Professional Policing

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

Based solely on more than 24,000 student reviews, we were named Uni Compare's University of the Year 2027, and voted 1st in the UK for employability and 2nd in the UK for course quality. Not only that, but 97% of students would recommend the University of Derby*, which we can offer you industry-relevant teaching, state-of-the-art study spaces, multi-award-winning accommodation, and a welcoming, inclusive community.

*Uni Compare 2027