Professional Policing BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
Two Professional Policing students talking net to an emergency vehicle

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.

Year of entry

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

Course code

PP10 / PP12 / PP11

Start date

September 2023
November 2023
January 2024
March 2024

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Contact us

The information on this page is for 2022-23 entry and should be used as guidance for 2023-24 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

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 Scarborough

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 most of our courses cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.

Policing Education Qualification Framework (PEQF)

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What you'll study

Policing is an incredibly rewarding career which gives you the opportunity to work in the community and protect members of the public. From 2020, the recruitment process for Police Constable recruits is changing, with the Pre-join Policing degree being one of the Policing Education Qualification Framework (PEQF) accredited entry routes into the force.

This degree course has been designed to give you both an academic and professional understanding of policing, serving as a comprehensive introduction to the policing industry.

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. Each year, several professional guests visit the course. 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.

Year one of this vocational degree will introduce you to the role of a police constable; what the job directly involves and the range of responsibilities, codes and conducts which must be adhered to. This year also starts your journey onto becoming an independent learner, by introducing you to key research and teamwork skills which will be needed throughout the course and your career in policing. Students who complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Policing Practice.

Modules

  • This module lays the foundations, explaining the role of the police constable and the professionalisation of the service. It proactively embeds equality, diversity and human rights as a core theme of professional policing practice. The module discusses the functions of the Criminal Justice System, explaining the police role within it, including the supporting of witnesses and managing suspects.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to emphasise the importance of evidence-based policing in practice. Students will explore case studies on the impact of evidence-based policing in different areas of practice as well as be able to distinguish between different types of evidence. They will also learn to employ the key protocols of radio communication in police work.

    Compulsory

  • This module will introduce you to the broad, complex and expanding area in which policing now operates. This module is the gateway to the study of the following subjects: Criminology and Crime Prevention, Vulnerability and Risk, Public Protection, Digital Policing and Counter Terrorism.

    Compulsory

  • This module will consider the five core areas of professional policing practice, namely, Response Policing, Policing Communities, Policing the Roads, Information and Intelligence and Conducting Investigations. Students will explore a very wide range of issues in this module and be able to relate their study to actual areas of practice.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.

    Compulsory

As the course progresses, you will build on your knowledge of the criminal justice system and the policing profession, to create a deep level of understanding in what is required of a police officer in the 21st century. You will learn above and beyond what you have covered previously, such as the subject of radicalisation which will be introduced alongside how to respond to an incident as a first responder. You will also continue to further your understanding of the five core areas of policing, by exploring more complex case studies. Students who complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Policing Practice.

Modules

  • This module will further embed the concepts of valuing difference and inclusion, maintaining professional standards and the criminal justice process but at a more advanced, intermediate level. We examine the theories and concepts linked to ethics and the impact of policing in diverse communities.

    Compulsory

  • You will analyse the constraints associated with an evidence-based approach to policing including an analysis of cost-benefit and end-user satisfaction. You will have an opportunity to develop a research proposal based on an identified problem, learn about ‘organisational justice’, and be able to advance strategies for dealing with organisational culture in policing.

    Compulsory

  • This module explores new concepts within the constituent subjects (Criminology and Crime Prevention, Vulnerability and Risk, Public Protection, Digital Policing, and Counter Terrorism) whilst consolidating existing knowledge. The subject matter is advanced and the case studies more complex, reflecting the ever-changing requirements of modern-day policing.

    Compulsory

  • You will explore a wide range of issues of policing and be able to relate to actual areas of practice. These include an in-depth understanding of a ‘critical incident’ and the role of the Joint Emergency Services Operation, community engagement strategies and the roles of key stakeholders.

    Compulsory

By your final year, you will advance your critical analytical and reasoning skills by reflecting on your own professional practice. You will also explore how current affairs are affecting your local policing service. You will undertake a sustained, in-depth research exploration project using the skills taught to you throughout the duration of this course. You will also complete a specialist research project in your chosen area of professional policing practise. After successful completion of these modules, you will be educated to meet the demands of 21st century policing and gain a BA (Hons) Professional Policing degree.

Modules

  • This module will aid in enhancing your awareness of professionalism in modern policing. You will critically explore the use of social media in policing as well as the influence such media would have on communities and the individual. You will learn advanced leadership skills and be introduced to coaching, mentoring and assessment in the workplace.

    Compulsory

  • This module equips you with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to address local policing priorities as identified by the respective police services. These may include caring for the vulnerable, increased blue light collaboration, effective use of technology, empowering communities and efficient and timely customer service.

    Compulsory

  • The module enables you to undertake a sustained, in-depth research exploration and demonstrate yourability to use research and enquiry skills to collect, analyse and interpret relevant literature and information. You will identify a hypothesis to conduct a research project on, working within an aspect of policing for further investigation and produce a comprehensive, analytical report of this area taking account of appropriate research skills.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will undertake specialist research in your chosen area of professional practice,demonstrating your ability to use research and enquiry skills to collect, analyse and interpret relevant literature/information. You will identify a specific area to conduct the research project in and produce a comprehensive, analytical report of this area taking account of appropriate research skills.

    Compulsory

How you'll learn

This course is available as a full-time three year course.

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. Additional support is available 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.

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.

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

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, laboratory experiments, tutorial tasks and assessments, which take place at the end of each six-week block.

Course Breakdown:

  • Coursework
  • Interactive Assessments

Job ready

On completion, you should 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.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, 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 a relevant 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 Social Science Access to HE course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

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Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

All HNC/Degree courses require at least two A2 Levels or a BTEC equivalent qualification.Your offer of a place is subject to receipt of satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

CU Scarborough welcomes international students from all around the globe. If you are an international student and are interested in applying, you can do so by completing the online application form.

Once your application form has been processed you will receive the outcome of your application via your given email address.

Please be aware you will need the following information in order to make your application:

  • All academic transcripts
  • Copies of degree/diploma certificates or work reference if employed
  • One academic reference
  • Be trained to English language proficiency level IELTS 6.0 (HNC - year 1/HND - year 2) or IELTS 6.5 (Degree/Top Up - year 3)
  • Your personal statement
  • Copy of your current passport

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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.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £7,950 per year Not available
International £16,800 per year Not available

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

We’ve spent £14 million on a brand new campus building. It’s a purpose-built, state of-the-art development that is one of the most modern facilities in the UK.

It includes a library, IT suites, mock law court, engineering and science labs, cafe and lots of individual and group study spaces. Next to us is Scarborough’s new leisure village. The complex includes an Olympic legacy swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, all weather pitches and the new Scarborough Athletic football ground.

Careers and opportunities

After completion of this degree, graduates will 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.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due 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.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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