, you will engage with advanced topics in policing, culminating in a dissertation project. This year focuses on applying knowledge and skills in complex policing contexts, including multi-agency working and contemporary challenges.

Modules:
Dissertation (40 credits): Students will conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, culminating in a written dissertation that demonstrates their ability to engage in critical analysis and present research findings.
Trauma, Vulnerability, and Wellbeing in Policing (20 credits): This module examines the impact of trauma and vulnerability on individuals in the criminal justice system and the role of the police in safeguarding their wellbeing.
Police Investigations 2 (20 credits): Building on the previous investigations module, students will engage with more complex investigative processes, including managing serious crimes and working with specialist units.
Multi-Agency Working in the Criminal Justice System (20 credits): This module focuses on the importance of collaboration between different agencies, such as police, social services, and healthcare providers, in managing criminal justice cases.
Policing Contemporary Communities (20 credits): Students will critically assess the challenges faced by police in modern communities, including issues of diversity, cohesion, and community safety.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Teaching & Assessment
You'll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and scenario-based learning, including simulated policing encounters. The workload includes a mix of theoretical and practical sessions, with opportunities for inter-professional learning. Assessment methods comprise essays, exams, presentations, role-plays, and a dissertation project.

Teaching and learning
We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments.

Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.