Professional Policing

Police officers are the first responders, the investigators, the front line. In an ever-changing world, they're a key partner in the communities they serve, and they all play a pivotal role – from police constable to chief constable.

Sometimes policing can be the blues-and-twos and chasing criminals, and sometimes it can be methodical detective work, investigation, and building a solid case. Policing isn't really a career you just fall into; it can be gritty and complex, but it can be equal parts impactful, rewarding and life changing.

Supported by our academic team of ex-coppers and law enforcement experts, you'll combine knowledge and theory with hands-on learning to be well-prepared for one of the most challenging – and exciting – jobs that modern society has to offer.

Why choose this course?

• Our links with local forces: you'll be able to get hands on through opportunities to become a special constable, or undertake a placement in police control rooms.

• Our teaching team: our academics have over 150 combined years of experience in law enforcement, with many of them being former police officers.

• Guest speakers: we invite guest speakers from forces across the country to come in and support your learning.

• Improve you career prospects: 93% of our Professional Policing students believe the course has improved their career prospects (National Student Survey, 2024).

Throughout your three years with NTU, you'll combine learning about police powers and the criminal justice system, with hands-on experience as you learn to conduct suspect interviews, and get stuck into the forensics at our on-campus Crime Scene Training Facility.

We'll provide the context of policing in the UK, the role of the police and what makes a modern police officer, alongside in-depth explorations of public protection and community policing. You'll also explore how law enforcement operates in the digital world for which you'll achieve associate membership of the Institute of Cyber and Digital Professionals (ICDP).

Towards the end of your studies, you'll be able to apply your knowledge to a research project focusing on an area of policing that interests you. If you choose to become a special constable or volunteer with a local police force during your time with us, you can apply these experiences to your research project.

In Year One key modules may include: The Role of the Police; Crime Investigation (One); Problem Solving and Decision Making; The Criminal Justice System; Criminology for Policing; and Police Powers (One).

You will build upon the skills you learn in Year Two. Modules include: Public Protection; Evidence Based Policing; Crime Investigations (Two); Police Intelligence and Community Policing; and Police Powers (Two).

Your Final Year modules will include: Digital Policing and Counter Terrorism; Front Line Policing; Police Powers (Three); and you have the choice to complete a Research Project or Applied Research Project.

Throughout the three years of this course, assessment methods including coursework, written and practical assignments.