Professional Policing

UCAS code: L900

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

Our Professional Policing degree, licensed by the UK College of Policing, is taught by expert criminologists and senior ex-officers. Gain the skills and hands-on experience needed for careers in law enforcement, security, and all areas of policing.

Immersive, real-world training Experience realistic crime scene investigations, live suspect interviews with actors, and simulated courtroom trials - bridging theory and practice in a hands-on learning environment.

Expert-led teaching Learn from former senior police officers and leading criminologists who bring decades of frontline experience and academic insight, including major event management like the 2012 Olympic torch relay.

Career-focussed Licensed by the UK College of Policing as a Pre-Join degree, this course opens doors to a variety of careers across public, private and third sectors.

This course is for you if...

• you have a desire to make a tangible difference – to serve and protect communities

• you seek to develop transferable skills across law enforcement, security and public service roles

• you're driven to apply your skills in real-world settings – through immersive experiences such as crime scene simulations, courtroom presentations, and live suspect interviews

• you are aiming for a rewarding and dynamic career in law enforcement.

Year 1 Semester 1 – Who are the police and what do they do? You will start with a history of the modern police, their role and function and how they respond to public need and gain insights into roads policing and the trauma experienced by first responders.

Semester 2 – Criminology and communities Understanding the causes of crime and applying criminological theory, you will problem-solve real policing issues by analysing criminal and community intelligence.

Year 2 Semester 1 – From crime scene to court Immersing yourself in our realistic crime scene you will form investigative hypotheses, interview live suspects, and develop policing skills to solve a murder scenario.

Semester 2 – The ethics of the police The police service operates in a risky environment with the need for fast paced but high-quality decision making. You will work through real-life case studies where the police have caused the death of a member of the public to enhance your decision-making capabilities under stress.

Final year Semester 1 – Protecting the vulnerable You will challenge your understanding of how to safeguard the vulnerable, protecting children and tackling extremist radicalisation and domestic abuse.

Semester 2 – Criminology and communities Police corruption and cyber-crime are examined in depth, and you will be able to contribute to the development of evidenced-based policing through your dissertation research into real-world policing problems.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.