Professional Policing BSc (Hons)

Course overview:
We are licensed by the College of Policing to offer the pre-join degree in professional policing, a professional academic knowledge-based degree, based on the National Policing Curriculum for the police constable role.

You gain a comprehensive education, based upon the professional responsibility of the police service and all who work within it, to serve and protect the public in the most effective ways possible. You gain knowledge and understanding of roles within the policing family to make an application to work as a member of police staff across the UK or within the military police. The degree has a currency of five years following graduation for recruitment into policing.

You explore the five policing practice themes of: response policing, policing communities, policing the roads, information and intelligence, and conducting investigations and gain the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to prepare you for applications for the police service.

The teaching team have professional policing experience and relevant academic expertise. You focus on how to engage in lawful, safe and effective front-line policing, and to research, develop, implement and review evidence-based initiatives to improve policing performance.

Our well-established links and network of contacts with criminal justice organisations and practitioners, locally and nationally, our Policing Clinic, strong links with Her Majesty’s Prison, probation service, and Cleveland Police ensures your course is relevant and adds additional depth and breadth to your studies.

We have first-class facilities that enable you to develop and hone important professional and practical skills including our simulated police station equipped with an interview room, examination room, custody office and front desk. Our crime scene house presents over 30 crime scene areas where you can put theory into practice. You benefit from an immersive learning experience and expand your understanding of practical procedures. In addition, our replica court room has the features of a modern court and offers invaluable courtroom experience.

We have a proven track record of working effectively with policing and criminal justice partners which provide unique employability opportunities. Our exceptionally talented crime and investigation team are from a variety of backgrounds including policing professionals and academia giving you an authentic and current learning experience. Your teaching team draw upon local case studies to enrich your learning experience in class and by sending you out into the community.

Successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Professional Policing cannot guarantee your recruitment to the police service. Each force has its own requirements so please refer to the College of Policing website which outlines the official police recruitment processes, ie the Police SEARCH® or Day One Recruit Assessment Centre.

Top reasons to study this course
1. This is a professional, knowledge-based degree which centres around the National Policing Curriculum for the police constable role.
2. Your final year research project is based on a real issue in the locality.
3. Teaching includes practical exercises in initial crime scene investigation and investigative interviewing.
4. You are encouraged to appreciate alternative views and beliefs.
5. You gain problem-solving and analytic skills to explore and identify solutions to community issues.

After the course:
Police officer, either as a new police officer or at a more senior level via the Direct Entry Scheme. At a broader level, you will have the required knowledge and understanding to apply to be employed as police staff (such as civilian investigators, detention officers), or within the military police.

Our award-winning careers service works with regional and national employers to advertise graduate positions, in addition to providing post-graduation support for all Teesside University alumni.

Choosing Teesside University means joining a modern, ambitious university that puts students first. Named Modern University of the Year 2026 (Daily Mail University Guide 2026) and recognised for its outstanding student experience, Teesside combines award-winning teaching with the support you need to succeed.

Based in Middlesbrough, the university has invested millions into creating a vibrant campus packed with industry-standard facilities, study spaces and social hubs. You'll also have access to Adobe Creative Campus tools, helping you build valuable digital skills alongside your degree.

From day one, you'll be part of a welcoming student community with excellent support services, societies, sports clubs and opportunities to boost your career prospects. If you're looking for a university that helps you achieve more and make the most of student life, Teesside could be the perfect fit.