Program Overview

Professional Policing BA (Hons)

Key Facts

• UCAS Code: N478
• Level: UndergraduateUG BA (Hons)
• Duration: Full Time: 3 Years
• Starting: September
• UK Fees 25/26 >: £9,535
• International Fees 25/26 >: £15,700
• Location >: Waterside

Overview

If you are interested in entering the police force, preparing for a non-operational role or even considering positions in the military or security services then this the University of Northampton’s Professional Policing degree BA may be the course for you. We have extremely close professional links with Northants Police and this means that you are exposed to a wide range of guest speakers from detectives to child protection officers.

You will have the chance to apply what you learn in real-life scenarios in our purpose-built facilities through working with colleagues from across the University. This collaborative working results in you gaining a highly effective and complete qualification that is valued and recognised by all the forces across the East Midlands and beyond.

Highlights

• Bespoke fast track application for Northants Police for successful applicants.
• Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning is available on this course.
• HP laptop and software included with this course for eligible student. Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply.

Entry Requirements

• Typical offers for our degree in Policing would be:
  • BCC at A Level or
  • DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or
  • Pass (C and above) at T Level or
  • An Access Course that includes 30 level 3 credits at Merit
• Other Entry Requirements:
  • In addition, you will be expected to have GCSE English Language at a grade C/4 or above. We do accept equivalences (e.g. Level 2 Functional / Key Skills). If you have qualifications preceding GCSEs and do not have English Language at grade C/4 then we will consider your application on an individual basis.
• English Language Requirements:
  • All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
    • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands for study at undergraduate level.

Student Story

Holly’s Story
Holly shares her experiences of studying the Professional Policing course and how it helped her secure her first job with the Northamptonshire Police as a Response Officer.

Course Content

• Course Details:
  • The University of Northampton’s Professional Policing degree is taught by serving and retired police officers and other industry professionals. This policing course will give you an insight into legislation, conducting investigations and the criminal justice system in the United Kingdom.
  • We are dedicated to giving you the skills that you will you need to pursue a career in Law enforcement.
• List of modules:
  • Information about the modules on this police degree can be found on the Professional Policing module award map.
• Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme:
  • Our Professional Policing Degree is part of the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCS). The ELCS is an opportunity for members of the Armed Forces to further or expand on their education. The scheme offers support financially in a maximum of three separate financial years for higher level learning of a nationally recognised qualification at a Level three or above.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning

Are you a law enforcement officer or detective, a dedicated security professional, or a passionate investigator in public safety or security?

You may be able to earn a BA degree in Professional Policing or **Criminal and Corporate Investigation, **in just one year full-time or two years part-time.

FAQs

• How will I learn on the Policing degree?:
  • Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, assessed role plays, independent and group work. We encourage you to actively engage with seminars and groups discussions to apply your learning to different scenarios.
  • Practical work will represent an important component of our degree in policing throughout each of the three years of study.
• How will I be assessed on this Police degree?:
  • Assessment for the professional policing degree is varied and consists of presentations, essays, assignments, skills labs, practical exercises, reports, reflective accounts and video presentations, exams and multiple choice tests. These reflect the National Occupational Standards for the Police Service and the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme. If you choose to take alternative placements you will be assessed against relevant appropriate standards.

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26 Tuition Fees:
  • UK Full Time: £9,535
  • International Full Time: £15,700
• Additional costs:
  • There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2025. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.
• Scholarships and Bursaries:
  • For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.
  • For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

Staff

• Senior Lecturer in Criminal Justice Studies
  Professional Policing BA (Hons)
• Head of Criminal Justice Studies
  Faculty of Business and Law
• Lecturer in Criminal Justice Studies
  Faculty of Business and Law
• Lecturer in Criminal Justice Studies
  Faculty of Business and Law
• Lecturer in Criminal Justice Studies
  Professional Policing BA (Hons)
• Senior Lecturer in Criminal Justice Studies
  Professional Policing BA (Hons)

Careers and Employability

Graduates with a degree in Professional Policing are likely to find employment as police officers or within the wider police service performing support roles. You could also pursue careers as officers within the armed forces, the security services, or within research roles relating to crime and disorder, investigative roles and the security industry upon completing this policing course.

Facilities

• Senate Building:
  • The main reception for the University and additional teaching spaces.
• Learning Hub:
  • The Learning Hub is at the heart of the campus and home to the student information desk.

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