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Undergraduate study
Police Studies (Top-up)

Police Studies (Top-up) BSc (Hons)

This course explores issues in policing and criminal justice enabling you to gain insights into how the process of policing and investigative process is conducted, the significance of forensic evidence, and the legal constraints of an investigation and its impact on the wider criminal justice system.

 

Course overview

It allows you to enhance your previous level 5 study, or equivalent, to achieve a BSc (Hons) degree. It enables you to think more independently and critically about issues that interest you within policing and wider society, and the significance of the professionalisation agenda to the investigative process.

Our specialist facilities will develop your investigative skills, you’ll learn how to gather relevant evidence at a crime scene, and how to undertake investigative interviewing. You will also develop your skills to conduct research and to write a dissertation in an area of policing and investigation of interest to you.

Top reasons to study this course

• This degree gives you an appreciation of the considerations involved in the interviewing aspect of the investigative process, and the significance of professionalisation of the police service and related vocations.
• Practical tasks develop your understanding of evidence-gathering and forensic activities at the crime scene.
• You develop your problem-solving and analytical skills to explore and identify solutions to issues.

Download pdf Order prospectus

 

Course details

Course structure

Year 1 core modules

Defendants and Witnesses in the Criminal Justice System

Explore and challenge the law concerned with obtaining and the admissibility of evidence at trial, and the relevance of evidence in the investigatory process and during the criminal trial. Gain an understanding of policing-related decisions, founded upon critical thinking, in complex professional situations and contexts, demonstrating appropriate knowledge of powers, legislation and authorised professional practice.

This is a 20-credit module.

International Policing and Investigation

Examine the policing systems in the UK, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia, along with the law enforcement agencies that help investigate international crime. You explore the policing systems that exist based on the historical, social and political contexts of policing, and current international debates on police recruitment, training and police cultures. Identify the role of the police in different societies, their different tasks and responsibilities, and the relationship between the police and the society of their country.

This is a 20-credit module.

Professionalising Investigation

Examine how current investigative processes within the UK have developed. Gain an insight into the processes used by police investigators and the regulations applied to private investigators. You interview witnesses, victims and suspects. Adopt guidelines and roles that are relevant to the investigative process, manage the incident room and respect the importance of remaining professional in the investigative process.

You grow your knowledge, skills and understanding of search methods, recovering and recording evidence and forensic, fingerprint and witness evidence in investigating crime. With this, you will become career ready after graduation.

This is a 40-credit module.

Research Project

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

All modules are taught through a combination of lectures and seminars which are interspersed with a broad range of learning opportunities including workshops, case studies, peer group discussions, independent study, online materials, individual and group tutorials, guest speakers and practical sessions within the replica crime scene house, vehicle examination laboratory, police station, interview rooms and the replica courtroom.

We encourage opportunities for volunteering within the criminal justice sector.

How you are assessed

The programme is assessed through a range of formative and summative methods in oral, written and alternative formats. These comprise traditional assessment methods including:

  • assignments
  • reports
  • reflections
  • practical tasks
  • presentations
  • negotiated research and dissertation.


Timetabling information
As a full-time student your timetabled hours are between Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 6.00pm. On Wednesdays the latest you will be timetabled is until 1.00pm. Hours of attendance vary between 12 hours and 20 hours per week. Part-time undergraduate students are required to attend during the same days and times as full-time students but for only a proportion of the time, dependant on the modules being taken. Module choices are discussed with course tutors during the enrolment and induction period. Further details are automatically sent to applicants due to enrol this year.


Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services

Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Applicants require 240 credits at levels 4 and 5 (achieved through successful completion of an FD or HND Public Services, Uniformed Services, Police Studies, Community and Public Services or Public Services Management).

International students should also consider criteria for admission and direct entry and achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country


You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL

 

Employability

Career opportunities

Graduates will typically be aspiring to work within the policing or other uniformed services disciplines.

 

Information for international applicants

Qualifications

International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.

Select your country:

  
 

Useful information

Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.

Talk to us

Talk to an international student enrolment adviser

 
 

Full-time

Entry to 2024/25 academic year

Fee for UK applicants
£9,250 a year

More details about our fees

Fee for international applicants
£17,000 a year

More details about our fees for international applicants


What is included in your tuition fee?

  • Length: 1 year; Top-up Award (Point of entry: Year 3)
  • UCAS code: L435 BSc/PolSt
  • Start date: September
  • Semester dates
  • Typical offer: 240 credits at levels 4 and 5

Apply online (full-time) through UCAS

 

Part-time

  • Not available part-time
 

Choose Teesside

 
 

Teesside University Law School

At Teesside University Law School we have over 30 years' experience of delivering high-quality education in the field of law and criminal justice.

Find out more

Get in touch

UK students

Email: ssshladmissions@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 738801


Online chat (general enquiries)

International students

Email: internationalenquiries@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0) 1642 738900


More international contacts

 

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