Professional Policing BSc

This Professional Policing BSc (Hons) program at Northumbria University is a research-rich degree licensed by the College of Policing to meet the national curriculum requirements for the Pre-join Degree in Professional Policing. The course draws on a multidisciplinary pool of expertise, including criminology, law, forensic science, and cybercrime, to address the evolving challenges of contemporary law enforcement. Ranked 3rd in the UK for social policy research power, the program leverages Northumbria’s extensive partnerships with regional, national, and international police forces to ensure teaching is grounded in cutting-edge science and evidence-based practice.

Students at the City Campus benefit from unrivalled facilities designed to mirror professional environments. These include a specially designed courtroom for mock trials and DVD-recorded skill development, a bespoke crime scene house for forensic investigation practice, and dedicated digital security labs. The curriculum is further supported by television and radio studios for media training and an innovative virtual learning environment featuring video podcasts and online quizzes.

The degree prepares graduates for the role of Police Constable in England and Wales by providing the theoretical knowledge and practical experience now required for entry. Beyond frontline policing, the program’s focus on transferable skills and volunteering opportunities within the criminal justice system equips students for careers in fraud management, investigation, and wider social justice roles. While completion provides a professional gateway, the recruitment process remains independent to each individual police force.