Overview
The Pre-join Policing degree is a new entry route into the police force and has been designed to prepare new recruits to meet the demands of 21st century policing. This vocational degree meets the new standards set by the College of Policing’s Policing Education Qualification Framework (PEQF), will be used by all police forces across England and Wales as part of the newly-categorised modes of entry into the policing profession.
The pre-join route gives you the opportunity to study for a degree and then apply to a force and follow a shorter on-the-job training programme to become a police constable or a special constable. The degree is designed so that you will undertake the learning as set out by the PEQF, attain a BA (Hons) Professional Policing and be equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge to be able to apply to the Police Force to become a police constable.
This exciting new course focuses on the main challenges a 21st century police officer faces, such as protecting the vulnerable, digital policing and counter-terrorism measures. It also provides a foundation knowledge into the role of a police constable and the five core areas of professional policing practice: Response Policing, Policing Communities, Policing the Roads, Information and Intelligence, and Conducting Investigations. You will also undertake your own research project into your chosen policing practice area in the final year.
Why CU Coventry
We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Employability
Dedicated Careers & Employability department who will assist you in finding employmentTop Quality Courses
Taught by industry professionals, awarded by Coventry UniversityNo End of Year Exams
Our modern teaching techniques mean no last-minute cramming and less stressProfessional Recognition
Specific courses contain additional industry recognised qualifications from awarding bodies
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Policing Education Qualification Framework (PEQF)
What our students say
My course is helping me to understand the role of a police officer in depth. I especially like the practical elements of the course – they’re motivating, realistic and really interesting.
Course information
Policing is an incredibly rewarding career and allows you to truly make a difference to a community while giving you the opportunity to protect members of the public. From 2020, the recruitment process for police constables is open to members with a pre-join Policing degree, as you will have an academic and professional understanding of policing, serving as a comprehensive introduction to the policing industry which is accredited by the Policing Education Qualification Framework (PEQF).
Not only will you have the benefit of learning traditional methods, you'll also get to hear the first-hand experiences and personal perspectives from people in the industry. Previous guests have included members from the Independent Police Complaints Commission, a former police sergeant for the West Midlands Police Force and a Mental Health Triage speaker. We also focus on current and future crime trends in addition to historic cases, so that you gain a rounded understanding of the policing industry.
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
Coventry has been ranked top 15 in the UK for 5 years running in the The Guardian University Guide 2016-2020. CU Coventry is part of the Coventry University Group.
In more detail...
If you are fascinated with crime and punishment and are passionate about upholding the law and being hands on in communities, our degree will enable you to learn about litigation, dangerous offences, ethical procedures, victim handling and how each of these disciplines can be applied to policing.
Facilities
You will have access to our Library & Learning Services, fully equipped seminar rooms and impressive IT suites.
Staff
This course has been developed and is taught by practising professionals and industry experts. Our academics bring a wealth of expertise to the classroom with many continuing to undertake research and other projects alongside teaching, meaning our students gain a well-rounded and relevant teaching experience.
Practical Experience
Throughout your studies, you will find that the course is underpinned with practical elements. You will have the chance to conduct mock interviews, devise policing reports, take witness statements and more, with access to our mock courts and collaborations with students on other related courses.
Placements
At CU Coventry, we put a strong focus on getting our graduates ready to enter the job market.
- Hands-on experience of a wide range of policing techniques and practices such as mock interviews and report writing – with full use of our on-site mock courts.
- Small tutorial group sessions ensure that you receive the mentoring help and support you need.
- We deliver one module at a time during each block. This means you can dedicate your time to specialise in each subject without the distraction of numerous modules and multiple deadlines.
- In order to make higher education accessible to as many people as possible, we keep our tuition fees competitively priced.
- Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a qualification awarded by Coventry University.
- You will have the opportunity to access multi-campus learning in Coventry, London and Scarborough.
Your main study themes are:
- Professional Policing and the Criminal Justice System: Critically assess the legal and professional responsibilities of policing as a profession, concepts of autonomy and professional discretion and modern policing strategies within the criminal justice system. Proactively consider equality, diversity and human rights considerations as a core function of professional practice and the fundamental responsibility of the police service to identify and provide professional support to those who are vulnerable and at risk and/or in need of public protection.
- Evidence-based Policing: Acquire appropriate research skills in order to understand how to put evidence-based policing initiatives into practise and develop practical, evidence-based initiatives to improve police performance. Secondly, to understand and evaluate evidence-based initiatives in the context of preventative policing and problem solving.
- Policing Practice: To understand how to engage in lawful, safe and effective front-line policing in specific professional areas of response policing, policing communities, policing the roads, information and intelligence, and conducting investigations.
- Modern Policing Responsibilities: Develop critical knowledge of criminology, with particular emphasis upon community policing and crime prevention including national strategies in relation to countering terrorism and concepts of effective digital policing, with specific reference to cyber-enabled crime.
- Research on Policing: Critically analyse ethical approaches to policing, and how to maintain the highest professional standards in providing a service to the public by engaging in continual self-reflection and evolving strategies to improve own professional knowledge. Understand how policing-related decisions can be made, founded upon critical thinking, in complex professional situations and contexts, demonstrating appropriate knowledge of powers, legislation and Authorised Professional Practice.
This course is available as a full-time three year or optional four-year sandwich course, incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field. Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work.
We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our online learning platform, Aula.
Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.
Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.
The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.
Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.
Course breakdown (approximate):
- 80% Coursework
- 20% Interactive Assessments
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the theoretical, analytical and practical aspects of policies, strategies and processes.
- Develop appropriate research and analysis techniques, alongside the ability to undertake reliable research activities.
- Operate, lead and collaborate in a team to solve problems of a practical (experimental) nature and to provide appropriate solutions.
- Apply appropriate presentation and evaluation tools to establish the significance of research data produced.
Full-time
If you choose to study full-time you can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.
Part-time
If you choose to study part-time you'll usually receive up to eleven hours per week of blended learning, including classes, tutorials and online learning. Outside of this, there will also be independent study and online support.
Please note: part-time courses run subject to numbers.
Groups are kept at an average of 25-50 students per class. This way, students can take advantage of small numbers to increase contact time with lecturers.
What our students say
My course is helping me to understand the role of a police officer in depth. I especially like the practical elements of the course – they’re motivating, realistic and really interesting.
If you haven't met the entry requirements, you may still be able to progress onto a degree by studying a foundation course.
Policing Practice Higher National Certificate (HNC)
64 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4/A*-C including Maths and English.
Policing Practice Higher National Diploma (HND)
80 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4/A*-C including Maths and English.
Professional Policing BA (Hons) Degree
104 UCAS tariff points. All courses require at grades 9-4/A*-C including Maths and English.
All HNC/HND/Degree courses require at least two A2 levels or a BTEC qualification.
What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?
If you don’t meet the entry requirements for this course, we offer a number of programmes to help you secure a place. Successful completion of one of the below programmes guarantees you a place on a degree course with us, subject to meeting specified criteria.
Foundation Year
This degree programme has an integral stage 0 attached to it, so if you do not meet the entry requirements you may enter at the foundation level. Successful completion of our Law & Practice Foundation course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.
Access to HE Course
Access to HE courses aim to bring your academic skills and topical knowledge up to optimal standard for higher education study. If you undertake an Access to HE course and then successfully complete a degree programme, the remaining balance of your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off. Successful completion of our Business Access to HE course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.
What our students say
My course is helping me to understand the role of a police officer in depth. I especially like the practical elements of the course – they’re motivating, realistic and really interesting.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
Fees & Funding
We price our courses competitively in an attempt to make higher education accessible for a wide range of people. Your tuition fees will cover all of your classes, online tutorials, some of the learning materials and access to our Library & Learning Services.
Funding
As a full-time or part-time student resident in the UK or EU, you can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees at CU Coventry from Student Finance England.
What our students say
My course is helping me to understand the role of a police officer in depth. I especially like the practical elements of the course – they’re motivating, realistic and really interesting.
Career prospects
After successful completion of this degree, graduates should be equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge to be in a position to apply to the police force to become a Police Constable. Graduates must apply to their chosen police force within 5 years of their graduation date.
After graduating, you will then be able to apply to become a Police Constable. Completion of the Pre-join Policing degree does not guarantee recruitment as a trainee police constable, but is one of the three entry routes into the policing profession as of 2020.
It is important to note that for progression into a career in the police force, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out. Please note that any previous convictions may have an impact on whether you can join the police force.
What our students say
My course is helping me to understand the role of a police officer in depth. I especially like the practical elements of the course – they’re motivating, realistic and really interesting.
Disclaimer
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s planned exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance at that time. For international students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus will apply for the first year of study. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
