Professional Policing

In a society marked by escalating security concerns and intricate criminal challenges, individuals face the pressing need for a dedicated force to maintain law and order and address emerging threats.

Immerse yourself in a robust, industry relevant curriculum, designed and licensed by the National College of Policing. Explore the principles of obtaining intelligence, leadership and the nuances of criminal behaviour, equipping you with the essential tools to confidently embark upon a rewarding career in the forces.

Elevate your university experience by applying to volunteer in the local Special Constabulary, providing you with real-world policing experience alongside your studies, and giving you the golden ticket to our immersive Major Incident Event, where you will work alongside Paramedics and Forensic Scientists to develop your inter-professional skills.

You will benefit from the unwavering support of our expert academics, who have experienced policing and law enforcement first hand during their career. Their practical insights and real-world knowledge will enhance your learning experience, providing you with a robust foundation for your future endeavours in the field.

Course Overview
Our BSc (Hons) Professional Policing course provides a strong foundation in both the theory and practice of modern policing, alongside key supporting disciplines such as criminology, ethics, and the interpretation of legislation and procedure.

The curriculum is set by The College of Policing, ensuring your studies align with national standards and best practices. Delivered by an experienced academic team with diverse policing backgrounds, the course is enriched with insights from guest speakers across the policing and wider criminal justice sectors. As a licensed ‘pre-join’ degree, it’s the perfect starting point for those aspiring to a career in policing.

You’ll learn through a blend of engaging teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, directed study, and independent research. Our facilities also allow for immersive practical training, with simulated crime scenes and scenario-based role plays designed to mirror the challenges and complexities of policing in the real world.

Upon successful completion of the programme, you'll be academically prepared to enter the policing profession or pursue a variety of roles in the broader criminal justice field.

On this course you will:
- Learn how to make effective and dynamic police decisions and solve problems.

- Learn the fundamental powers and procedures that Police Officers use every day.

- Have the opportunity and be supported in applying for the local Special Constabulary, providing you with real-world policing experience alongside your studies.

- Have the opportunity (if a serving Special Constable) to take part in our CATE-nominated Major Incident exercise. You will work alongside Forensic Science and Paramedic Practice students to develop your inter-professional skills.

What you will learn
Our course is designed to be progressive, building on the required knowledge and skills as laid down in the National Policing Curriculum. At Level 4, we start with the history, structure and role of the Police Service, before examining such fundamentals as decision making, ethical considerations, vulnerability and risk, legislation and procedure, academic study skills and aspects of criminology and psychology.

As we move to Level 5 we drill further down into vital aspects of underpinning theory, including academic research skills. At Level 6, the more complex aspects of ethics, decision-making and vulnerability are further examined, alongside optional modules covering specific aspects of policing (such as crime investigation, or intelligence) and a year-long dissertation project.

The University of Cumbria's BSc in Professional Policing has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of the National Policing Curriculum, as mandated by the College of Policing.