• Undergraduate

Professional Policing with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Overview

Overview

Why study at UWL? 
  • In the top 30% of universities nationwide - The Guardian University Guide 2024 
  • University of the Year for Social Inclusion - Daily Mail University Guide 2024 
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 
  • Number 1 London university (non-specialist) - National Student Survey 2023** 

Policing encompasses all the activities that prevent crime, detect offenders, support victims, and enhance community safety as you will discover on our BSc (Hons) Professional Policing degree.

Licensed by the College of Policing (the Professional Body for policing in the UK), the course is based upon the national curriculum for the role of police constable.

Through a carefully curated programme of modules, the degree will bring to life the theory and reality of working as a police officer and provide you with an entry route into policing or related fields.

Why study our BSc Professional Policing degree?

  • ideal for those wanting to join the police or explore a similar career
  • covers all key areas of modern policing
  • fully licensed by the College of Policing
  • one of the few degree courses closely mapped to the Policing Education Qualification Framework
  • benefit from our strong links with the Metropolitan Police
  • range of voluntary opportunities to gain experience
  • learn from a team of expert lecturers with extensive policing experience

Joining the police force post-study

One route to being a police officer is to gain this qualification before applying to join the police service. You would then need to successfully apply to join a police force as a probationary police constable. National and local entry requirements would need to be met, and the achievement of the degree does not guarantee a successful application. For further details go to the College of Policing's pre-join degree page.

Foundation Year

The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue on to your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Female students making notes during a lecture

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Professional Policing with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Professional Policing with Foundation Year with us?

What our students say…

I loved the course, particularly the focus on policing and investigation. The lecturers were excellent because they were qualified people, and it was not just about academic work – we took part in role plays, which brought the subject to life.

Rajesh Tewari
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This course is licensed by the College of Policing
Industry focused teaching
In partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).
Closely mapped to the Policing Education Qualification Framework (PEQF)
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

The BSc (Hons) Professional Policing course provides a dynamic and active opportunity to study all aspects of policing and act as a springboard to a rewarding, exciting, life-changing career.

As well as following the College of Policing’s National Police Curriculum, this is one of a few degree courses nationwide that is closely mapped to the Policing Education Qualification Framework (PEQF), which covers all key areas of modern policing.

From building a comprehensive bank of knowledge and experience, you will develop both professionally and personally and become effective problem-solvers, communicators, negotiators, and leaders.

Benefits of studying at the Institute for Policing Studies

While studying with us, as well as enjoying our facilities and vibrant university environment, you will take advantage of:

  • Expert lecturers - our team bring both the academic rigour required for your studies and extensive expertise across a range of policing roles
  • Valuable experiences - as part of the consortium delivering initial recruit education for the Metropolitan Police, you can work alongside recruits and be taught by a team actively engaged with serving officers
  • International interaction - our international work with the British Council means you will be able to interact with policing students from across the world, widening your understanding and providing you with many development opportunities
  • Network building opportunities - our research network means you can engage with students and lecturers in many of the UK's leading police academic and policing institutions to build a career-supporting network.

Relationship with the Metropolitan Police

We have developed strong relationships with the local Basic Command Units of the Met Police and will provide opportunities for observations and joint workshops to gain detailed insights. This will help develop your studies and build a portfolio that you will be able to use throughout your professional career.

Volunteering opportunities

We encourage all students to take on volunteering roles which are a great way of increasing your experience. This could be with:

  • the Metropolitan Police Service as a Special Constable
  • a law enforcement organisation such as the National Crime Agency
  • a local charity working with victims or offenders
  • a local authority community safety team.

Foundation year

There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course. 

Compulsory modules

  • Personalised Learning

    The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.

  • Study Skills for Success

    This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.

  • Introduction to Policing

    This module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to key concepts underpinning policing in England and Wales. The police force is a key criminal justice organisation which is rarely out of the headlines, and students studying this module will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the context of, current issues in, and potential future of policing.

    This module aims to equip students with a good understanding of the issues underpinning policing in England and Wales. This includes the history and evolution of the modern police force, cop culture and discretion, policing in the media, police misconduct, policing across borders and the future of policing. The module seeks to encourage students to analyse the tension between the theory and practice of policing and to understand the competing goals and aims of policing. The module will also provide a basic introduction to police powers, including ‘stop and search’ and discuss recent events in relation to the police and ‘race’ and racism.

  • The Criminal Justice System

    The aims of the module are to develop your knowledge and critical understanding of the principles and the logic of adversarial justice and key principles that underpin the system of criminal law in England and Wales.

    Additionally, the module will promote an appreciation and understanding of criminal procedure with a focus on the way the criminal justice system operates in practice.

  • Crime and Society

  • Understanding Research and Evidence

Compulsory modules

  • Introduction to the Role of the Police

    Understand that Policing is a demanding profession that requires a police constable to maintain the highest level of professional standards. This module will improve your knowledge of core principles of ethics, equality, diversity and human rights. Understanding potential barriers experienced by individuals, based upon personal circumstances and how cross-cultural differences may affect interaction between individuals, groups and organisations. 

    The Police Constable role is the cornerstone of British policing and the key deliverer of the concept of policing by consent. It will explain the history and creation of the police, looking at the Peelian principles and how it supports the modern police service.

     The module will enhance your understanding of the term ‘discretion’ and how it plays an important part in the decision-making process in policing. You will consider current issues of disproportionality in police action and police decision making through case studies including the ‘The Lammy Review’ and ‘The Morris Enquiry.’ 

  • Introduction to Evidence-based Practice

    Study evidence of effective practice to inform problem solving practice and evaluate the effectiveness of policing interventions. Understanding evidence: What constitutes evidence-based practice, assess the reliability, validity and quality of evidence. Visiting evidence in practice: Learning about crime mapping, ethics, sources of research and evidence for practice. Research and Study Skills: Developing skills, understanding competence and behaviour and studying in groups  

  • Vulnerability and Crime

  • Introduction to Policing Practice

    Enhance your understanding of the prevalence of technology and devices in modern society and their effect on policing: These range from the impact of social media on the police ability to communicate with a wider range of audiences to Echo and Google Home to create digital witnesses. They are in addition to more traditional and longer-standing technologies such as CCTV. 

    You will develop a systematic way of making decisions, whether fast time or at a more leisurely pace, using the National Decision Model; and examine the function of community policing and the key issues relevant to community policing and how these complement other policing functions, such as response policing. 

    Policing is under more scrutiny from regulatory bodies such as Independent Office for Police Investigations as well as the public, the module will enhance your understanding of The Code of Ethics and the necessity to maintain the highest professional standards both at work and in your private life.

  • Offender Management

    How does the Criminal Justice System approach offenders, and how the process is made more effective by having different agencies participate in it. There are a wide range of structures that are used by agencies to manage offenders who are returning to communities.

    You will gain an insight as to what might be expected of you as a policing professional. You will develop the skills to understand how to manage and deal with offenders. This is particularly so once they are returning to communities. There is a responsibility both to allow these offenders return as far as possible to a constructive/positive lifestyle, and at the same time ensuring that communities are protected from any further offending that they might carry out. An ability to work in a process with other agencies to a shared objective will be a recurring theme throughout your degree – and this module will allow you to appreciate how important this work is. 

  • Crime Investigations

    'Conducting Investigations’ and ‘Information and Intelligence’. Covering key investigative skills required by police in a variety of areas. You will quickly learn the principles related to conducting investigations to gain an understanding of best practice and appropriate approaches for dealing with a variety of criminal investigations. The three sections:  Investigative Strategies: learn about investigating crime (Trace, Investigate, Evaluate (TIE) process). Victim and Witness care and engagement through investigations: Support victims and witnesses to gain best evidence in obtaining an account of an incident or crime.  Intelligence: Effective intelligence management, gathering and sharing

Compulsory modules

  • Developing Professional Practice

  • Research Skills

    During this module you will explore the principles that underpin research design and planning, information retrieval and critical appraisal of scientific evidence, data collection, basic statistical analysis, and dissemination of research findings. You will also gain module experience in drafting a research proposal.

  • Crime and Public Protection

    Do you know how particular groups of people may be considered as being ‘vulnerable’. This vulnerability can be different in nature and can be caused by a variety of societal, personal and contextual factors. It can be exploited by types and groups of offenders. This module then explores that relationship in more detail in the context of vulnerability – and how an understanding of the theories/concepts involved can make you a more effective practitioner. This will also mean that you will have to think about your own personal standards and attitudes when dealing with vulnerable people as a policing practitioner. 

     There are a variety of procedures and arrangements that exist to ensure that vulnerable people are protected from harm. You will learn about how Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) are in place to monitor and deal with risky and potentially dangerous offenders, and how Multi Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH) work to ensure Safeguarding arrangements for potentially vulnerable adults and children. You will understand how policing plays a role in these processes, together with the importance of working with other agencies. 

  • Intelligence Management and Investigations

    Develop understanding, skills and capabilities to handle intelligence, investigate crimes and consider more complex issues which impact on conducting investigations and gathering information/intelligence.

     Conducting Investigations: ‘volume and priority’ crime and ‘serious and complex’ investigations; gathering information/intelligence and extend your understanding of psychological and physiological influences on memory and how this impacts upon interviewing. 

    Information and Intelligence: developing, gathering and storing of intelligence, legal frameworks, using intelligence in complex enquiries, maintaining information integrity and security. You will explore the legislation applicable to the gathering of information and intelligence, including the correct use and application of search warrants; learn how to use the National Intelligence Model (NIM), the concepts of risk (Actionable intelligence, Developmental intelligence), management of risk in law enforcement and methods of analysis and evaluation of information and intelligence; and the police tasking and co-ordination process. 

    Digital Policing: how criminals engage in complex internet-related crime (Hacking, Malware, Denial of service, Data manipulation, etc); digital investigative opportunities (including: Using IP (Internet Protocol) resolution, Services used, for example, social media, emails, messaging, Data held on devices, for example, smartphones, satnavs, laptops); the role of specialists in retrieving information/intelligence or evidence from devices and how to understand and interpret results of specialised reports.  

  • Policing in Action (placement)

    You will enhance your understanding of the complexity and challenges of modern operational policing by examining specific challenges faced by response officers in complex situations and contexts exploring the complex types of digital-facilitated crimes and their impacts (e.g. Hacking; Malware; Phishing: Browser hi-jacking; Data manipulation; Cryptocurrency and CryptoLocker offences). Researching the effect of roads-related anti-social behaviour offences on victims and families and on groups of people who are especially vulnerable in the road’s environment. 

    The module will enhance your understanding of the appropriate powers to stop and search a person as well explain the potential impact of a search or stop on individuals and communities. It will enhance your understanding of the purpose and value of community engagement. The aims and benefits of community engagement and the typology of community engagement. 

    This will increase understanding of street gang culture and their power within communities. Reducing knife crime. It will explain strategies for how those involved in response policing can remain effective in an increasingly challenging environment. 

Compulsory modules

  • Project Dissertation

  • Leadership and Mentoring

  • Enhancing Police Practice

    Does Policing have a unique and challenging place within contemporary society? The role that police play in preventing crime is always changing and evolving, particularly in the face of some modern issues. Vulnerable victims being exploited by criminal gangs and organised crime groups operating in communities, are two of the problems that will be looked at in this context.

    Crime prevention is a topic that has been looked at throughout the degree. In this module it will be considered from the point of view of how it can make a difference in preventing young people potentially getting involved in crime. It will also be looked at through the aspect of media coverage – and how effects people’s perception of crime and their understanding the police role in preventing crime.

    The road network is also a place where criminality can potentially flourish. The police also have a responsibility to work collaboratively with other agencies to make the road networks safer and reduce the levels of collisions and deaths. How relevant strategies are developed to deal with these is another of the contemporary challenges that will be looked at in this module. 

  • Advanced Investigation Skills

    Acquire the skills to investigate complex and serious crimes, understand the legislation, assessment and management of potential vulnerabilities of victims/witnesses/suspects, and the impact of trauma on victims, and witnesses. The investigation of serious and complex offences can impact wellbeing, therefore you will learn about welfare of yourself and others during an investigation. You will develop the skills and behaviours of interviewers, how these would need to be adjusted for the nature of the investigation and liaison with interview advisors in the context of complex investigations. 

    You will extend your learning on application of the National Intelligence Model (NIM) and its use as a business model, types of assessments in NIM, strategic operations, good practice and areas for development. You will also consider and analyse the potential links between terrorism and other forms of criminality 

     

  • Advanced Problem-Solving and Professional Practice

    Policing by consent is achieved by working within a professional framework to identify policing issues of local concern to the community and of national concern to the country and working with the community and partners to resolve these. Where the police are effective in doing this and communicating the outcomes to the public, confidence and police effectiveness improves. This module will develop your skills in this area, focussing on using an internationally accepted model (SARA) and applying the latest evidence base and research approaches to resolve problems. Using real data and local policing issues you will research approaches and develop potential solutions and interventions to resolve these. 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

72 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Professional Policing without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Professional Policing without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
6.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept. 

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Professional Policing without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Professional Policing without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary. 

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

Two male policemen in high-vis jackets with their backs to camera

This qualification is licensed by the College of Policing as a pre-join qualification and provides the essential foundation for the education of potential police constables and those going into other professional roles.

The course will assist potential recruits to prepare and better understand the role but does not provide any guarantee regarding acceptance into the Police which is a competitive process based on numerous factors including aptitude testing, physical fitness, and vetting. For full details of the application process please go to joining the police.

Other career paths:

Whilst this degree teaches knowledge, theory and skills associated with the police constable role, Professional Policing graduates’ skills are also of relevance to anyone wishing to enter aligned work fields or organisations such as:

  • Border Force
  • Civil Service
  • Criminal Justice system
  • Cybercrime
  • MI5 and MI6
  • National Crime Agency
  • NGOs
  • Prison services
  • Security and intelligence industries.

You could also continue your studies, specialising in an area of interest or exploring something new. See our postgraduate courses.

How to apply

How to apply

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.