Professional Policing - BSc (Hons) - 2022/23 Entry

Overview

This course is a national pre-join degree course licensed by the Policing Professional Body, the College of Policing and will be delivered by subject matter experts and experienced practitioners (including retired police officers) with a wealth of subject expertise to prepare you with key transferable skills required for the role of Police Constable.

This course has been developed through consultation with a range of police service areas and the College of Policing, to give you the opportunity to examine the fundamental concepts of policing whilst also developing the practical and transferable skills you need for a career in law enforcement.

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

The course will help to develop your critical thinking about policing, policy and practice through complementary modules encompassing the theory and principles of operational policing, legislation and police powers, structured interviewing skills and much more. To develop these skills, you will be involved in practical activities, events and will be exposed to a range of guest speakers. These speakers will be from a range of criminal justice and public sector agencies as well as police officers of all operational levels.

course will utilise a range of exciting and innovative forms of assessment which match the working practices within policing. You will also be supported in applications for job roles within policing and will have opportunities to take part in mock assessment centres, fitness and team building exercises.

You will also benefit from a partnership between the university and West Midlands Police (WMP). The organisation has agreed to support with the training of twenty five special constables both within the service settings and on campus. WMP will provide support and guidance through both the assessment and training stages so as to ensure students feel capable and equipment to face a variety of incidents and issues.

This course will combine all of these elements together whist offering you the opportunity to take part in a work placement which could be within a variety of areas in the field community safety and criminal justice. You will be encouraged to take part in to visit courts, police training establishments and prisons.

The course material will help develop a professional focus and real world experience, ensuring that upon graduation, you are equipped to make an impact in your chosen career. The course teaching team will also provide additional support sessions to refresh you on academic and research skills so as to ensure you are fully prepared to carry out independent research projects throughout the course.

Successful attainment of the BSc in Professional Policing does not in itself provide any guarantee of recruitment as a trainee Police Constable. Each police force within England and Wales sets out its own recruitment process and selection policy and entry requirements vary from force to force. You are therefore strongly advised to check the specific requirements of their chosen force prior to undertaking study. It is also important to contact local force areas and the college of policing to ensure that you are fully familiar with the eligibility criteria and any barriers which may inhibit you becoming a police officer.

Why Choose Us?

We have a strong relationship with the British Society of Criminology. We hosted the 2018 British Society of Criminology Conference at our City Centre Campus.
On all of our courses you will gain a professional focus and real world experience, ensuring you are equipped to make an immediate impact in your career. You have the opportunity to embark on a year-long professional placement as part of your degree course.
The course’s professional relevance is supported by our close links with local criminal justice organisations, including our partnership with West Midlands Police Force (WMP).
You can get hands-on experience with West Midlands Police (WMP) through participation in major police initiatives. Students have taken part in online police scrutiny panels, gained experience of working as Special Constables (including roles within WMP's homicide teams), and have previously accompanied officers to observe stop and search in action.
In your first year, as part of our partnership with West Midlands Police, you will get the opportunity to be trained and supported to become a Special Constable'
All our courses have an international focus. This is embedded throughout the curriculum, giving you the opportunity to transform your experience with us into a global one. There are a variety of exciting possibilities open to you, including our many overseas study exchange programmes.
As a student on one of our undergraduate degrees, you will be able to benefit from our Graduate+ initiative. This three-year award course enables you to gain award levels for all the extra-curricular activities you undertake so that you can stand out from the crowd on graduation.
You will study in our state-of-the-art City Centre Campus, ideally located for you to take advantage of our links to industry in the UK’s second city.
Birmingham City University has just launched the UK's first Centre for Brexit Studies, researching all aspects of the UK's vote to leave the EU, including the impact it has on hate crime and national security in the UK.

Similar Courses

Entry Requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.

Essential Requirements

Level 2 Qualifications
BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from a maximum of 3 subjects.
UK Qualification	Requirements 2022/23
GCSE	GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C/4 or above Equivalent level 2 qualifications can be accepted Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level)	See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details.
Scottish National 5	English language and mathematics at grade C or above Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications
UK Qualification	Requirements 2022/23
A level and Advanced VCE	BBC / 112 UCAS points A maximum of 3 subjects are considered excluding General Studies. These can be other A-levels or level 3 equivalents.
Access to HE Diploma	Social Sciences/ Humanities or Law pathway Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at level 3. 18 of the level 3 credits must be achieved at either merit or distinction grade.
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)	DMM All subject accepted except Health and Social Care pre 2016 syllabus
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) (2010 – 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2002 – 2010)	112 UCAS points All subject accepted except Health and Social Care pre 2016 syllabus Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present) Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)	112 UCAS points All subject accepted except Health and Social Care pre 2016 syllabus Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Award (2002 - 2010)	112 UCAS points All subject accepted except Health and Social Care pre 2016 syllabus Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
IBO Certificate in Higher Level	Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates if they obtain a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects Considered with other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 112 UCAS Tariff Points For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted.
International Baccalaureate Diploma	Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted.
Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)	Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in four Higher level subjects. This must include English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H5/D1)
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Applied General Certificate in Health and Social Care	112 UCAS points. Can be considered along with A-levels or a combination of equivalent level 3 qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma	DMM Most subjects considered, however Early Years and Children's Play Learning and Development are not considered.
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma	112 UCAS points. Most subjects considered, however Early Years and Children's Play Learning and Development are not considered. Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (2016 – present) OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma (until 2016)	112 UCAS points Most subjects considered, however Early Years and Children's Play Learning and Development are not considered. Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Scottish Advanced Higher	Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades CCD. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers).
Scottish Higher	Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either five Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where only Highers have been taken a minimum of grades BBCCC is required. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers.
T-Levels	112 UCAS points (Merit overall)
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology (QCF)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Other Qualifications
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website.

Additional information for EU/International students

Essential
Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications to 112 points are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table.
English language requirements 2020/21
IELTS	6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information.
Other accepted qualifications	Visit our English language page

Fees & How to Apply

UK students
International students

Award: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2022

Full Time
3 Years
£9,250 per year
Apply via UCAS

Full Time
4 Years with Professional Placement
Show fees
Apply via UCAS

Study Year £9,250
Placement Year £1,650

Professional Placement Fees

Full-Time courses with a Professional Placement incur a fee during the placement year. The costs for those years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.

Award: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2022

Full Time
3 Years
£13,500 per year

If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites and available through our library.

Free access to Rosetta Stone

All students can sign up to the online learning language platform for free through the Graduate+ scheme.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Books (optional)

Some modules may suggest that you purchase a key textbook. All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. Many students choose to purchase a copy.

Placement expenses (optional)

If you choose to undertake a placement, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home.

Field trips (optional)

This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience.

Subscriptions (optional)

You may wish to purchase subscriptions to additional journals and websites.

Memberships (optional)

You may wish to join a union or professional body related to this course, such as the College of Policing.

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Guidance for UK students

UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

Applying through UCAS

Register with UCAS

Login to UCAS

Complete your details

Select your course

Write a personal statement

Get a reference

Pay your application fee

Send UCAS your application

International students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.

2) Through a country representative

Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.

3) Through UCAS

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.

Personal statement

UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

Get more information on writing personal statements.

*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.

Course in Depth

Year One

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Policing in England and Wales 20 credits

Models of Policing and Intelligence 20 credits

The Criminal Justice System in England and Wales 20 credits

Criminal Investigation and Forensics 20 credits

Introduction to Evidence Based Policing 20 credits

Human Policing 20 credits

Year Two

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Criminal Law and Police Powers 20 credits

Policing and Ethics 20 credits

Investigative Interviewing Skills 20 credits

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 20 credits

Public Protection and Managing Vulnerability 40 credits

In addition to the curriculum content, a range of support workshops will be provided throughout the second year in order to ensure that you are equipped to implement research methodologies to conduct an independent research project in year three. These will be non-credit bearing and will be delivered through workshops, lectures and independent tasks which will be accessible through virtual learning environment systems.

You will also be allocated a support mentor, who will guide you into discussing potential research topics for your independent research project.

Final Year

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).

Organisation and Leadership within Policing 20 credits

Independent Research Project 40 credits

Policing Futures 20 credits

Tackling Terrorism 20 credits

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.

Policing and the Civil Law 20 credits

Community Safety Placement 20 credits

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

Overseas opportunities

You can gain international insight and experience a new culture with our Erasmus exchange programme. Students have spent a term at a number of major institutions, including the University of San Diego in the USA, as well as destinations in Cyprus and Denmark.

Further Study

If you’re looking to continue your study following the completion of your course, we have exciting postgraduate degrees in MA Criminology and MA Security Studies.

Assessment

The course will use a range of authentic assessment methods in order to reflect current working practices within policing. In all group activities, you will be assessed individually as well as part of a group so as to fairness is applied throughout. This will ensure that you contribute equally to your groups' overall grade but staff can award higher or lower grades to those who may have contributed/not contributed to the assessment.

Student support services

There is a range of support services which will be available to you:

Centre for Academic Success

The Centre for Academic Success is the University's central learning development service. Their aim is to help students develop all of the necessary academic, technical and numerical skills needed to progress and successfully complete a student’s chosen course. The centre can provide additional support regarding referencing, academic writing and presentation skills.

For all information regarding please see the (see Centre for Academic Success - student support).

The Student Contract

When you accept an offer of a place, you enter into a contract with the University which includes obligations on both sides. The main terms you need to be aware of are set out in the Terms and Conditions which are available below.

Your responsibilities as a student include:

Attending the University and engaging fully with your studies whether in a formal teaching environment, in group work with your peers or in self-directed study
Following the rules, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to you as a student (the Academic Regulations and other relevant policies and procedures).
Paying your fees.

Please see The Student Contract for further guidance.

Enablement and Wellbeing

Our professional and confidential Health and Wellbeing services offer support for your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, helping you to make the most out of your time at university. We can help you with:

Mental health and wellbeing
Healthcare
Disability support
Faith and spiritual wellbeing

For all information regarding the services available please see Enablement and Wellbeing.

Employability

The BSc in Professional Policing is an academic knowledge-based degree, based upon the national curriculum for the police constable role. It will provide you with an entry route into policing if you wish to study before you apply to join a police force.

Your education will continue in force if you become a probationary police constable (see below). If you wish to use a pre-join degree as your entry route to the police service, you must apply to join a police force within five years of your graduation.

The pre-join degree may also be of interest or benefit to those considering a career in other roles within policing, for those seeking to understand how society is policed, for those who have an interest in law enforcement or for those want to enter the wider justice sector.

Please note: successful achievement of the pre-join degree does not provide any guarantee of recruitment as a probationary police constable. Each police force sets out its own recruitment process and selection policy; the entry requirements vary from force to force. Prospective students are strongly advised to check the specific requirements of their chosen force before undertaking study.

How do I apply to become a police constable?

Once you have graduated with a pre-join degree, you will need to apply to join your chosen police force as a probationary police constable. To do this, you must:

Apply within five years of your graduation date
Meet all of the recruitment criteria for the particular force.

Once you have successfully joined a force as a probationer, you must then:

Undertake further practice-based learning and assessment in your force
Demonstrate competence in the police constable role
Complete the two-year probationary period, in line with police regulations.

Further information

The range of both interpersonal and academic skills you will develop studying the BSc in Professional Policing will help to support your future career aspirations. Whether you pursue a career in policing or choose instead to take on roles in other sectors, the broad range of assessments, experiences and team activities that you will take part in, will provide to be valuable in future employment.

Special Constable Training (West Midlands Police)

As part of a business relationship developed between the university and West Midlands Police (WMP), you will be given an opportunity to align your studies to training to become a special constable (SC) with WMP. Some of the SC training will be done by WMP at their training facilities and some will be provided from within the course content. This is an exciting and creative opportunity to enhance career potential for a whole range of graduate roles and employment sectors.

OpportUNIty

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.

It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.

International Students

Welcome to the School of Social Sciences, home to students from all around the world!

All of our undergraduate and postgraduate social sciences courses are open to international students, and our courses have been tailored to take a global approach to learning. We frequently welcome international students through the Erasmus scheme, from countries including Germany, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands.

International Services

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here
Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies
Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country
Learn where to find financial support for your studies

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Facilities and Staff

Our Facilities

We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.

The Curzon Building

This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other social sciences, law, business and English students.

The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.

Realistic, simulated environments include two mock court rooms, a Magistrates' and Crown Court, and an interviewing suite. We’re also exploring the use of virtual environments as a way to develop case study analysis.

For those studying on the BA (Hons) Policing or BA (Hons) Criminology, Policing and Investigation degrees, you’ll experience simulations of police interviewing environments for both suspects and witnesses, with access to tape recording and video playback analysis.

Crime investigation files are prepared using computer-based technology, and the crime data analysis requirements of the degree are supported by appropriate statistical and analytical software.

Psychology students can look forward to using state-of-the-art equipment as well, including the latest in eye-tracking software, and our new EEG machine, all geared towards giving you true hands-on experience with tools you’ll be using in your later career. You will also benefit from facilities across the wider campus including the Parkside and Millennium Point buildings.

The Curzon Building also features:

An impressive new library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
Brand new, accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free

Our staff

Steve Wadley

Teaching Fellow

Steve Wadley spent 8 years as an Authorised Firearms Officer with the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) before making the transition to a lecturer within the FE/HE sector.

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Jonathan Jackson

Senior Teaching Fellow, Course Director BSc in Professional Policing

Jonathan has been working within teaching and learning for 11 years at a number of institutions and providers. His academic studies began at Northumbria University, where he graduated with both a BSc Criminology and MSc Homeland Security.

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