BSc (Hons) Professional Policing

What you will study

Year 1 (Level 4)

In the first year, you'll be introduced to key concepts and principles in policing, developing foundational skills and knowledge required for the police constable role.

Modules:

• Study Skills in Higher Education: Develop essential academic skills, including research, critical thinking, and effective communication.
• Understanding the Police Constable Role: Gain an overview of the roles, responsibilities, and challenges faced by police constables.
• Police Professionalism: Explore the importance of professional standards, ethics, and integrity in policing.
• Police Law: Examine key legal frameworks and legislation underpinning policing in England and Wales.
• Criminal Justice: Study the structure and processes of the criminal justice system and its interaction with the police.
• Decision Making and Leadership: Focus on leadership and decision-making within policing, especially in challenging situations.

Year 2 (Level 5)

In the second year, you will build on foundational knowledge, delving deeper into specific areas of policing such as information management, digital policing, and the application of police powers.

Modules:

• Information and Intelligence in Policing: Learn to manage and use intelligence to inform policing strategies and operations.
• Digital Policing: Understand the impact of digital technologies on policing, including cybercrime and technological investigations.
• Roads Policing: Cover key elements of roads policing, focusing on legislation, enforcement, and associated challenges.
• Applying Police Powers: Learn about the legal powers available to police officers and their practical application.
• Response Policing: Examine challenges associated with first-response policing, including public order management and emergencies.
• Police Investigations 1: Explore the investigative process and how to conduct professional and effective investigations.

Year 3 (Level 6)

In the third year, you will engage with advanced topics in policing, culminating in a dissertation project. This year focuses on applying knowledge and skills in complex policing contexts, including multi-agency working and contemporary challenges.

Modules:

• Dissertation (40 credits): Students will conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, culminating in a written dissertation that demonstrates their ability to engage in critical analysis and present research findings.
• Trauma, Vulnerability, and Wellbeing in Policing (20 credits): This module examines the impact of trauma and vulnerability on individuals in the criminal justice system and the role of the police in safeguarding their wellbeing.
• Police Investigations 2 (20 credits): Building on the previous investigations module, students will engage with more complex investigative processes, including managing serious crimes and working with specialist units.
• Multi-Agency Working in the Criminal Justice System (20 credits): This module focuses on the importance of collaboration between different agencies, such as police, social services, and healthcare providers, in managing criminal justice cases.
• Policing Contemporary Communities (20 credits): Students will critically assess the challenges faced by police in modern communities, including issues of diversity, cohesion, and community safety.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

Minimum entry requirements are:

1. 96-112 UCAS points or equivalent e.g. Pass in an Access to Higher Education programme with 15 level 2 credits, 45 level 3 credits to be graded following the rules of a combination as follows: 6 Distinctions, 33 merits, 6 passes

2. The applicant must demonstrate in their UCAS personal statement a readiness to engage in Higher Education and the motivation, in particular, to undertake a BA (Hons) Professional Policing degree.

OR

1. Entry to the degree is also possible where an applicant is able to demonstrate that prior and/or experiential learning will enable them to cope with the academic and professional demands of the programme.

Subject to the availability of places, applicants meeting either of these requirements would receive an offer of an interview. At the interview, applicants’ readiness to engage in higher education and their motivation and presenting eligibility to undertake the Policing degree would be explored further.

Teaching & Assessment

You'll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and scenario-based learning, including simulated policing encounters. The workload includes a mix of theoretical and practical sessions, with opportunities for inter-professional learning. Assessment methods comprise essays, exams, presentations, role-plays, and a dissertation project.

Teaching and learning

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments.

Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Our dedicated Careers and Employability team is committed to helping you achieve your professional goals. They provide personalised advice, useful resources, and extracurricular employability events to prepare you for the job market.

Graduates of this course can pursue careers such as:

• Police Constable
• Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
• Criminal Investigator
• Intelligence Analyst
• Fraud
• Civil Service roles
• Cybercrime Investigator 
• Border Force Officer
• Prison Officer

Additionally, you may choose to further your expertise through postgraduate studies. Explore our postgraduate courses for more information.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

Accommodation

At Wrexham University, we offer on-campus en-suite rooms within our Wrexham Student Village. These private, fully furnished spaces are conveniently located, providing easy access to campus facilities, study areas, and social spaces. Plus, you’re just a 10-minute walk from the city centre!

With all bills included, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, and large social areas, you’ll find everything you need for a great student experience.

Explore our accommodation options to find your perfect home away from home.