BSc (Hons) Policing, Psychology and Investigations

Why study this course with LJMU?

• Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• Access to our innovative Crime Scene Suite facilities for practical scenario-based learning
• Practical exercises and worked-based learning at the renowned Emergency Services Training Centre in Birkenhead (off-campus)
• Thought-provoking modules both reflect and challenge current policing practices and debates
• Opportunities for graduate membership to the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• Follow our student stories on Instagram

About your course

BA (Hons) Policing, Psychology and Investigations at Liverpool John Moores University will engage you in the key strategies for effective crime scene management and both the process and psychology of investigation.

Designed for those who are seeking a career in policing, the wider law enforcement sector, or associated fields in the criminal justice system. You will be introduced to policing and investigation practice and procedure, and criminal law.

Students have access to the Crime Scene Suite to explore crime scene perspectives and investigate approaches.

You will learn about Cognitive and Biological Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, and Individual Differences and the approaches needed to protect both vulnerable people and the management of offenders.

Students also have the opportunity to combine their studies with service by volunteering as a Special Constable.

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

What you will study on this degree

• Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Year 1

• Introduction to Policing and Investigation (20 credits) This module aims to help you understand key theories and concepts relevant to policing and the wider criminal justice system by examining the chronological development of policing and other institutions within the system, landmark events and their inter-relationship and relevance.
• Practice, Procedure and the Criminal Law 1 (20 credits) This module aims to introduce you to the role, responsibilities and powers of the police in differing societal and operational environments. The module provides you with a critical introduction to the foundations of criminal law and the criminal justice system. You will identify the key ingredients of a criminal offence, the varying liability of third parties, and common defences prescribed by criminal law, highlighting the importance of police integrity and the role played by police officers in the successful application of criminal law sanctions.
• Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology 1: Relationships and Associations (10 credits) This module will introduce the tools needed for carrying out a literature search. It will provide you with a practical introduction on how to design an experiment, collect data in an ethical manner, perform statistical analysis and write up findings in a manner consistent with published material.
• Introduction to Developmental Psychology and Individual Differences (20 credits) The aim of this module is to present a range of topics in developmental psychology and individual differences research. You will be introduced to methods applied to understanding key issues in developmental psychology and individual differences research to enable you to consult and summarise appropriate sources to explain key issues.
• Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology 2: Testing for Differences (10 credits) This module will introduce the tools needed for carrying out a literature search. It will provide you with a practical introduction on how to design an experiment, collect data in an ethical manner, perform statistical analysis and write up findings in a manner consistent with published material. Building on from Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology 1: Relationships and Associations, you will learn more complex statistical tests.
• Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology (20 credits) This module introduces you to biological and cognitive psychology. You will examine fundamental issues in cognitive psychology and will consider theoretical models of memory, as well as examining attention and perception. You will be introduced to fundamental issues in biological psychology.
• Skills for Success in Policing and Forensic Psychology (20 credits) This module enables you to develop your academic skills in writing and critical analysis. It will also enable you to develop your awareness of sources of information and presenting information using a variety of media.

Year 2

• Policing Communities (20 credits) This module aims to develop your understanding of the concept of equality and diversity. It provides you with an opportunity to critically explore factors which have come to inform policing environments and practices, and to reflexively acknowledge how personal behaviours can support the promotion of the principles of equality and diversity within the workplace and the wider community.
• Practice, Procedure and the Criminal Law 2 (20 credits) The module aims to introduce you to aspects of the criminal law and police powers. At the end of the module, you will be able to identify and critically appraise the extent of these laws and powers, alongside exploring relevant legislation, policy and practice guidance.
• Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology 4: Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (20 credits) This module enables you to examine the use of advanced tests of differences and relationships in psychological research. You will develop an understanding of factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), simple regression and multiple regression.
• Cognitive and Biological Psychology (20 credits) This module covers key topics in the area of cognitive and biological psychology. This module builds on the biological and cognitive psychology materials introduced in level 4. You will explore current research relating to biological underpinnings that account for commonalities and individual differences in vision, touch, sleep, motivation, learning and consciousness.
• Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, and Individual Differences (20 credits) In this module you will explore psychological development through the life span, covering key areas of development such as cognitive development, identity development and developmental disorders. The module will cover key concepts from individual differences research: intelligence, gender commonalities and differences, and personality and subjective wellbeing. You will also gain an understanding of social psychological concepts such as interpersonal relationships, group processes and intergroup relations.
• Psychology of Investigation (20 credits) This module aims to help students understand how an understanding of Psychology can support them when conducting interviews in relation to Qualitative methodology.

Year 3

• Research Project - Policing, Psychology and Investigations (40 credits) The module aims to enable you to develop a detailed knowledge of your identified field and through this knowledge build a critical understanding of relevant policy and procedural guidance as it is applied in practice
• Approaches to protecting vulnerable people and the management of offenders (20 credits) The module aims to develop your understanding of the legislative and policy framework which sets out the parameters of multi-agency working arrangements across the sector. There will be an opportunity for you to work across disciplinary boundaries and gain experience through work related learning using 'real life' case studies.
• Forensic and Investigative Psychology (20 credits) This module aims to allow you to critically evaluate and apply psychological theories and knowledge in relation to real-world forensic problems. You will work in cross-disciplinary groups to critically explore and evaluate a range of potential solutions to real-world problems.

Optional modules

• Study Year Abroad - Policing, Psychology and Investigations (120 credits) The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of the year, mark bearing credit will be awarded by the University Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.
• Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (20 credits) In this module students will examine the key concepts in relation to terrorism and explore a number of key issues including definitions of terrorism, ideologies, typology, group structures, tactics, methods of operation, target selection, state response, use of technologies, funding and media impact. Students will also explore the concept of, and delivery of, counter terrorism initiatives with a focus on the measures being adopted within the United Kingdom, drawing on comparative counter-terrorism strategies from the US and Canada.
• Comparative Studies in Policing (20 credits) The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to conduct a focused piece of independent work in an international context on an area related to the Policing programme, and to encourage you to monitor and reflect critically on your own learning.
• Policing, Security and Risk (20 credits) This module aims to provide you with critical theoretical, empirical, policy and practical understanding of policing and the security industry. You will gain qualitative skills, writing skills and presentation skills to support your understanding of policing, security and risk realities.
• Investigating Serious and Complex Cases (20 credits) The module aims to develop your understanding of the legislative and policy framework which sets out the parameters for the investigation of criminal offences. You will be provided with the opportunity to demonstrate and explain investigative procedures through the use of case studies and crime scene practicals.
• Application of Intelligence to Policing (20 credits) This programme will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the role, uses and application of intelligence within contemporary policing and partner agencies. You will also develop an understanding of how intelligence can be ethically collected, collated, evaluated, managed and analysed. This will also include the impact of the National Intelligence Model within policing and the wider criminal justice arena.
• Psychopharmacology and Addictive Behaviour (10 credits) This module will introduce you to popular drugs of abuse, their mechanisms of action and their effects. You will learn how the effects of drugs can be harmful and are related to many factors including purity, dose and route of administration.
• Face Perception: Processes and Disorders (10 credits) The aim of this module is to introduce you to theory and research relating to the processes of attending to, categorising and recognising human faces. You will also be able to examine the forensic applications of research in face perception.
• Social Cognition (10 credits) The aim of this module is to introduce you to theory and research concerning social cognition and to analyse and evaluate key models and theories within the field of social cognition. You will also be able to explore contemporary applied issues in social cognition.
• Work Psychology (10 credits) The module is designed to provide a clear introduction to work psychology by covering contemporary research material to enable students to develop a critical understanding of some of the key themes in work psychology.
• Psychology of Sexual Violence (10 credits) This module aims to provide criminal justice practitioners of the future a basic understanding of sexual violence and sexual offenders, providing you with an understanding of the different types of sexual violence and an understanding of the psychological theories and motivational explanations which underpin our current understanding of why offenders commit such offences.

Professional accreditation

Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching
• Support
• Assessment

Excellent facilities and learning resources

You will be taught by lecturers and practitioner academics, who are former serving officers of all ranks and roles, from Constable to Chief Constable. All staff are experienced in a wide range of subject areas and specialisms.

Excellent facilities and learning resources

As part of this degree programme, you have access to our innovative Crime Scene Suites on campus and also take part in role-play and scenario tasks at the Emergency Training Centre in Birkenhead.

Throughout the programme there is a student mentoring scheme that supports students in their academic, professional and personal development.

There is also a wider School of Justice Studies Mentoring Programme that works with criminal justice agencies, such as policing, Crown Prosecution Service, prison, probation and youth justice.

Both employers and students should benefit significantly from this programme. Students gain employability skills and insights into specific careers, while employers experience the rewards of mentorship and the opportunity to share their knowledge with enthusiastic students.

Work-related Learning

Work-related learning is incorporated into every level of this programme so that once you graduate you will be equipped with a range of transferable skills and knowledge in analysis and interpretation, presentation, teamwork, initiative and research.

You will be strongly encouraged to become a Special Police Constable, a police volunteer or to volunteer within the criminal justice field throughout your studies so that you can gain practical insight into operational practices, build professional relationships and enhance your employability skills for police and related criminal justice professions after graduation.

Blended learning

We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.

Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, online activities, workshops and seminars all of which you are expected to attend. In addition you will be supported to develop your skills relating to independent study and group work. You will need to participate in online activities and discussions using our virtual learning environment, Canvas.

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

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.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

Your marks and feedback will be available within 15 working days of submitting a piece of work. That's because we believe that constructive feedback is vital in helping you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to develop further.

Where you will study

Based at the John Foster Building, in the Mount Pleasant Campus, the Crime Scene Suite is an innovative facility that gives students the opportunity to explore crime scene perspectives and investigate approaches.

Career paths

Graduates find themselves working in a variety of policing roles as either police officers or police staff and in various roles in the wider law enforcement and criminal justice sectors. The degree also provides the basis for further study and careers in psychology.

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 those graduates who wish to apply for police constable roles in England and Wales, this degree would render you eligible to apply for appointment via the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) route.

Recruitment and appointment is subject to the relevant regulations and requirements of police recruitment and selection processes. This includes medical and fitness testing along with background and security checks. Recruitment and selection processes are rigorous and may vary between forces.

Candidates applying to join a police constabulary must also undertake a series of assessments including National Recruitment processes and Force vetting. Guidance on recruitment can be found on the College of Policing website.

For graduates who seek careers outside of police constable roles, may find themselves working in:

• Border Force Control
• National Crime Agency
• Police Staff - Researchers, Analysts or Advisors

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.

Tuition fees and funding

Home

• Full-time per year: £9,535
• Placement year: £1,905

International

• Full-time per year: £17,750
• Placement year: £3,830

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

• Grades/points required from qualifications: BCC (104)

Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

GCSEs and equivalents

• Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics or an equivalent qualification.
  • Equivalences accepted:
    • Key Skills Level 2 in English/Communication and Mathematic/Application of Number
    • Functional Skills in English and Mathematics
    • Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication and Application of Number
    • Skills for Life Level 2 in English and Numeracy
    • Higher Diploma in English/Maths

A levels

• BCC
  • Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
  • Maximum AS UCAS points: 20

BTECs

• Extended Diploma: DMM

Access awards

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
  • Pass overall with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff Points.

International Baccalaureate

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
  • A minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff Points.

OCR Cambridge Technical

• Extended Diploma: DMM

Irish awards

• 104 UCAS Tariff points.
  • Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications from a relevant subject.

T levels

• A minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff Points.
  • Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
  • You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.

Further information

• DBS, Occupational Health requirements
• RPL

RPL/RPEL will be offered in accordance with the LJMU Academic Framework.

• Reduced offer scheme

At LJMU, we are dedicated to widening participation in education. We understand that academic potential isn't always accurately represented by grades alone. Therefore, we consider additional information included in your application. If you meet certain eligibility criteria, we may make an offer lower than our typical entry requirements.

International requirements

• IELTS
  • All applicants should have achieved IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.

Further information

• DBS, Occupational Health requirements
• RPL

RPL/RPEL will be offered in accordance with the LJMU Academic Framework.

• Find your country

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

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

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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.

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

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

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

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