Professional Policing BA (Hons)

At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

If you join our full-time BA Professional Policing degree, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

*UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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.

Why choose our programme?

• Fast-track to Success: Have the first two years of existing experience and learning approved and move straight into the final year of your degree
• Flexible Learning: Attend classes on your terms, a blend of online and face-to-face, whether full-time or part-time
• Tailored for Professionals: We will recognise your expertise and prior learning, allowing you to focus on advanced topics
• Industry Approved: Our curriculum aligns with the latest industry standards.

What you’ll gain

• A BA (Hons) degree: Professional Policing BA (Hons) or Criminal and Corporate Investigation BA (Hons)
• Critical Skills: Enhance your existing analytical, communication and leadership abilities
• Advanced Knowledge: Go deeper into criminal investigations, corporate threats, and ethical policing strategies
• Career Boost: Elevate your professional standing and potential to open doors to new opportunities.

Join our Community of Investigators:

Connect with like-minded professionals, learn from experienced tutors and industry leaders with the Criminal Justice department, in the Faculty of Business and Law, and build professional networks.

For more information and how to apply:

If you’d like to know more about the APEL opportunities and how to apply please contact:

• Simon Feist – Deputy Head of Criminal Justice

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 group 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.

Taught sessions are usually between two or three hours per module per week. Pre-reads are provided for most sessions and you should arrive prepared, having already read the assigned texts so that you can maximise your understanding.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments are varied and consist 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.

Are there any special features?

You can practice real life scenarios in one of our specialist facilities. For interview training, there are purpose-built interview rooms and a realistic custody suite as well as a mock flat with one way mirrors.

In addition, we are one of only a few universities in the country that have fully functioning Hydra simulation room used for immersive learning. Hydra is a sophisticated piece of technology that is used to simulate the reality of critical incident management.

Facilities includes:

• tutoring to the same level as regular officers
• mentoring
• role plays in partnership with actors, paramedics and lawyers from across the University
• interview training in purpose-built interview rooms
• mentoring groups
• guest speakers from across the industry
• bespoke fast track application for Northants Police for successful applicants
• realistic Custody suite
• mock flat with one way mirrors.

Are there any work experience opportunities?

There are opportunities to go on work placements, either with the Northamptonshire Police, Northampton Borough Council or with not-for-profit groups who deal with prevention of offending behaviour amongst vulnerable groups, or substance abuse such as Free to Talk.

Please note that placements are not guaranteed, they must be earned and if you do not display the relevant professional standards or acquire the relevant standards in your coursework you will not receive a placement.

Does this course take part in the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme?

Our 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.

What can you do with a degree in professional policing?

With a professional policing degree, you can open up the opportunity to apply for a career in policing at the College of Policing website. You will have obtained all the skills and knowledge you will need to be successful during the application process. You will also have a deep understanding of the policing professional standards required of serving police officers in the UK.

However, please note that having this degree does not guarantee that you will be employed after being interviewed for a policing job.

Who are the Student Support Team?

The Student Experience Support Team are a team of previous graduates of the University of Northampton, they are here to support all Faculty of Business and Law students by offering a friendly listening ear and ensuring students are aware of the numerous support systems that the University has to offer.

The team provides confidential 1-1 meetings in person and online where they will signpost the students to the relevant support teams to ensure they are aware of the support available for them throughout their studies. You can follow the Student Experience Support Team to see the services they offer.