BA (Hons) Professional Policing

Why study this course with LJMU?

• Licensed by The College of Policing, the professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) for Policing
• The programme covers wide-ranging areas of law, social science, policy and research skills essential to a policing career
• You will be taught by lecturers and practitioner academics, who are former serving officers of all ranks and roles, from Constable to Chief Constable
• Field trips include Merseyside Firearms Training Centre and the Emergency Services Training Centre as part of your core modules
• Opportunities to volunteer as a Special Constable in Merseyside Police and other local forces
• Guest lecturers include speakers from the National Crime Agency and operational input from Merseyside Police - which includes stop & search scenarios with serving officers
• Final research project allows students to collect their own data to explore specific issues relevant for Merseyside police

About your course

This degree aims to make you an attractive recruitment option for police constabularies in England and Wales. A BA (Hons) Professional Policing is the defined pre-join qualification for a career in policing.

It gives graduates a solid foundation and a head start from which to embark upon their careers when they are appointed to a police force. The programme covers all academic and theoretical elements of the College of Policing initial curriculum. Therefore, once appointed to a police force graduates require only minimal practical training and orientation in their chosen police force.

You will have the opportunity to combine your studies with service by volunteering as a Special Constable, which enables you to achieve many of the practical initial operational requirements, which links back to your academic studies.

Each student is allocated a personal tutor whose role is to offer general advice, guidance and support regarding the broader aspects of your studies and university life in general.

You will be taught at Mount Pleasant Campus in the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing, a pioneering research centre for interdisciplinary law enforcement, and is licensed by the College of Policing to deliver degree programmes.

Course modules

Year 1

• Introduction to Policing (20 credits)
  • Examine the history and development of the British policing model and the underpinning features and philosophy.
  • Examine the modern policing and wider law enforcement landscape, the organisations and bodies that comprise it, what each does and how they interact.
  • Develop an understanding of the role and position of the police in contemporary society and the nature of the relationship with the community they serve.
• Academic and Policing Studies Skills (20 credits)
  • Provide the necessary knowledge needed to enable you to demonstrate a structured approach to studying, writing essays and referencing content.
• Criminal Law, Practice and Procedure (20 credits)
  • Provide the knowledge and understanding of legislation and police powers in relation to a range of typical policing incidents.
  • Enable you to apply such knowledge to a range of specified circumstances and incidents.
• Policing Standards, Governance and Accountability (20 credits)
  • Consider what is meant by professional standards and how the apply to police officers and the police service.
  • Examine the governance and accountability of police officers and the police service generally.
  • Compare the professional standard requirements within the police service to those of similar professional organisations.

Year 2

• Research methods (20 credits)
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of research methodologies and approaches, demonstrating effective referencing, applied to a range of theories and practices and associated with communication.
  • Gain knowledge and understanding of quantitative and qualitative research techniques and their appropriate use.
• Victimology (20 credits)
  • Define what is meant by vulnerability and familiarise you with the complex nature of vulnerability, whilst providing an understanding of how situational and environmental factors, combined with personal vulnerabilities, may result in a person becoming a victim and/or perpetrator.
  • Explore how the effective use of training, knowledge and skills can assist in supporting those who are vulnerable and why it is necessary to use a safeguarding approach to those who are vulnerable.
• Policing communities (20 credits)
  • Develop the knowledge and understanding of policing in a Community Policing context.
  • Develop existing knowledge of policing strategies and develop this further.

Year 3

• Research project (40 credits)
  • Ensure that you have the knowledge, understanding and skills to conduct research into more complex issues within the context of a policing related topic.
  • Provide the opportunity to develop an ethically sound research question and to develop appropriate research methods to justify your choice.
• Career and employability (20 credits)
  • Consolidate the academic and transferable skills acquired throughout the programme with a view to preparing students for the work environment.
  • Developing a compelling onward plan.
• Conducting investigations (30 credits)
  • Develop knowledge and understanding of the investigative process in a range of operational contexts.
  • Develop practical solutions to provide effective policing methods in this area whilst furthering your own competence within the pathway.

Professional accreditation

The College of Policing, the professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) for policing, has licensed LJMU to run this degree as an entry level professional degree.

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching: Academic staff and practitioner academics, who are former serving officers of all ranks and roles, from Constable to Chief Constable.
• Support: Student mentoring scheme, wider School of Justice Studies Mentoring Programme.
• Facilities: Crime Scene Suites on campus, Emergency Training Centre in Birkenhead.

Career paths

Graduates find themselves working a variety of policing roles, such as operational officers, police staff, or wider law enforcement agencies.

Employability is a core module of the degree, where in your final year you will be encouraged and supported to consider your career path in policing.

For graduates who wish to apply for police constable roles in England and Wales, need to do so within five years of graduating. Achieving this degree is a requirement but does not guarantee appointment to a police force. Recruitment and appointment is subject to the relevant regulations and requirements of police recruitment and selection processes.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: £9,535 per year
• International: £17,750 per year

Entry requirements

• GCSEs: Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/Numeracy
• A levels: BCC-BBB
• BTECs: Extended Diploma: DMM
• International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5

How to apply

• UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses.
• Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here.

---

Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Professional Policing program at Liverpool John Moores University is a three-year, full-time degree designed to prepare students for a career in policing. It is licensed by the College of Policing, the professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) for policing, and is the defined pre-join qualification for a police career. The program covers all academic and theoretical elements of the College of Policing initial curriculum, providing graduates with a solid foundation and a head start in their policing careers.

---

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to become effective police officers.
• Develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Prepare students for the rigorous recruitment and selection processes of police constabularies.

---

Program Description:

The program is delivered by academic staff and practitioner academics, including former serving officers of all ranks and roles. It incorporates specific and specialist work-related topics into every level of learning, equipping students with a versatile range of transferable skills and knowledge. Students have the opportunity to combine their studies with service as a Special Constable, which enables them to achieve many of the practical initial operational requirements. Each student is allocated a personal tutor who offers general advice, guidance, and support regarding the broader aspects of their studies and university life.

---

Outline:

---

Level 4:

• Core Modules:
• Introduction to Policing (20 credits): Examines the history and development of the British policing model, the modern policing and wider law enforcement landscape, and the role and position of the police in contemporary society.
• Academic and Policing Studies Skills (20 credits): Provides students with the necessary knowledge to demonstrate a structured approach to studying, writing essays, and referencing content.
• Criminal Law, Practice and Procedure (20 credits): Covers legislation and police powers in relation to a range of typical policing incidents.
• Policing Standards, Governance and Accountability (20 credits): Explores professional standards, governance, and accountability of police officers and the police service.
• Evidence Based Policing (20 credits): Introduces the concept of evidence-based policing and problem-solving approaches.
• Criminal Justice (20 credits): Covers the components of the criminal justice system, how they operate, and their interrelationships.

---

Level 5:

• Core Modules:
• Research methods (20 credits): Evaluates research methodologies and approaches, demonstrating effective referencing and the use of quantitative and qualitative research techniques.
• Victimology (20 credits): Defines vulnerability and explores how situational and environmental factors contribute to victimization.
• Policing communities (20 credits): Develops knowledge and understanding of policing in a Community Policing context.
• Offenders management (20 credits): Explores criminological theories, strategies for managing suspects and offenders, and the importance of partnership collaboration.
• Policing the roads (20 credits): Develops knowledge and understanding of Roads Policing and investigations in a Roads Policing context.

---

Level 6:

• Core Modules:
• Research project (40 credits): Provides students with the opportunity to conduct research into complex policing-related issues.
• Career and employability (20 credits): Consolidates academic and transferable skills acquired throughout the program and prepares students for the work environment.
• Conducting investigations (30 credits): Develops knowledge and understanding of the investigative process in a range of operational contexts.
• Response policing, leadership and team-working (30 credits): Explores the social issues and pressures relating to response policing demand.

---

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the modules but typically include a combination of exams and coursework. These include essays, exams, fieldwork projects, reports, case studies, portfolios, online blogs and wikis, workplace practice, posters, presentations (individual and group), debates, reviews, and group work. Students receive extensive written feedback and occasional verbal feedback on their assessments.

---

Teaching:

The program adopts an active blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning. This includes lectures, workshops, online activities, seminars, realistic simulated exercises, and role-plays. The program is delivered by academic staff and practitioner academics, all experienced in a wide range of subject areas and specialisms. A mentoring scheme supports students in their academic, professional, and personal development.

---

Careers:

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to police constabularies for appointment as police constables within five years. Achieving this degree is a requirement but does not guarantee appointment. Recruitment and appointment are subject to the relevant regulations and requirements of police recruitment and selection processes, including medical and fitness testing, background and security checks.

---

Other:

• The program is based within the John Foster Building, in the Mount Pleasant Campus, which has well-equipped IT Suites, a light-filled Student Common Room, and dedicated study areas.
• Students have access to the Aldham Robarts Library, which provides an exceptional range of materials to support their studies.
• The Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects, or unpaid placements anywhere in the world.
Any approved changes will be communicated to applicants.

---

Fees and funding

Home full-time per year £9,250 International full-time per year £17,750

---

Overview:

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a public university located in Liverpool, England. It is a large and diverse institution with a strong focus on providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

---

Services Offered:

LJMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available for students.

Student Support:

The university provides comprehensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and mental health resources.

Library:

LJMU has a well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.

Student Futures:

This service helps students with career planning, job searching, and employability skills development.

International Student Support:

Dedicated support is available for international students, including visa guidance and cultural adjustment programs.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

LJMU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Key aspects include:

Sports, Societies, and Lifestyle:

Students can participate in a wide range of sports clubs, societies, and social events.

Campus:

The university has multiple campuses located in Liverpool, providing a diverse and stimulating environment.

Go Abroad:

LJMU offers opportunities for students to study abroad and gain international experience.

Volunteering:

Students can engage in volunteering activities and contribute to the local community.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

LJMU is known for its high-quality teaching and research.

Diverse Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Location:

Liverpool is a vibrant and culturally rich city, providing students with a stimulating and enjoyable living experience.

Student Support:

LJMU provides comprehensive support services to ensure student success.

---

Academic Programs:

LJMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Bachelor's degrees in various fields, including business, law, health sciences, engineering, and the arts.

Postgraduate:

Master's degrees, PhD programs, and other postgraduate qualifications.

Degree Apprenticeships:

Programs that combine work experience with academic study.

Continuing Professional Development:

Short courses and programs for professionals seeking to enhance their skills.