Professional Policing BA (Hons)

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.

  Please note that having obtained a degree in ‘Professional Policing’ it does not guarantee you a job as a police officer. There is a strict eligibility criterion and several stages to the police application process which can be found on the College of Policing website.

  Also, your degree in policing has a currency of 5 years from graduation until you join the service (this applies to all College of Policing approved pre-join degrees offered elsewhere). It means that you have 5 years to join the police service following your graduation. The reason is that with there being so many changes in policing and legislation, any longer than 5 years would make it outdated.

  List of modules

  Information about the modules on this policing degree can be found on the Professional Policing module award map.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

  • Stage 1
    • Legislation for Policing and Investigators (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS1004

      Status: Compulsory
      This module examines legislation that impacts on the practices of the police and investigators such as the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. It also looks at the practical application of legislation, such as, the Theft Act 1968, Fraud Act 2006 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
    • Equality and Diversity in Criminal Justice (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS1005

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is mapped against the National Police Curriculum, and meets the requirments of the module, `Valuing Difference and Inclusion? It examines the legislative framework around equality and diversity, and how it translates into operational policy and practice
    • Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Professional Policing (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS1006

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is mapped against the National Police Curiculum as set by the College of Policing, it explores and develops contemporary themes in policing, enabling students to view them from a critical perspective. It introduces students to police ethics and values providing them with an understanding of how they are translated into policy and applied in the operational setting.
    • Professional Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS1012

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is mapped against the National Police Curriculum as set by the College of Policing. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a range of skills based exercises, following which, they will reflect on their own personal development encouraging them to become reflective practitioners.
    • Introduction to Academic Methods and Research (10 Credits)
      Module code: CJS1013

      Status: Compulsory
      This module complies with the National Police Curiculum as set by the College of Policing, in particular the module entitles `Research Methods & Skills?. It is designed to ensure that students develop the correct skills, attitudes and approaches to learning which will enable success at HE level.
    • Crime and Criminality (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS1018

      Status: Compulsory
      This module complies with the College of Policing?s National Police Curriculum, particularly the module Criminology and Crime Prevention. It enables students to consider how crime is constructed, perceived and responded to within contemporary society. Students will explore the inter-relationships between crime, conformity, social problems, and the context in which crime occurs.
    • Crime Scene Management and Evidence Recovery (10 Credits)
      Module code: CJS1019

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is mapped against the learning outcomes of the College of Policing?s National Police Curriculum, and it introduces students to the initial response to volume crimes, critical and major incidents including joint inter-operability of the emergency services; and also the theoretical principles underpinning forensic investigations, and importance of fast track actions.
  • Stage 2
    • Crime and Criminal Investigation (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS2007

      Status: Compulsory
      This module complies with the College of Policing?s National Police Curriculum by extending the students? legal knowledge from the topics taught in year 1.It explores laws and procedures that are concerned with more serious criminal offences, murder, manslaughter, kidnap and rape, and examines the This processes involved in the investigation of such offences as well as defences in law.
    • Road Policing Law (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS2008

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces students to the legislation and police practices relating to roads policing, in particular, the Road Traffic Act 1988. The knowledge gained in this module meets the requirements of the College of Policing?s National Police Curriculum, particularly the module entitled `Policing the Roads?.
    • Academic Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS2009

      Status: Compulsory
      This module extends the students? understanding of research methods enabling them to recognise similarities between an investigation and a piece of academic research, eg, an investigative strategy and a research methodology integrity and ethics, presentation of results and presentation of evidence, compliance with regulations and conventions such as writing styles.
    • Community Policing (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS2011

      Status: Compulsory
      This module meets the requirements of the College of Policing?s National Police Curriculum, in particular the module entitled, Policing Communities?. It provides students with an understanding of the work of the `Safer Community Teams? (SCTs) within Northamptonshire Police, and those partnership agencies supporting the police to foster and maintain community cohesion.
    • Enhanced Professional Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS2035

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is mapped against the College of Policing?s `National Police Curriculum?. It develops the knowledge gained at level 4 in the module CJS1012. Students will demonstrate their problem-solving and decision-making skills through structured scenario based exercises designed to develop their understanding of response policing and police investigations.ises.
    • Investigating Serious and Organised Crime and the Politics of Global Policing (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS2036

      Status: Compulsory
      Students will explore criminal behaviour within the fields of drugs, human trafficking, and serious organised crime including piracy, cybercrime and arms trafficking. Students will examine the interrelationships linking these areas, and the difficulties encountered in their investigation and prosecution in an international and global context.
  • Stage 3
    • Cyber Crime (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS3012

      Status: Compulsory
      This module deals with the legal and procedural complexities surrounding the three main areas of cyber crime. Mainly: computer?related offences, computer integrity offences, and internet crimes related to the distribution of illegal content. It examines substantive criminal law in England, comparing it to other jurisdictions and states.
    • Evidence Based Policing (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS3013

      Status: Compulsory
      Students will review the research for given policing interventions enabling them to identify studies that have delivered positive outcomes in live settings. `EBP? is about implementing scientifically proven strategies/tactics to resolve policing issues and community based problems, it embraces `Changemaker? principles by implementing innovative sustainable solutions to community based problems
    • Vulnerability, Risk and Public Protection (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS3017

      Status: Compulsory
      Within the criminal justice sector, issues of vulnerability, risk and public protection are regularly applied in a multi-agency context. This module examines the theoretical and legislative framework around the concepts of vulnerability, risk and public protection, application and translation into operational policy and practice in the United Kingdom.
    • Miscarriages of Justice (20 Credits)
      Module code: CJS3018

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is mapped against the College of Policing?s `National Police Curiculum?, it looks at the process of `Investigation? from a different angle, seeking to stimulate debate by challenging investigative practices/procedures by introducing students to controversial issues surrounding their subject area. It examines the impact `miscarriages of justice? have had upon victims/witnesses/suspects raising questions about the integrity of the criminal justice system itself.
    • Independent Study for Police Students (40 Credits)
      Module code: CJS4004

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will further extend the skills learned at level 5 by enabling the student to develop a substantial research report, reflecting current trends in criminal justice practice. It will also help to prepare students academically for postgraduate work at level 7, should they wish to engage in further studies.

  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.

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• Entry Requirements

  Typical offers for the degree in Policing would be:

  • BCC at A Level or
  • DMM at BTEC or
  • Pass (C and above) at T Level or
  • An Access Course that includes 30 level 3 credits at Merit.

  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.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  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.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  2024/25 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2024/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK Full Time: £9,250
  • International Full Time: £15,200

  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.

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2024. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK Full Time: £9,250
  • International Full Time: £14,750

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• Student Perks

  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 at at the University of Northampton, 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).

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• 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.

  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?

  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.

  Are there any special features on the Professional Policing degree?

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

  In addition, we are one of only 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 on the professional policing degree?

  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.

  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 provide 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.

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