Policing Degree Course

Policing is a vital component of public safety and social order, involving crime prevention, community engagement, criminal investigation,

and law enforcement. As societies become more complex and diverse, the role of modern police officers extends beyond enforcement to include safeguarding, conflict resolution, and upholding human rights. If you are drawn to justice, service, and public leadership, studying policing can lead to a meaningful and challenging career. This guide focuses on policing education in the United Kingdom and provides insights into international pathways in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.

Why Study Policing?

Policing degrees combine academic theory with practical training to prepare students for operational roles in law enforcement, public safety, and criminal justice. These programs often align with national police force requirements and include ethical, legal, and community-based content. Key topics commonly covered in policing degrees include:

• Criminology and criminal justice

• Policing policy and practice

• Criminal law and procedure

• Ethics and accountability in policing

• Evidence gathering and investigative techniques

• Community policing and engagement

• Cybercrime and digital policing

• Counterterrorism and public order management

Studying Policing in the United Kingdom

The UK offers several pathways into policing, including professional degrees accredited by The College of Policing, which sets national standards. Since 2020, aspiring police officers in England and Wales must follow one of three entry routes:

• Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

• Degree-holder Entry Programme (DHEP)

• Pre-join Degree in Professional Policing

Top UK Universities Offering Policing Degrees

• University of South Wales – Offers a BSc in Professional Policing aligned with the College of Policing

• University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) – Provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in policing and criminal investigation

• Liverpool John Moores University – Offers a BSc in Policing Studies with operational focus and placement opportunities

• University of Portsmouth – Delivers degrees in criminology and policing with strong industry connections

• Canterbury Christ Church University / University of Derby / Staffordshire University – Provide well-recognised policing education with links to local police services

Why Choose the UK for Policing?

• Entry routes are clearly structured and linked to police recruitment

• Programs are accredited by the College of Policing and lead to eligibility for employment with police forces

• Integration of academic study with practical scenarios and simulations

• Opportunities for specialisation in areas like cybercrime, forensics, counterterrorism, or major crime investigation

• Strong ethical, legal, and human rights training to meet modern policing demands

Types of UK Policing Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing – A three-year pre-join degree for those wishing to apply to the police after graduation

• PCDA – A paid three-year apprenticeship combining university study with on-the-job training

• DHEP – A two-year graduate training program for those who already hold a degree in another subject

• Postgraduate Certificates and MScs – For advanced study in leadership, crime science, or investigative practice

Entry Requirements

• A-levels or equivalent for undergraduate degrees

• Strong communication and critical thinking skills

• Physical and fitness requirements for those pursuing officer roles

• Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check

• IELTS/TOEFL for international applicants

Studying Policing in Other Countries

Europe (Outside the UK)
Across Europe, police education varies by country and is often delivered through dedicated police academies or universities.

• Germany: Police training occurs in state-run academies after passing entrance exams. Some states also offer policing degrees at universities of applied sciences

• Netherlands: Police officers train through the Dutch Police Academy, combining theoretical education with practical fieldwork

• Norway and Sweden: Offer professional bachelor’s degrees in police science through national police colleges

• Ireland: Police officers (Gardaí) are trained through the Garda College, with some academic partnerships offering foundation degrees
  In most of Europe, direct recruitment and academy-based training are more common than open-enrolment policing degrees at universities.

Australia
Australia has a combination of police force-run training and academic pathways through universities.

• Top institutions:

  • Charles Sturt University – Offers a Bachelor of Policing and Master of Leadership in policing and security

  • Deakin University – Provides criminology and policing degrees with emphasis on justice reform

  • University of Western Sydney – Offers a Bachelor of Policing Practices and Criminal Justice

• Features of policing education in Australia:

  • Pre-service degrees for those planning to apply to state police forces

  • Specialist training in cybercrime, forensics, and community safety

  • Partnership with agencies such as Australian Federal Police (AFP) and New South Wales Police

New Zealand
In New Zealand, police officer training is managed by the Royal New Zealand Police College. While policing degrees are not required to join the force, they can strengthen applications and lead to careers in related sectors.

• Academic options include:

  • Bachelor of Criminology or Justice Studies at institutions like Victoria University of Wellington or Massey University

  • Diplomas and certificates in law enforcement and public safety

• Benefits of studying policing in New Zealand:

  • Emphasis on ethics, community partnership, and bicultural competency

  • Strong focus on working with Māori and Pacific communities

  • Career options in border security, corrections, and social services

Canada
Canada offers a mix of diploma programs, degrees, and police academy training, depending on the province.

• Top providers:

  • Humber College – Offers a diploma in Police Foundations and advanced police training

  • Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) – Specialised in public safety education and training

  • Mount Royal University and Wilfrid Laurier University – Provide criminal justice and policing degrees

• Canadian policing programs often include:

  • Studies in law, ethics, criminology, and conflict management

  • Preparation for RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) or provincial police service entry exams

  • Applied learning through simulations, internships, or auxiliary roles

United States
In the US, becoming a police officer usually requires academy training, but many law enforcement agencies now prefer or require college-level education.

• Relevant degree options:

  • Associate or bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, or Police Science

  • Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration or Homeland Security

• Leading institutions include:

  • John Jay College of Criminal Justice

  • University of Maryland

  • Arizona State University

  • Michigan State University

• US policing programs include:

  • Ethics and constitutional law

  • Policing in diverse communities

  • Crime analysis and investigative methods

  • Preparation for civil service and entrance exams required for police academy admission

What to Consider When Choosing a Policing Program

• Accreditation: Ensure the course is recognised by the national policing body or linked to recruitment pathways

• Career goals: Decide whether you want to be a sworn officer or work in policing-related roles such as investigation, forensics, or public policy

• Placement opportunities: Look for courses that offer fieldwork, simulations, or internships with police services

• Specialist focus: Choose a program aligned with your interests—cybercrime, criminal investigation, community policing, or counterterrorism

• Cultural and legal context: Consider where you want to work long-term, as policing qualifications are usually tailored to national legal systems

Final Thoughts
Policing is a vital, evolving profession that combines public service with legal responsibility, community engagement, and resilience under pressure. The United Kingdom offers structured academic and professional routes into policing, with qualifications aligned to the College of Policing and national recruitment standards. Outside the UK, strong programs exist across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA, each shaped by unique legal systems, training models, and public safety priorities. Choosing where and how to study policing depends on your career ambitions, desired level of responsibility, and the community you hope to serve. With the right training, you can become a trusted professional who helps protect and strengthen society.