BSc (Hons) Professional Policing at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

A Pre-Join degree licensed by the UK College of Policing, taught by criminologists and former senior police officers. Students train in a simulated crime scene suite and a mock courtroom.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business | Department: School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences | Duration: 3 years full-time | Study mode: full-time | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers British policing, first responders, community policing, criminological theory, criminal intelligence and problem-oriented policing. Year 2 covers crime scenes and suspect interviews, victim and witness evidence, delivering justice, critical incidents, equality, diversity and human rights, and research design. The final year covers vulnerability, terrorism and radicalisation, police corruption and ethics, digital security and cyber safety, and a dissertation.

Career pathways

Prepares graduates to apply for police constable roles in England and Wales, British Transport Police, Ministry of Defence Police, Military Police, the Security Services or the National Crime Agency, as well as PCSO, investigator, control room, analytical and private-sector security roles. The degree does not guarantee entry to a police force.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer 104 UCAS points. A levels: 104 points from a minimum of two A levels (general studies accepted). BTEC: DMM in any subject (18-unit Extended Diploma). Access to HE: named Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit or distinction. T level: Merit in any subject. International Baccalaureate: 26-28 overall including 4 at any Higher Level subject (English and Maths accepted at HL 4 or SL 5). Contextual offers are typically 8 points below the advertised tariff. International applicants: University standard undergraduate English requirement is IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (equivalents accepted).

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time tuition (UK students) Source

International applicants: GBP 18,150 a year (2026/27). Full-time tuition Source

Duration: 3 years

Arts & Humanities