Policing in the UK is undergoing some of the most radical changes since Sir Robert Peel first launched the Metropolitan Police in 1829. The challenges that the modern day policing practitioner faces are often high risk and fast moving in a context of increasing accountability. There’s now a strong professional commitment at a senior level which openly encourages policing practitioners, both serving and potential, to develop to degree level.
Building upon both practical and theoretical insights, the course will develop you across a wide range policing contexts, and encourage critical and analytical thinking whilst preparing you for a role in twenty-first century policing.
Lecturers on this degree have had significant experience in working in the police service, are distinguished academics, and are engaged in important research links to police practice. We have strong links with the City of London Police, the Metropolitan Police Service, British Transport Police and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime.
Assessment
You’re assessed through a combination of essays, module-specific research projects, seen and unseen examinations and an individual largely self-directed project which includes an assessed oral presentation. In Year 1, assessments seek to encourage you to specify and describe theories and institutions. In Year 2, assessments require you to extend and critically evaluate the knowledge you have encountered.
Students at this level are also required to produce reports including data analysis and interpretation. In Year 3, assessments test your critical knowledge of applied areas of police studies and criminology and your ability to think and research independently.
Professional accreditation
This degree offers two routes for entering into the police service. We are in the process of gaining approval by the College of Policing to deliver the equivalent of the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing. The course also provides the opportunity to apply to become a special constable.
After the course
At the end of the programme you’ll gain the skills and qualifications needed to become a police officer or police employee. These will be gained by taking specialist modules which provide the equivalent of the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing approved by the College of Policing. You’ll also gain the skills necessary to become a police analyst and those required for policing in schools and neighbourhood policing. There are also opportunities to spend time as a special constable to gain academic credit.
Police services in London include the Metropolitan Police Service, British Transport Police and the City of London Police. Students will be fast tracked into a role as a special constable from which the strongest candidates may gain a permanent post.
There are other further opportunities to study security and policing courses at master’s and doctorate level.
