Professional Policing BA/BSc
Study of policing, criminal justice, law, and public protection, preparing you for a career in policing through nationally recognised, evidence-based professional training.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Want a career in policing
Are interested in law and crime
Enjoy practical and structured work
Want to make a difference
Are disciplined and resilient
Popular Career Fields
Emergency Services
Government & Public Sector
Law & Legal Services
Charity & NGO Sector
Your Personality Might Be:
Physically fit
Government & Public Sector
Ethical
Good decision-maker
What is it?
What is a Professional Policing degree?
Professional Policing is a specialist undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for entry into the police service in England and Wales.
The degree is aligned with the College of Policing’s National Policing Curriculum and provides the academic component required for the Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF).
You’ll study policing law, ethics, investigation, community engagement, safeguarding, and evidence-based practice, while developing the professional behaviours expected of police officers.
Although completing the degree does not guarantee employment, it is a recognised route into policing and related criminal justice careers.
What is a Professional Policing degree?
If you want to work in policing or law enforcement and are interested in public service, justice, and community safety, this degree offers a clear and structured pathway.
It helps you understand:
How policing operates within the UK legal framework
Police powers, responsibilities, and accountability
Crime prevention, investigation, and public protection
Ethics, professionalism, and decision-making
The role of police in diverse communities
The degree combines academic study with practical, real-world application.
Course Summary
Study of policing, criminal justice, law, and public protection, preparing you for a career in policing through nationally recognised, evidence-based professional training.
What you'll study
Most degrees cover topics such as:
UK criminal law, police powers, and procedures
Investigation, evidence, and intelligence-led policing
Ethics, professional standards, and police accountability
Community policing, vulnerability, and safeguarding
Crime prevention and problem-solving
Evidence-based policing and research methods
Skills You'll Gain
A Professional Policing degree builds strong communication and problem-solving skills including:
Legal knowledge and ethical judgement – enabling you to apply police powers lawfully and responsibly.
Critical and evidence-based thinking – helping you evaluate policing strategies and crime prevention methods.
Communication and decision-making – preparing you to interact professionally with the public and colleagues.
Problem-solving and investigation skills – supporting effective responses to crime and vulnerability.
Professional values and reflective practice – aligning your behaviour with national policing standards.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates most commonly progress to:
Police Constable (via the Degree Holder Entry Programme – DHEP)
Special Constable
Police staff roles (intelligence, investigation support, analysis)
Community safety or safeguarding roles
Criminal justice, probation, or youth offending services
Work Experiences & Placements
Professional Policing degrees may include police ride-alongs, observational placements, or simulated practice, depending on the university.
Students are encouraged to gain relevant experience such as:
Police staff roles (e.g. PCSO, detention officer, call handler)
Volunteering with community safety or youth organisations
Special Constable roles (subject to eligibility)
Work with local councils, probation, or victim support services
Universities often work closely with local police forces and criminal justice agencies.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range of subjects. Law, Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, or Public Services are beneficial.
Personal Statement Tips
Show commitment to public service, fairness, and community safety.
Reflect on why policing appeals to you as a career.
Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues and accountability in policing.
Highlight communication skills, resilience, teamwork, and integrity.
What to do Next
Check that the course is College of Policing–validated.
Research police recruitment routes (DHEP, PCDA, etc.).
Gain relevant experience through volunteering or police staff roles.
Stay informed about policing challenges and reforms in the UK.
Wider Reading
The Police Foundation: Evidence-Based Policing
An accessible introduction to research-led policing practice.Understanding Police Culture – Janet Chan
A critical exploration of police values, behaviour, and organisational culture.Blackstone’s Police Manuals (UK)
Essential legal reference texts used throughout police training.The Politics of the Police – Robert Reiner
A classic analysis of policing, power, and accountability in the UK.