Professional Policing (with Foundation Year)

UWE Bristol are regional pioneers of the national transformation in police education. We are licensed by the College of Policing to offer the pre-join BSc(Hons) Professional Policing (with Foundation Year). This course will prepare you to apply for a role in one of 43 UK police forces.

Why study Professional Policing?
Police education is in the early stages of a national transformation, recognising the complex and challenging role of today's police officers. This transformation aims to equip future employees with the skills they need for success in modern policing, including communication, digital fluency and critical thinking.

As an aspiring regional hub of police education, UWE Bristol are early adopters of this cultural change. Our pioneering BSc(Hons) Professional Policing (with Foundation Year) is designed to address the changing needs of the sector and places a strong focus on improving equality, diversity and inclusivity in policing. Completing this degree will be your first step towards working for the police.

Why study at UWE Bristol?
Study at the forefront of the national transformation of recruitment and training in the policing sector. You'll learn to apply an evidence-based approach to Professional Policing, supported by research-led teaching, bespoke facilities and specialist staff from practice.

You'll also benefit from our strong professional connections with Avon and Somerset Constabulary. Take advantage of exciting opportunities to collaborate with police officers in practice and interact with local police forces through mentoring, shadowing and ride along activities. By the time you graduate, you'll have the academic knowledge required to become a police officer.

Where can it take me?
Aimed at those who aren't already employed by a police force, this course is one of three accredited routes to become a Police Constable that UWE Bristol offers. Our BSc(Hons) Professional Policing (with Foundation Year) will prepare you to apply for a response officer role in any national force area.

We welcome applications from a range of prospective students, from school leavers interested in policing or criminology, to armed forces employees seeking a career change. We also encourage those looking to work in non-operational policing roles to apply.

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.