Curious about studying Professional Policing - BA (Hons)at University of Wolverhampton? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
University of Wolverhampton
Part Time
Sep 2026
6 Year
Our BA (Hons) Professional Policing degree provides education and training for those looking to pursue a career in police work. The course not only covers relevant topics in policing, but also provides an insight into the criminal justice system. This makes the degree perfect for those wanting to kick-start their career in policing. The BA (Hons) Professional Policing degree, or the PEQF (Policing Education Qualifications Framework) is a new, professional framework for the training of police officers and staff. As of Jan. 1, 2020, the Police of England and Wales' must have a post-secondary educational qualification in order to be appointed as a police officer in any of the 43 forces. There are three new entry routes into the police service, developed by the College of Policing, the professional body of the police service. One of them is by finishing a Pre-Join degree, where students get a 3-year professional diploma in policing, so they can deal with the challenges and exciting obstacles that modern policing has to offer. Full-time (3 years)
The module will address the planning, design and development of policing-related research and the emergence of ?evidence-based policing?. Students will learn about qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodologies and approaches; their inherent strengths and weaknesses; and the importance of research standards and ethics. They will develop their critical reading, researching, thinking, writing and referencing skills over the course of the module.
The module examines the notion of rights, with particular reference to the rights enshrined in the Human Rights Act 1998. The legal issues arising from claims that human rights have been infringed are examined in the context of case law. This in turn illustrates the relevant legal principles that are applied and remedies available for infringement.
This module will enable students to appreciate the purpose, benefits and challenges of police powers and procedures in a variety of contexts. Students will explore the function of police powers and the need for clear rules and regulations for police procedures when dealing with the public. There is a particular focus on stop search and the challenges inherent with this type of occurrence. The module enables students to appreciate the importance of community engagement and understand how to foster effective community relationships. Students will become familiar with the main sources of information and academic research about police powers and procedure and be able to use these materials for research purposes.
This module will enable students to appreciate the purpose, benefits and challenges of community policing in a variety of contexts. Students will explore the function of community policing and the key issues surrounding community policing. There is a particular focus on anti-social behaviour and the challenges inherent with this type of incident. The module enables students to appreciate the importance of community engagement and understand how to foster effective community relationships. Students will become familiar with the main sources of information and academic research about community policing and be able to use these materials for research purposes.
This module will enable students to appreciate the purpose, benefit and responsibilities of the police service in a variety of contexts. Students will explore the role of law enforcement agencies and the key issues surrounding policing. There is a particular focus on professionalism and policing by consent and the challenges faced by a contemporary police service. The module enables students to appreciate the importance of conducting and exercising police powers and procedures fairly and without bias. Students will become familiar with the main sources of information and academic research regarding national policing strategies and be able to use these materials for research purposes.
This module will introduce students to the key elements of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) in England and Wales. It highlights how the police, CPS, courts, jury and sentencing operate independently but also within a wider framework, thereby giving students vital introductory information that is required to explore the deeper workings of the system later within their degree. There is also opportunity to consider potential future careers within the CJS (through listening to guest speakers who work in the field, asking questions and reflecting upon their own possible aspirations within seminars) and work towards the Wolverhampton Enterprise and Employability Award Silver Level (WEEA). The assessment for this module also builds upon the employability theme of this module, as students take on the roles of different parts of the CJS and develop team work, debating and presentation skills.
This module introduces students to the criminal investigation process. Students will be required to distinguish between different types of crime and why this is important in the investigation process. Students will be introduced to the different types of evidence and understand the importance of effective evidence management and the implications of not following policy and procedure. Complex live and cold cases will form a large part of this module, with students analysing the resources required to investigate such cases. Students will consider the challenges that victims and witnesses face during a complex investigation and the police response to these challenges.
This module will enable students to appreciate the importance of information and intelligence to key areas of policing. Students will examine relevant legislation/guidance underpinning information and intelligence in policing. There is a particular focus on how information and intelligence can help police operations. The module enables students to appreciate the issues that can arise when data management protocols are not adhered to. Students will become familiar with the main sources of information and academic research about this area of policing and be able to use these materials for research purposes.
This module will enable students to appreciate the purpose, benefits and challenges of response policing in a variety of contexts. Students will explore the function of response policing and the key issues surrounding response policing and attending major incidents. There is a particular focus on the key issues relating to the complexity and challenges of operational policing. Students will become familiar with the main sources of information and academic research about this area of front line policing and be able to use these materials for research purposes.
This module will require students to research evidence-based initiatives in the context of preventative policing and problem-solving in relation to road policing with a focus on national strategies. Students will understand how to engage in lawful, safe and effective front-line road policing though the use of scenario-based role play and continual self-reflection. Students will acquire an understanding of road traffic legislation, police powers, road traffic investigation procedures and the impact of road traffic incidents on families and the wider community.
This module introduces students to some of the major figures, theories, models, concepts and approaches that have shaped police practice and research. Students will be asked to think clearly and critically about the development of police thinking and theory (with particular regard to problem-oriented crime prevention, ethical decision making, the exercise of discretion, risk and evidence based policing).
This module will enable students to understand this important area of policing. Students will explore the key counter-terrorism terminology and concepts and the organisational structures that exist in counter-terrorism policing. There will be a particular focus on the key legislation that is relevant to counter-terrorism policing, gathering intelligence and how to prevent home-grown terrorism.
The module will introduce students to policing technologies and the prevalence of digitally-facilitated crimes, which are frequently evolving. Students will consider the role of the deep web, social media, hacking (and other forms of complex digital-facilitated crimes) and the variety of devices being used in policing and crime contexts.
This research module is required for you to gain your honours degree. You will be able to choose an area of policing to research in depth.
The module will require students to critically analyse professional standards in policing and the qualities of police accountability in practice. Students will consider the roles and responsibilities of police officers, police staff, police leaders, internal professional standards departments and external mechanisms of oversight and complaint in holding police officers to account according to appropriate and professional standards. Relevant standards such as the police misconduct regulations and the Code of Ethics, and the nature and effect of the police disciplinary process will be examined. Students will consider the complexity and challenges of operational policing and the difficulties of maintaining professional standards and delivering police accountability on the ground. Case studies of police officer misconduct and best practice will be examined.
This module spans all areas of public protection policing; policy, research, theory and practice. Students will be introduced to the diverse and complex nature of public protection policing and vulnerability. Students will understand vulnerability and the theories and concepts around how a person can become a victim. Students will develop an understanding of the powers and legislation relating to contemporary and significant areas of policing practice including, but not limited to, child sexual exploitation, county lines, child criminal exploitation, modern slavery, domestic abuse, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, sexual offences ,hate crime and mental health. Students will use this knowledge to critically explore complex situations using evidence based research. Students will understand the impact these offences have on the victim, their families, the wider community and the criminal justice system. Reference will be made to how vulnerable people are supported by the police and other agencies and how risk is managed. The concept of multi- agency working will be a theme throughout this module, with reference to serious case reviews and the management of offenders.
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