| Programme details | |
|---|---|
| Degree: | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (BA (Hons)) |
| Discipline: |
Criminology
|
| Duration: | 24 months |
| Study modes: | full-time |
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Take the fast track route to a highly regarded professional policing degree. In just two years, this pioneering course – the first of its kind in the country in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police force – equips you to meet the challenges and responsibilities of a career in one of the most rewarding professions of all.
Our intensive accelerated BA (Hons) Professional Policing course provides an alternative route for ambitious students who want to complete a pre-join policing degree in a shorter time frame than usual. You will follow a curriculum written and licensed by the College of Policing, giving you all the theoretical knowledge and practical skills expected of a high-level entrant to the profession.
Please note that completion of this degree does not guarantee employment as a police officer or police staff.
As career opportunities in policing are due to grow dramatically, with the government having committed to a recruitment drive of an additional 20,000 police officers, we have become the first university in the country to introduce the accelerated route to the BA (Hons) Professional Policing.
This course provides the same comprehensive preparation for a policing career as our traditional three-year degree, but with the teaching condensed into two years to include tuition over the summer. It is a convenient and more affordable option if you want to progress from education to employment quickly and have both the capacity and capability to commit to a more intensive study programme.
We will help you develop an in-depth understanding of the role of a police officer today, including a thorough grasp of criminal justice systems and the powers and laws used by the police in England and Wales. Throughout, you will have the chance to apply theory to practice with case studies, practical scenarios, research projects and volunteering opportunities with local police forces.
The course is delivered through a combination of face-to-face teaching, work-based learning and self-directed learning, taking place over three semesters during the year instead of the traditional two. Your learning experience will be rigorous and demanding, but we offer a full range of support to help you meet the challenge and achieve your goals.
The final stage of the degree enables you to focus on an area of policing that particularly interests you and matches your career aspirations. For your dissertation, you will work on a real-life issue or solve a problem, currently experienced by local police forces, producing evidence-based research which can influence change within the profession and the wider community.
The BA (Hons) Professional Policing (Accelerated) includes two pathways options. You can choose the theory only route, or you can choose to apply to become a Special Constable while completing your studies, in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police. Being a Special Constable gives you invaluable practical insights into what it is like to work in a local constabulary, making you a standout candidate when applying for a role in the force. You will still follow the same high-quality curriculum as students who do not pursue this option but your experiences in the workplace will enrich your learning and stand you in good stead for the future.
We have partnered with Nottinghamshire Police to deliver the Special Constable route and you will need to pass the relevant vetting, assessment centre, medical and fitness procedures set by them in order to join the Special Constable route.