Course overview
You explore the five policing practice themes of: response policing, policing communities, policing the road, information and intelligence, and conducting investigations.
We have a proven track record of working effectively with policing and criminal justice partners which provide unique employability opportunities. Our exceptionally talented crime and investigation team are from a variety of backgrounds including policing professionals and academia giving you an authentic and current learning experience. Your teaching team draw upon local case studies to enrich your learning experience in class and by sending you out into the community.
Successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Professional Policing cannot guarantee your recruitment to the police service. Each force has its own requirements so please refer to the College of Policing website which outlines the official police recruitment processes, ie the Police SEARCH® or Day One Recruit Assessment Centre.
Top reasons to study this course
- Learn from the experts: your teaching team includes former policing professionals and academic specialists who bring real-world insights and local case studies into the classroom, ensuring your learning stays current and relevant.
- Train like a professional: put theory into practice in our replica police station, courtroom and crime scene house. Develop your skills in interviewing, evidence collection and scene preservation.
- Explore real issues, make real impact: focus your final-year research project on a live local issue and build experience through community engagement and our strong links with Cleveland Police, Her Majesty’s Prison and probation services.
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Digital Investigation and Intelligence
Explore underlying principles of digital crime, investigation and legislation. Look at the links between digital and other forms of intelligence-gathering, and methods of recording, storing and sharing intelligence.
Explore the development of policing, criminal justice and its core principles and values, including the code of ethics and the use of discretion. Look at policing diverse communities and partnership working.
This is a 40-credit module.
Fundamentals of the English Legal System
You gain the skills for success in legal study and practice, including the use and sourcing?of legal materials, legal research, how to tackle legal questions and the processes of legal reasoning such as the doctrine of judicial precedent and judicial approaches towards interpreting statute. Consider some of the key skills of the lawyer in practice, enabling you to practice for the conduct of cases including the preparation and presentation of arguments.
This is a 20-credit module.
Understanding Operational Policing
Examine the professional standards of the police service, ethical behaviour and decision-making. Use case studies to explore the role of the response police officer and anti-social behaviour. Look at the causes of crime and recent/current policing strategies.
Year 2 core modules
Learn how to conduct investigations and examine different types of crime. Explore the process of gathering evidence to support an investigation, from a crime scene and other sources, such as witnesses.
Exploring Operational Policing
Examine the role of the professional officer using legislation and intelligence-gathering methods and models.
In this module you are provided with an opportunity to develop a critical knowledge and understanding of the nature and purpose of the criminal law, the basic elements of a crime, and a variety of specific criminal offences and defences. You will also develop a detailed and critical understanding of the rules and regulations which impact on the modern investigation of crime, with a particular focus on human rights.
You are introduced to methods in applied policing research and evidence-based practice in the framework of counter-terrorism to explore knowledge of terrorism, ideologies and radicalisation.
Final-year core modules
Defendants and Witnesses in the Criminal Justice System
This module focuses on the law concerned with the obtaining and admissibility of evidence at trial. It challenges you to explore the relevance of evidence in the investigatory process and during the criminal trial. Whilst the module is suited for those who wish to continue their studies and join various legal or investigative professions, it is an academic module and examines the law of evidence from an academic viewpoint.
Police Ethics, Contemporary and Complex Crime
Develop your existing knowledge of operational and response policing, ethics and integrity, applying these themes to current events.
Study specialist areas of policing including crimes against the person, domestic violence, missing persons, sexual offences and hate crime.
Develop your interviewing skills with suspects.
Work in a team and engage in evidence-based research relating to a real-world local policing issue.
Work through an investigation of a simulated serious crime, from its initial report to court disposal.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
Modules are taught using a broad range of learning opportunities including: lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies, peer group discussions, independent study, e-learning and online materials, individual and group tutorials, guest speakers and practical sessions within the crime scene house, vehicle examination laboratory, mock police station, fingerprint and crime scene labs, interview rooms and the mock courtroom. During your final year you have opportunity to work on a research project linked to the work of the Teesside Policing Clinic, assisting you to play a pivotal role in the co-production of research which can be of value to the local community.
Formal work experience opportunities are not offered as part of this course, however valuable work experience can be gained by volunteering during your time at University. There are a range of volunteering opportunities available to you, supported by Volun-tees, the University’s online resource for volunteers.
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:
• Essays
• Reports
• Reflective analysis
• Multiple choice questions
• Practical tasks
• Presentations
• Negotiated research and conference-style dissemination of findings
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
A typical offer is 80-104 tariff points from at least two A levels, T level or equivalent. GCSE English at grade 4 (grade C) or equivalent.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements.
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
You will have the required knowledge and understanding to apply to be employed as a police officer, police staff (such as civilian investigators, detention officers), or within the military police.
All programmes are designed to incorporate employability skills development alongside your degree course. Our staff utilise their extensive connections to provide many and varied opportunities to engage with potential employers through fairs, guest lecture sessions, live projects and site visits. In addition we offer a series of workshops and events in the first, second and third year that ensure all students are equipped with both degree level subject knowledge PLUS the practical skills that employers are looking for in new graduate recruits.
Our award-winning careers service works with regional and national employers to advertise graduate positions, in addition to providing post-graduation support for all Teesside University alumni.