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BSc (Hons) Professional Policing

Explore the dynamics of the modern UK police system and its diverse responsibilities in society. Gain indispensable skills and knowledge to fearlessly tackle present and future challenges, enabling you to fulfil your journey in law enforcement.

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Curriculum regularly enriched with perspective of the Crown Prosecution  Service (CPS)

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Full scale replica crown court where you’ll gain real-life experience

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2nd in the East of England for Social Policy (Complete University Guide, 2023)

Course overview

Our BSc (Hons) Professional Policing degree is designed to provide you with an unparalleled understanding of the in-depth world of modern policing.

This course will expose you to the complex theories and concepts related to crime, gaining practical experience that will help shape your knowledge and skills in the field of policing.

Throughout your studies, you’ll explore the depths of criminal behaviour and learn strategies employed by the police to prevent and deter criminals. The course covers complex subjects such as victim vulnerability and safeguarding, as well as operational topics including crime scene management, evidence gathering, and incident response. A big focus will be on the Criminal Justice System, while also exploring modern advancements and technologies including familial DNA and facial recognition, gaining insight into what the future of policing will look like.

The comprehensive and diverse curriculum will allow you to develop vital transferable skills including communication, decision-making and problem-solving. Students will be confidently equipped with the essential knowledge and skills for a future career in policing, law enforcement, and other relevant roles.

Why choose this course?

Led by a team of police and criminology experts, this course sets the standard when it comes to preparing you for a career in policing. You'll learn from their experience of the modern policing system, while developing your own skills to prepare you for your future.

Accompanied visits to key policing sites, such as call centres, custody suites, and operational centres offer a bold and eye-opening experience that goes beyond textbooks and theories. These visits will provide you with the chance to experience real-life scenarios and the realities of policing.

The Hertfordshire Police have a profound commitment to this course. They maintain a regular presence on campus and will actively engage with you through guest lectures and at career fairs. They’ve also recently started delivering presentations on the intricacies of homicide investigations, directly to our academic community.

Alongside your degree, you will have the opportunity to take part in a range of co-curricular and pro-bono activities to enhance your employability profile. These include ‘Being a Detective’, trial advocacy, and debating, as well as mediation and participation in multiple activities offered by our Law Clinic.

Professional accreditations

We are licensed by the College of Policing to offer the degree in Professional Policing.

The course fully meets the National Police Curriculum, ensuring that the content is comprehensive, up-to-date, and aligns with the essential knowledge and skills required of a professional in the field.

Your future career

The demand for graduates within police recruitment is higher than ever. In acknowledgement of this, our BSc (Hons) Professional Police course has been specifically designed to equip you with the necessary foundations to excel in a variety of careers within the industry.

  • Police intelligence
  • Police forensics
  • Researcher/analyst

Pending approval from the College of Policing, once graduating from this course you will be qualified to pursue a career as a Constable through our specialised PPD (Police Professional Development) entry route.

*Completion of this course does not guarantee entry to the police force – you will need to meet the eligibility requirements when applying. This could include passing medical and fitness tests, as well as background and security checks. You will also need to undertake a series of assessments, including national recruitment processes and force vetting.

What you'll study

To guarantee a first-class learning experience, the course is delivered through a range of academic and practical based learning. Structured teaching consists of traditional lectures, seminars, workshops, and sessions led by police professionals. Smaller group seminars and workshops will allow you to enhance your problem-solving, teamwork, analysis, debate, and presentation skills. You’ll be able to put those skills into practice through various practical scenarios.

In your first year, you will be introduced to the principles, processes, and practices that underpin modern-day policing. You’ll explore the ethical challenges and dilemmas faced by police officers and how to promote integrity and accountability. The course looks in-depth into the legal frameworks that govern police actions, including case laws and constitutional considerations. Students will learn to understand the needs of victims, identifying vulnerable individuals and how to best support them.

In your second year, you will learn the art of conducting effective investigations, utilising forensic techniques to gather evidence and make informed decisions. Students will analyse the internal and external bodies that oversee the police force, exploring the strategies used to promote transparency, professionalism, and ethical conduct within law enforcement. This will enable you to increase your ability to engage with diverse communities and enhance community well-being.

During your final year of study, you will learn the strategies and techniques used to combat complex crimes, as well as the rapidly growing area of cybercrime. You’ll learn about traffic enforcement and how to ensure public safety on our roads. Students will also discover the various forms of extremism and counteracting measures. Your final year will involve an Applied Research Project, enabling you to apply your knowledge and critical thinking skills to a real-world issue in the field of law enforcement. This will build your ability to conduct rigorous research and produce evidence-based solutions.

What if I need support?

As a supportive and inclusive university, we prioritise the well-being of our students. Our friendly staff team are available to help you adjust to the demands of university learning and living.

You’ll also be assigned a dedicated Personal Support Tutor (PST), who will schedule regular one-on-one meetings with you throughout your studies.

Further assistance is accessible through our Student Success team. They can provide you with support with securing work experience, placements, and graduate jobs.

Optional sandwich year

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

At the end of your second year, you will have the option to take on a nine-month paid work placement as a civilian investigator with the Hertfordshire Police. This opportunity promises to provide practical exposure to the field and would further enhance your professional development.

Your course leaders and the Student Success team can provide you with additional details and how to apply should you choose to explore this opportunity.

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

At the end of your second year, you will have the option to take on a nine-month paid work placement as a civilian investigator with the Hertfordshire Police. This opportunity promises to provide practical exposure to the field and would further enhance your professional development.

Your course leaders and the Student Success team can provide you with additional details and how to apply should you choose to explore this opportunity.

Find out more about work placements

Where you'll study

Our renowned law school is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and resources, including a Virtual Reality Crime Scene. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to delve into realistic and complex criminal investigations.

Whilst studying for a professional policing degree, you will have access to a full-scale replica Crown Court, giving you a unique insight into the decision-making process that occurs in law enforcement. You will experience first-hand how to make applications to the court, the process of applying for search warrants, and giving evidence.

You will be taught on the de Havilland Campus, a vibrant location with dining options, coffee shops, and recreational spaces, as well as the Hertfordshire Sports Village which has a gym, swimming pool, and climbing wall.

The 24/7 Learning Resources Centre (LRC) is home to the University library and has a dedicated area for SLE students to study in a solitude space.

The university is just a short 25-minute train ride into central London. Our location on the A1(M), with access to the road network, makes travel quick and convenient.

Who you'll learn from

All sessions are delivered by industry experts, so you can be confident that you're learning from professionals who possess extensive knowledge and expertise.

The course receives direct input from Hertfordshire Police, ensuring its design, delivery, and outcomes align with modern practices.

We also regularly enrich our curriculum with diverse perspectives and input from Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) professionals.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)112–120
Typical A Level offerBBC–BBB
Typical BTEC offerDMM–DDM
GCSE English Language and Maths 4/C
Access coursesAn overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3.
Additional informationFind out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
Start date Study typeApply
September 2024 Full time Apply via UCAS
Part time Apply with Herts

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

Study typeFees
UK studentsFull time£9,250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time£1,155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU studentsFull time£15,550 for the 2023/2024 academic year
Part time£1,940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International studentsFull time£15,550 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time£1,940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants  and bursaries

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.

Disabled Students' Allowance

The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

Student loans

Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.

Accommodation costs

We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

Additional course fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Download PDF
Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Download PDF
Additional information

Applications open to international and EU students

Yes

Course length

Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 6 Years

Not ready to apply?