Police Studies with Criminal Investigation with Foundation Year

Prepare yourself for a career in criminal justice with BSc (Hons) Police Studies with Criminal Investigation. Gain hands-on experience, explore contemporary challenges, and build a strong foundation for roles in justice, intelligence, and beyond.

This degree provides insights into crime prevention, detection, and punishment and looks at the concept of justice in our society. Offering a holistic view of the criminal justice system, it can prepare you for roles in both public and private sectors.

Why study Police Studies with Criminal Investigation at BNU?

Career Options
- BSc (Hons) Police Studies with Criminal Investigation is aimed at students who are seeking a broader study of policing beyond the police constable role, such as non-warranted roles both within policing or the wider criminal justice and security environment. This degree also prepares you for postgraduate studies in various criminal justice, policing, and related subjects, allowing you to further specialise and advance your career in whatever your chosen field.

Hands-On Experience
- At BNU, we have specialised facilities, including our Police Code of Practice Suite which can be utilised for practical learning. We also take students on various day trips that are relevant to the course, for example, a trip to High Wycombe Magistrates Court can be part of the learning. You’ll also be able to use our library to support your studies, whether you’re looking for the resources you need or just a quiet place to study.

Industry Partnerships
- BNU has a longstanding partnership with Thames Valley Police and offers you unique opportunities for practical experience and career development. Through placements and volunteer roles, you will gain first-hand exposure to law enforcement operations, augmenting your theoretical knowledge with practical experiences under the guidance of experienced professionals. BNU's connections within the criminal justice sector ensure that students receive guidance and support in pursuing diverse career paths within law enforcement and related fields.

What will I study?
In the Foundation Year of this four-year course, you’ll build essential academic study skills. This year will help you gain confidence in your abilities. You’ll also identify your strengths and areas for development. Together, these will prepare you for progression to the undergraduate degree.

Police Studies with Criminal Investigation focuses on the regulation of society by various policing agencies and agents. How lawlessness is detected, prevented, punished, monitored, and the concept of justice is discussed within this holistic degree. In the ever-expanding global world, the regulations and justice of other countries can be compared to English and Welsh systems.

Whilst the traditional view of policing is enforcement by the state, modern regulation of lawlessness is done by various other organisations both public and private. The course discusses these organisations whose aim is to monitor their citizens, control the lawless and deliver justice

You will also study the impact of significant police reforms, such as the code of ethics, and examine how these reforms shape professionalism and legitimacy in policing. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on understanding the changing nature of policing, including the role of non-state organizations in law enforcement and justice.

Additionally, practical experience is an integral part of your studies. You will have opportunities to engage in work placements, such as volunteering as a Special Constable with Thames Valley Police, which helps to develop your future employability, self-confidence, and resilience. The degree also prepares you for careers within the police, intelligence agencies, civil service, or the broader criminal justice system.