Policing *

Two years full-time

The University of Northampton's Foundation Degree in Policing has been developed in partnership with Thames Valley Police. It will equip students with the necessary knowledge, practical, vocational, and key skills to pursue a career in the policing sector.

Students who successfully complete the Foundation Degree along with the training provided as members of the Special Constabulary will be considered for employment by Thames Valley Police, subject to the successful completion of the national police selection process. Students may convert their Foundation Degree into a BA through a further year's study.

Students will be taught by both University staff and serving police officers to ensure the correct application of both theory and practice. The selection process for the course includes an assessment for suitability to join the Special Constabulary. Training as a Special Constable continues throughout the first year, working towards the specific measured target of 'Fitness for Accompanied Patrol' (FAP) by the end of your first year. By the end of the degree students will be able to show, that they have achieved a range of policing competencies including academic and practical knowledge to be assessed as 'Fit for Independent Patrol'.

The course combines practical ability with critical thinking and decision making underpinned by a robust and challenging academic understanding.

• This course provides a well structured foundation for those seeking a career in policing
• Course delivered in close association with Thames Valley Police
• Students will benefit from close supervision by serving police officers
• Innovative teaching and learning environment
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities
• Variety of assessment methods which include supervised role plays

Indicative content:

• Conflict Resolution and Defensive Tactics
• Community Partnerships
• Equality and Diversity
• Protecting People
• Road Policing
• Health and Safety
• Legislation, Policy and Procedure
• Crime Scene Management and Criminal Investigation
• Operational Policing
• Policing Theory

Alternative modules are available for those who are not eligible to join the Special Constabulary.

The selection process for the course includes an assessment for suitability to join the Special Constabulary, enabling you to commence as a Special Constable at the beginning of the course. Training as Special Constable continues throughout the first year, working towards the specific measured target of 'Fitness for Accompanied Patrol' (FAP) by the end of your first year.

If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact our Administrative Assistant in the first instance (jan.dowsett@northampton.ac.uk, or telephone 01604 892947). For entry onto this course, you will need to apply online through UCAS.

The FdA is assessed through a variety of work-based learning opportunities and assessments, essays, portfolios and presentations to demonstrate your work-based skills and competencies. These reflect the National Occupational Standards for the police service and the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP).

The Foundation Degree will provide students with the skills, knowledge and experience to enable them to seek employment within the police service, in particular with Thames Valley Police.

It is important to note that this course does not automatically guarantee you a job as Police Officer on completion. Individuals will still need to successfully complete the national police assessment and apply direct to their chosen police service. The course does however provide you with the relevant knowledge and experience to prepare you for this assessment. The curriculum is geared to providing>students with a range of transferable skills and knowledge relevant to other related agencies in the criminal justice and voluntary sector. Examples of potential employers include the National Crime Agency, offender management services, and Youth Offending Teams.

If you are successful in becoming a police officer it will shorten the length of your training (within Thames Valley Police) through recognising and accrediting your prior learning gained from the Foundation Degree.

On completion of the foundation degree students can, if they wish, undertake a further year of study to gain a BA in Applied Criminal Justice Studies (Policing).

The course is also valuable to students who are seeking employment within a range of other criminal justice agencies.

Students will undertake their work placements working as Special Constables within the Thames Valley Police Area, and in and around Milton Keynes in particular.