Professional Policing with Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

University of Derby

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.

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you. Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

BA (Hons) Professional 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.

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.

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.