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Entry requirements
Here's what you will need to get a place on the Professional Policing course at University of Derby.
Select a qualification to see required grades
A level
B,B,C
Most popular A-levels studied
See who's studying at University of Derby. These students are taking Professional Policing or another course from the same subject area.
| Subject | Grade |
|---|---|
| Psychology | D |
| Sociology | C |
| History | C |
| Geography | B |
| Biology | C |
Course summary
What this course is about
UCAS code: L435
Here's what University of Derby says about its Professional Policing course.
BA (Hons) Professional Policing
A policing career demands skill, responsibility, leadership and initiative – together with a genuine desire to make a difference to society. Our innovative BA (Hons) Professional Policing prepares you for one of the most challenging professions of all.
Why choose this course?
Studying on our BA (Hons) Professional Policing, you will study a wide range of theoretical and legislative subjects and gain the knowledge you need for a rewarding career in the police service. You’ll prepare for the fast-moving world of policing by following a curriculum written and licensed by the College of Policing.
Is this course for you?
If you want an in-depth understanding of the police officer’s role today – and the chance to explore policing issues critically – this degree is a great choice. You can tailor your studies, choosing from final-year pathways in crime investigation; working with offenders; international criminology; or criminology theory and practice.
How you will learn
BA (Hons) Policing offers a mix of lectures, tutorials, role play, guest lectures and visits to police stations, custody suites, victim support facilities and courts. There’s practical experience in our first-rate training facilities too, which includes a replica custody suite.
Opportunities and experiences
You'll be encouraged to become a Special Constable or Police Support Volunteer during your studies, which will improve your employability and equip you with essentials skills when you graduate. To become a Special Constable, you will have to pass the vetting, assessment centre, medical and fitness procedures relating to the police force to which you have applied. You must be a national of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA), or if a national of a country outside the EEA, have the right to reside in this country without restrictions and in good health and of good character.
We will assist you throughout the application process but the police recruitment panel will make the final decision.
You can find out more about becoming a Special Constable on the College of Policing website: https://recruit.college.police.uk/Special/Pages/eligible.aspx
Please note, direct entry to stage 2 and 3 is not available.
Careers and employability
On graduation, you’ll have completed a significant amount of the training that regular police officers undergo. It makes you a stand-out candidate not only for policing roles but also for careers in areas like civilian investigation, crime reduction, probation, security and loss prevention.
Did you know we also offer this course:
- With a Foundation Year
Source: University of Derby
Course details
Qualification
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Department
Policing
Location
Main Site | Derby
Duration
3 Years
Study mode
Full-time
Subjects
• Policing
Start date
14 September 2026
Application deadline
14 January 2026
Tuition fees
| Location | Fees |
|---|---|
| England | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Scotland | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Wales | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Northern Ireland | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Channel Islands | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| EU | £16,900 per year (provisional) |
| International | £16,900 per year (provisional) |
University of Derby student reviews
Showing 306 reviews
3rd year
Forensic science
1 year ago
The student union care for the university and its students ensuring we are happy, healthy and thriving during our time in university. They put on events with freebies to boost morale as well.
3rd year
Forensic science
1 year ago
The halls and university are really close to the city so getting around is easy, especially with the university buses. The city is definitely a student friendly place with plenty of clubs and late night food places, as well as a variety of shops and other entertainment for those who aren’t into club...
3rd year
Forensic science
1 year ago
The university is definitely value for money and so are the halls. There is financial support available for those who need it and the union ensures that you still have fun even if you are on a strict budget by hosting free events on campus.
3rd year
Forensic science
1 year ago
The university and halls have a great support system which ensures you get the help you need quickly and from a diverse team of professionals.
3rd year
Forensic science
1 year ago
The facilities are very clean and up to standard for our labs and lectures. Any maintenance is quickly sorted as well.
3rd year
Forensic science
1 year ago
Forensics is an amazing course to study with a blended mix of lectures and labs, you are sure to have a broad knowledge about every main path of forensics. The staff are very knowledgeable and supportive and the sessions are action-packed and full of useful information. Labs are weekly and are criti...
National Student Survey (NSS) scores at University of Derby
The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.
Here you can see ratings from University of Derby students who took the Professional Policing course - or another course in the same subject area.
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
85%
med
Teaching on my course
85%
med
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
86%
med
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
96%
med
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
82%
med
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
76%
low
Learning opportunities
82%
med
Learning opportunities
82%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
86%
high
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
85%
med
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
82%
low
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
79%
low
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
80%
med
Assessment and feedback
86%
high
Assessment and feedback
86%
high
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
86%
med
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
83%
med
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
86%
high
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
90%
med
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
85%
high
Academic support
91%
high
Academic support
91%
high
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
88%
med
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
94%
high
Organisation and management
75%
med
Organisation and management
75%
med
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
76%
med
How well organised is your course?
74%
low
Learning resources
87%
med
Learning resources
87%
med
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
82%
low
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
90%
med
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
92%
med
Student voice
78%
med
Student voice
78%
med
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
70%
med
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
83%
med
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
82%
med
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
73%
med
Other NSS questions
Other NSS questions
During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?
92%
high
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
82%
med
Student information
See who's studying at University of Derby. These students are taking Professional Policing or another course from the same subject area.
Graduate prospects
What graduates do next
Facts and figures about University of Derby graduates who took Professional Policing - or another course in the same subject area.
Graduate statistics
67%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
88%
In work, study or other activity
73%
Say it fits with future plans
45%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
38%
Protective service occupations
10%
Business and public service associate professionals
8%
Legal professionals
8%
Sales occupations
Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates
Earnings after graduation
Earnings from University of Derby graduates who took Professional Policing - or another course in the same subject area.
Earnings
£25.2k
First year after graduation
£23.4k
Third year after graduation
£26.6k
Fifth year after graduation
Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Professional Policing.
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree
Discussions
Discussions
Students are talking about University of Derby on The Student Room.
University of Derby open days
Are you thinking of applying to this university?
Before you do, it's a good idea to go to an open day. You can have a good look around campus, getting a better idea of what it's like to study there. You'll meet current students and staff and get the chance to ask them questions.
Universities will list upcoming open days on their websites. Most will also have virtual open days; these are a great alternative if you really can't get there in person. For tips on preparing for open days, check the advice section here on The Uni Guide.
