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
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.
Entry requirements
- Requirements:UK
- Requirements:International
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 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.
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