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Professional Policing BSc(Hons)

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    Overview

    Providing you with a strong theoretical, methodological, and ethical understanding of policing, this course – while it doesn’t guarantee you employment – prepares you for a prospective future career in policing and other areas of security and public service.

    Licenced by the College of Policing (CoP) to offer this Professional Policing Degree, we work with West Yorkshire Police (WYP), our local force, on the requirements for joining the force and developing opportunities around the Special Constabulary, as well as other employment and volunteering roles in WYP. We also partner with departments across the University to provide opportunities for more practical-based exercises, for example, involving students and staff from Paramedic studies, Nursing, Law, and Social Work.

    Understanding the importance of working in partnership with other professionals will assist in your application to become a police officer.

    Why study Professional Policing BSc(Hons)

    It is now a requirement, under certain entry routes into policing, that new police officers have a degree-level qualification – upon completion of this course and application to the police, you can concentrate on professional police training, during your two years as a probationer, and do not have to undertake further study.

    The course has been designed for those who have an interest in learning about the law and working with people. There have been many situations, where harm has come to vulnerable people, such as children, those with learning difficulties, physical or mental health issues, older adults and those experiencing domestic violence.

    Maintaining the law is just one aspect of policing, and protecting the public, particularly the vulnerable, is another. Some of the issues raised by these situations concern how individuals from different professions or disciplines work together, communicate, and understand each other’s roles and responsibilities. This course will help you to understand the law, how to work with others and to protect the public.

    You’ll be taught by lecturers who have a wide range of research practice knowledge and specialisms as experts in their field. You’ll also gain real-world experience via teaching by police officers and professionals from other organisations, and you’ll hear first-hand experiences from guest speakers from community organisations. You may also have the opportunity to work and study abroad via the Turing Scheme

    A truly interactive course, you’ll engage (in different ways) in learning, through written work, practical exercises, and small group discussions, and debates. You’ll focus on topics including the criminal justice system, crime prevention, social science, and policing communities.

    Opening a wide range of possibilities, this Professional Policing degree is the foundation for a potentially rewarding career ahead.

    If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Psychology and Crime Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree or our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree.

    Entry requirements

    To find out if you’re eligible to start this course in September 2025 and get more information on how to apply, please see our Clearing pages or call our Clearing Helpline on 0333 987 9000.

    If you’re interested in studying this course in September 2026, please view the 2026-27 course information.

    Course Detail

    Criminal Justice

    This module will introduce you to the Criminal Justice System (CJS) in England and Wales. You’ll learn about different court systems and processes, the range of punishments and sanctions. You’ll examine victims in the CJS and changes connected to the treatment of victims, witnesses and offenders. You’ll focus on the role of the police and its relationship with the Crown Prosecution Service. You’ll consider rehabilitation and partnership working to support offenders, victims and witnesses.

    Criminology and Crime Prevention

    This module develops your understanding of criminological approaches to crime. The professionalisation of policing in England and Wales are requiring police officers to be critical as well as reflective. The complexity and diversity of society requires officers who can handle situations which are rarely routine. An introduction to criminological perspectives on policing and crime reduction will foster an understanding of the initiatives and approaches that have been proposed and adopted to reducing crime.

    Policing Communities and Problem Solving

    This module will develop your understanding of ‘Community Policing’. You’ll look at the development of community policing, as a response to public criticism of reactive based policing and a move to a more proactive approach. It will highlight examples of real-world significance and explore the changing nature of community policing in a social and political context. It will introduce you to signal crimes and signal disorder and the development of problem-oriented policing (POP) and partnership working.

    Policing: Core Functions and Standards

    The module will introduce you to the purpose, responsibilities, and standards of the modern police service. Principles of policing in England and Wales; fairness and equality are part of the change towards professionalisation. Concepts in policing such as ‘policing by consent’ and ‘legitimacy’ rely on public cooperation for officers to carry out their role. This module encourages you to consider an evidenced-based approach.

    Study and Employability Skills

    In this module you'll be introduced to study skills within a Higher Education (HE) setting, focusing on academic writing, referencing and citations, basic library searches and research. Alongside this, you’ll also be introduced to the skills and competencies required to become a police officer and how to prepare for the recruitment process. The module aims to develop your abilities to achieve within a professional HE programme. It will also provide you with an understanding of the police recruitment process.

    Valuing Difference and Inclusion

    In this module you’ll consider how the police service in England and Wales develops and maintains positive relationships with all communities. You’ll look at how society has changed and the police service has responded. You’ll explore significant events such as the Brixton Riots (1981) and the murder of Stephen Lawrence (1993). You’ll examine how equality legislation has developed since the 1970s with a focus on confidence in the police.

    Designing Evidence-Based Policing Research

    Evidence-based policing (EBP) has come to the fore in recent years reflecting a more general trend across public and social services. This module provides the opportunity for you to develop your understanding of the underpinning ideas behind EBP and introduces you to ways of effectively designing such research. This module acts as an introduction to the EBP dissertation and also helps develop your academic and critical understanding of research as a whole and the way in which research can be used to develop new approaches to policing or reinforce existing practices.

    Intelligence and Information

    UK Policing relies on information and intelligence. Intelligence underpins policing operations and contributes to police collaborations with other agencies. This raises issues about how information is collected, how it comes to form intelligence, ethics and the management of data. This module aims to develop your understanding of the role of information and intelligence within policing and how the police are obliged to collect, store, and manage intelligence appropriately. It will consider intelligence use in policing operations and how partner agencies can support operations through the sharing of information and intelligence.

    Police Investigations

    This module introduces you to the structure, processes, and role of police investigations, and the legal, resourcing and professional/ethical standards within which they operate. It reviews core elements of the investigative process, different investigative types, and how different forms of information are utilised. It considers victim/witness support during the investigative process, reviews the differing roles of key stakeholders, and explores roles and relationships between police investigators and specialist partners. It considers how personal attitudes, values and bias can influence investigations, and reviews how investigations and investigative material are managed and reviewed.

    Policing the Roads

    This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the policing of roads in England and Wales. It will explain the core function of the police service using the 3 Es of roads policing: ‘Education, Engineering and Enforcement’. It will cover the key road traffic legislation and policies relating to the use of vehicles, as well consider the use of vehicles in connection with crime and anti-social behaviour. The use of problem-solving model will be explored, alongside national strategies and policy development for safer roads. Evidence-based Policing research contextualises learning and good practice throughout.

    Response Policing

    This module introduces you to response policing and its effectiveness in contemporary policing. Response policing often leads to further investigation. It is frequently required when the public first contact the police for assistance. Calls can be challenging; from a person in mental health crisis to a major incident. This module draws upon interoperability and joint working relationships with other emergency services and partner agencies. It develops understanding of key social, political and strategic drivers that impact on contemporary response policing.

    Victimology: Vulnerability and Risk

    This module helps to develop your understanding of vulnerability and risk. It introduces you to competing views of vulnerability and why the police adopt a specific definition related to the concept of policing as a public service. It addresses the interrelationship of vulnerability with risk to highlight how some individuals and groups are more vulnerable to offending behaviour. It will enable you to understand how the police reduces risk. This includes approaches linked to early intervention, prevention and partnership working. College of Policing’s National Policing Curriculum ‘Vulnerability and Risk’ and areas of ‘Victims and Witnesses’ are covered in this module.

    Wellbeing and Resilience

    In this module you'll explore the critical impact of working within criminal justice and policing on mental health and wellbeing. It covers the significance of mental health in policing, the unique stressors faced by officers in various roles, and the organisational and occupational stressors that affect their wellbeing. The module also compares wellbeing challenges across the criminal justice system, examines strategies and interventions to develop personal resilience, and addresses the risks associated with personal device use. Additionally, it delves into the role of organisational justice, exploring its impact on wellbeing and performance, and the role of mental health in offending behaviour and the communities policed, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of mental health dynamics in this field.

    Leadership and Decision-Making

    This module provides a comprehensive exploration of leadership principles and responsibilities within the context of policing. It critically evaluates key leadership principles and the responsibilities of leaders at all levels. You will delve into the complexities of operational policing, addressing issues such as police culture, integrity, diversity, and public perceptions, as well as examining the National Decision Model (NDM) and its application in decision-making processes, highlighting the role of ethics, discretion and intelligence. Additionally, the module covers best practices in response to critical incidents and effective communication strategies for dealing with the media, ensuring that you are well-prepared to handle the multifaceted challenges of modern policing.

    Contemporary Policing Challenges

    This module offers you the opportunity to explore key contemporary challenges to the nature and practice of policing and security. You will be enabled to consider the impact of social change on policing in a variety of ways including, for example: policing of new and emerging crimes; the impact of technological developments on the commission and investigation of crime; policing within the context of globalisation, marketisation, managerialism, risk and multi-culturalism; and threats to national and public security.

    Evidenced- Based Policing Project

    The aim of this module is to provide you with an opportunity to gain experience of conducting evidenced-based policing research. The ability to undertake planned and well executed research is a core skill within the discipline of police education and is a requirement of the National Policing Curriculum. You’ll have the opportunity to study and research a policing topic in detail, enabling you to further develop your understanding of research gained in Years 1 and 2.

    Public Protection

    The idea of public protection has been at the centre of policing since its inception in the 19th century. This module builds on the ‘Policing: Core Functions and Standards’ and ‘Victimology: Vulnerability and Risk’, to help deepen your understanding of the concept public protection in modern day policing. It will provide you with the legislative tools and guidance to help you understand how you can develop policing practice in relation to public protection. The College of Policing’s National Police Curriculum for ‘Public Protection’ is covered in this module.

    On average 23.9% of study time on this course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc. You’ll be taught through seminars, group work, lectures, practical scenarios, presentations, written reports, case studies and individual tuition.

    Assessment will include a portfolio of work prepared over a period of time, written assignments, class based on-line and in-class tests, oral presentations, case studies, operational planning, and projects. Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

    Feedback is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    Further information

    The teaching year normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Timetables are normally available one month before registration. As this is a full-time course, you may have to attend every day of the week.

    Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 360 credits in total for a bachelor’s qualification. All the modules are compulsory as they are based on the National Policing Curriculum requirements. There are no optional modules on this programme.

    If you achieve 120 credits for the current stage you are at, you may progress to the next stage of your course, subject to any professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Our teaching staff rank first in England for the proportion with higher degrees and teaching qualifications, as well as being top five for those holding doctorates (HESA 2025). So you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are joint first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 23 since 2008 (2024 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    Visit ‘Our experts’ page where you’ll find in-depth profiles of all our academic staff

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

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    Important information

    We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

    Changes to a course you have applied for

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Cancellation of a course you have applied for

    Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    Termination of course

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

    Equal opportunities

    The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

    Data protection

    The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

    Students’ Union membership

    Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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