Program Overview

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Professional Policing

Overview

This course provides comprehensive knowledge and preparation for a career in policing. The programme focuses on developing a deep understanding of the role of a police officer. In addition to honing operational and practical skills, you will critically examine the Criminal Justice System (CJS).

Course Details

Attendance

• Full-time
• Part-time

Course Duration

• Three years (full-time)
• Six years (part-time)

Next Enrolment

• September 2025

Introduction

This course is a recognised entry route to police constable and provides graduates with the skills to progress a career in policing or other areas linked to the criminal justice system.

You Will:

• Learn the essential knowledge, skills, and professional approaches required in modern policing
• Critically explore the role of the police
• Explore the complex and diverse nature of modern communities
• Develop critical thinking and research skills
• Study a programme approved by the College of Policing

Placement Options

• Available

International Students

• Accepted

Course Approved By

• College of Policing

Year One

Modules

• Understanding Vulnerability and Risk
• The Practice of Policing
• Policing and Society
• Criminal Justice and Human Rights
• Contemporary Issues in Policing
• Academic Skills

Year Two

Modules

• Safeguarding and Policing
• Research Problems and Methods: Qualitatively Better
• Complexity and Challenges of Operational Policing
• Internet Risk and Security
• Communities, Policing and Public Protection
• Research Problems and Methods: Making it Count

Year Three

Modules

• Dissertation - Policing
• Dealing with a Complex Investigation
• The Politics of Policing
• Community Placement

Teaching

The course is delivered by a team of expert academics, based in sociology and criminology, alongside former senior police officers. The team members have carried out research in key areas of policing and the wider criminal justice system (CJS).

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods will be used, these include:

• Dissertation
• Essays
• Exams
• Policy briefing papers
• Presentations
• Seminar reports

Employment and Stats

The Professional Policing degree will provide you with the knowledge required prior to joining the police service. However, this is not the only career option open to graduates. Students will develop a range of interpersonal, professional, and academic skills over the course of the programme.

Career Links

We have close associations with industry and professional bodies such as:

• Greater Manchester Police
• HMP Risely
• HMP Manchester
• HMP Forest Bank
• Greater Manchester Probation Authority
• HMP Liverpool
• Salford Magistrates Court
• Salford – Youth Offending Team

Requirements

Applicant Profile

An ideal student would have:

• An interest in crime and its occurrence
• A critical mind (with a sprinkling of scepticism)
• An interest in working with people
• Strong people skills
• Good communication skills
• Compassion
• An interest in helping people
• A positive mindset

English Language Requirements

If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5.

Standard Entry Requirements

• GCSE English Language/Literature and Mathematics at grade C/grade 4 or above
• 112 UCAS Tariff points

Tuition Fees

Full-time Home

• £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• £9,535 per year (2026/27)

Full-time International

• £16,500 per year (2025/26)
• £17,160 per year (2026/27)

Part-time

• Part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis.

Additional Costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Scholarships for International Students

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our International Scholarships.