Program Overview

Policing, Law and Investigation BSc (Hons) (Top-Up)

Overview

This course serves as a top-up qualification to a BSc Policing, Law, and Investigation honours degree. You can apply if you have completed either Level 4 and 5 studies, a foundation degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND), or a similar qualification in or around public services.

Course Details

• Level: Undergraduate
• UCAS Code: L541
• UCAS Points: N/A
• Start date: Oct 2025, Oct 2026
• Duration: 1 year
• Location: Wheeler, Chester
• UK fees: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International fees: £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• Course Leader: David Metcalfe

Course Summary

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of policing, law, and investigation. The course is delivered by staff with policing experience, policing academic experience, and research knowledge who have a wealth of knowledge in their subject discipline.

Modules

• Digital Crime - Investigation and Intelligence (20 Credits) - This module prepares you for a career in an investigative environment.
• Drugs and Alcohol (20 Credits) - This module aims to develop a critical evaluation of the effect drugs and alcohol abuse have on individuals and society in the United Kingdom (UK).
• Protection of Vulnerable Children and Adults (20 Credits) - The aim of this module is to acquaint you with knowledge and understanding of the key issues and debates with regard to multi-agency working in the context of protecting vulnerable children and adults.
• Serious Organised Crime (20 Credits) - The aim of this module is for you to consider the chronological development of the nature and threat from international serious and organised crime and the impact it is having on 21st-century society, law enforcement, and communities.
• Research Methods in Policing Dissertation (40 Credits) - This module aims to provide an opportunity for you to carry out an in-depth study of a topic or issue based in or closely allied to Policing by independent study.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: Students can apply if they have completed either Level 4 and 5 studies, a foundation degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND), or a similar qualification around public services. An interview will form part of the process.
• International Students: Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study.
• English Language Requirements: IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band), Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

Where You'll Study

• City centre location: Located within the lively city centre of Chester and overlooking the River Dee, Wheeler is home to most courses within Nursing and Midwifery, Health and Social Care, and Law.
• On-site library: Our on-site library has a variety of study spaces and IT facilities, in addition to book collections for Health and Medicine, Law and Policing.
• Social spaces: Wheeler’s café and coffee shop serves hot and cold drinks, snacks, and delicious meals. Meanwhile, the student common room provides a social, group work, and discussion space for students.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Students: £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software.
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: Graduates will find the course a useful grounding for entry to a range of criminal justice and related careers. Career paths identified for graduates in roles within policing, the Youth Offending Service, the Prisons and Probation Service and the National Crime Agency.
• Careers service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.