Professional Policing

UCAS code: N478

Here's what University of Northampton says about its Professional Policing course.

If you are interested in entering the police force, preparing for a non-operational role or even posts in the military or security services then this may be the course for you. Taught by serving and retired police officers and other industry professionals this degree will give you an insight into legislation, conducting investigations and the criminal justice system in the United Kingdom.

Working with colleagues from across the University you will have the chance to apply what you learn in ‘real-world’ scenarios in our purpose built facilities. This results in a highly effective and complete qualification that is valued and recognised by all the forces across the East Midlands and beyond. We have extremely close professional links with Northants Police and this means that you are exposed to a wide range of guest speakers from detectives to child protection officers.

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one-to-one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study, you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2026 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2026*.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand-new laptop** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course textbook is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

The Northampton Employment Promise

• In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

? eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information ?? eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information

STAGE 1: • Legislation for Policing (Compulsory) • Equality and Diversity in the Criminal Justice System (Compulsory) • Crime Scene Management and Evidence Recovery (Compulsory) • Introduction to Academic Methods and Research (Compulsory) • Theory and Practice of Professional Policing (Compulsory) • Crime and Criminality (Compulsory) • Professional Development (Compulsory)

STAGE 2: • Crime and Criminal Investigation (Compulsory) • Road Policing Law (Compulsory) • Research Skills for Investigation (Compulsory) • Open Source Intelligence for Investigations (Compulsory) • Community Policing (Compulsory) • Enhanced Professional Development (Compulsory) • Investigating Serious and Organised Crime and the Politics of Global Policing (Compulsory)

STAGE 3: • Independent Study for Police Students (Compulsory) • Evidence Based Policing (Compulsory) • Cybercrime (Compulsory) • Vulnerability and Risk and Public Protection (Compulsory) • Miscarriages of Justice (Compulsory)

Module information is quoted for 25/26 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly. 26/27 entry modules will be released in June 2026.

The course is assessed in a number of ways:

• Presentations

• Essays

• Assignments

• Skills labs

• Practical exercises

• Reports

• Reflective accounts and video presentations

• Exams and multiple choice tests