Applied Criminal Justice (Top-Up)

Get the undergraduate qualification and academic recognition you need to progress your established career in the police or criminal justice sector. Get access to the latest facilities, supported by UWE Bristol's respected reputation as a policing and criminology education provider.

As policing has evolved in recent years with the introduction of degree-based qualifications for new recruits, a gap has been identified within the workforce. Our BSc(Hons) Applied Criminal Justice Top-Up degree aims to address this gap by giving existing officers access to university-level education.

Why study applied criminal justice?
Our Criminal Justice degree brings together the knowledge, experience and theoretical concepts that underpin criminal justice practices. As an experienced member of police staff, you'll gain an undergraduate qualification to support your wealth of on-the-job experience. Plus, you'll get academic recognition for your existing occupational skills, due to the professionalisation of policing roles.

Why UWE Bristol?
As an established and respected provider of policing education, you'll benefit from UWE Bristol's strong reputation in the criminal justice sector, with a unique perspective of the policing and criminal justice environment.

Get access to the latest facilities on Frenchay Campus, designed to meet the increased demands of our growing policing provision. Here you'll test your knowledge in a safe learning environment, so you're equipped to apply your academic skills to complex crime scenes.

Where can it take me?
This Criminal Justice course is suitable for existing police officers and professionals currently employed in the criminal justice sector, from probation services to prisons. We encourage a broad range of applicants, bringing a diverse pool of students with different perspectives to your learning.

When you graduate, you'll be equipped with the skillset to progress your career within the police force or wider criminal justice sector or progress to postgraduate education. By acknowledging your occupational experience, you'll be in a strong position to apply for more senior positions or further study.

University is a time to try new things, meet new people and make new goals. With Clearing at UWE Bristol, you'll get the chance to take control of your future and choose an exciting path for yourself.

UWE Bristol offers over 100 professionally accredited courses, including Architecture, Accounting and Finance, Games Technology, Mathematics and Sport Rehabilitation. Whether you're studying an arts, business, healthcare or science degree, all undergraduate courses are designed with employability in mind. You can work a year in industry, study across the world, and get one-to-one careers advice on campus. It's no wonder an outstanding 89% of students find work or further study just 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, published 2025).

You'll also be studying in a top 10 most popular city in the UK (YouGov, 2026). With famous festivals, renowned galleries, lively nightclubs and independent restaurants right on your doorstep, you're guaranteed an incredible student experience in Bristol. With famous festivals, renowned galleries, lively nightclubs and independent restaurants right on your doorstep, you're guaranteed an incredible student experience in Bristol.

Your Future, Right Here. Study at UWE Bristol. Choose to do Clearing right.