Program Overview

Pre-Tertiary Certificate in Policing

The Pre-Tertiary Certificate in Police Studies is designed to equip participants with the foundational policing skills, legal knowledge, and essential competencies required to effectively serve as a police constable. Its overarching goal is to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of crime and criminal behaviour, a grasp of core policing concepts and the role of law enforcement within a democratic society, particularly in relation to fundamental human rights and ethics.

Course Overview

The course aims at preparing candidates to be effective police constables. Amongst other skills, it aims at developing an understanding of community policing, how one approaches victims, witnesses and vulnerable people, as well as how to secure a crime scene. Overall, the aim of the course is to develop the skills needed to work as a police constable.

Program Details

• MQF Level: 4
• Duration and Credits: 3 Semesters, 90 ECTS
• Mode of Study: Full-time

Admission Criteria

• General Entry Requirements: Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications
• Special Course Requirements:
  • Passes in the Secondary Education Certificate level at Grade 5 or better or at SEC Level 3 in four subjects, which must include English Language and Maltese
  • A qualification at MQF Level 3 in a subject related to policing, which the Board deems as appropriate
• Additional Requirements: All applicants shall be members of the Malta Police Force and shall be nominated to the Course by the Commissioner of Police

Course Structure

The program consists of compulsory units, including:

• Year 1:
  • Semester 1:
    • CRI0101: Understanding the Role and Wellbeing of the Police Constable (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0102: Research Methods and Academic Skills (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0103: Victims, Witnesses and Vulnerable Persons (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0104: Powers, Duties and Professional Standards of the Police (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0105: Crime Prevention and Community Policing (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0106: Evidence Based Policing (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0107: Ethics, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0108: Public Protection and Response Policing (4 ECTS)
  • Semester 2:
    • CRI0109: Communication Skills, Leadership and Teamwork (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0110: Information and Intelligence (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0111: Initial Response to Investigation (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0112: International Police Cooperation (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0113: Traditional and Contemporary Crime (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0114: Policing the Roads (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0115: Criminal Justice (4 ECTS)
    • CRI0116: Practical Component (BTC/01) (30 ECTS)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Give insight into the ethical and professional standards expected of police officers, alongside an appreciation for the principle of equality and non-discrimination
• Understand, interpret, and apply relevant legal frameworks to policing
• Have effective communication skills, especially when interacting with diverse individuals, including victims of crime
• Have basic investigative skills and the ability to secure a crime scene
• Understand the community policing principles and empathy for victims of crime
• Appreciate the collaboration with local, national, regional, and international bodies in combating crime

Sponsorship

The course is sponsored by the Malta Police Force.