Professional Policing (with integrated foundation year)

Are you looking to making a difference in the rapidly evolving world of policing? This course will allow you to delve deeply into the justice system, different types of crimes and teach you how to make effective and dynamic decisions. The University of Cumbria is ranked 81.8% for overall student satisfaction (NSS, 2022)

Designed and licensed by The College of Policing, you can be assured that you will graduate with all the skills required to gain a competitive edge when it comes to applying for graduate roles.

Course Overview
Our integrated foundation year course has been designed to provide you with the confidence and essential university skills needed to progress onto our degree level programme in your first year of study.

You’ll develop a firm foundation in the theory and practice of policing, while strengthening your skill set through supporting disciplines, such as criminology, the application of ethics and the interpretation of legislation and procedure.

This programme delivers a curriculum set by The College of Policing, so you can be sure your learning will be of the highest calibre. Our dedicated and enthusiastic team come from a wide range of policing backgrounds, and their extensive knowledge is complemented by guest speakers from a variety of policing and criminal justice roles. Our licensed ‘pre-join’ degree is the go-to course to get you off to the best possible start in your policing career.

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.

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.

Our BSc in Professional Policing has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of the National Policing Curriculum, as mandated by the College of Policing.