Program Overview

The police constable is the heartbeat of effective policing and this degree will give you all the knowledge required to start a career in this role.

This College of Policing accredited course offers a policing standard, knowledge-based examination of policing challenges and criminal justice processes and will help you to be able to make an informed choice about your future career destination within policing.

Why study this subject?

The curriculum for this degree has been rigorously mapped against the national learning standards defined by the College of Policing ensuring that our teaching is up-to-date and in line with the current policing landscape.

In year one, you will be introduced to the significant legal and ethical responsibilities of a police constable through a thorough introduction of core professional policing principles including criminal justice legislation, processes, standards and concepts. You will examine theoretical criminological concepts with a focus on practical application, alongside the growth of ‘plural policing’.

In year two, you will cover topics such as community policing, risk, professional standards and public protection which will guide you towards ever more ethical professional policing practice. You’ll develop your understanding of more complex and serious criminal investigations, as well as operational policing priorities.

In year three, you will explore complex and strategic policing issues, alongside operational policing challenges that front-line policing teams are typically responding to, and the conduct of ethical criminal investigations including the moral and legal considerations. You will also get to undertake a detailed, evidence-based research policing project which will demonstrate understanding of evidence-based and empirical research methods.