Police Studies / Policing (Pre-Service)

Prospective students are encouraged to contact Angela Silk, programme administrator, on 01843 609147 or e-mail angela.silk@canterbury.ac.uk  for more information.

Why Policing (Pre-Service)?

These Policing programmes provide BSc and DipHE students with an academic and vocational understanding of policing and also serve as an introduction to a career with the police. The programmes emphasise the diversity of the police role by drawing on a variety of contexts in which policing is discussed. This includes debates concerning moves to foster a commitment to interagency work, the legal and ethical parameters and duties involved, criminological theories, the application of rational and scientific methods and the development of policing skills.

The Department has strong links with Kent Special Constabulary who are keen to speak to and consider any student wishing to volunteer as a Special Constable as part of their studies.

What will I study?

Year 1 comprises the following core modules: Policing Diversity, Principles of Forensic Investigation, Crime and Disorder in Context, Core Policing Skills, Academic Professional Policing Skills, and Introduction to Law and Policing.

Year 2 comprises the following modules: Neighbourhood Policing (Core), Criminal Investigation (Core), Policing and Police Powers (Core), Police Practice 1 (40 credits Core BSc (Hons) Policing), Police Research (Option), Theories of Techniques of Crime Control (Option), Miscarriages of Justice (Option), and Crime Scene Investigation (Option).

Year 3 comprises the following modules: Individual Study (40 Credits – Core), Professional Policing (Core), Community Based Study (Core BSc (Hons) Policing / Option BSc (Hons) Police Studies), Police Practice 2 (Core BSc (Hons) Policing), Policing Late Modernity (Option), Terrorism and Political Violence (Option), Transnational Policing and Organised Crime (Option), and Police Leadership (Option).

Students may also elect to study one 20 credit third year option available within the Department at the Canterbury Campus, subject to availability.

Learning and Teaching

Learning and teaching methods are designed to meet the objectives of each module. Core theoretical knowledge and understanding is acquired through lectures, seminars tutorials and individual study. Professional skills are acquired and developed in workshops that simulate the professional work environment.

Assessments

A variety of assessment methods are used, as appropriate to test the achievement of the learning outcomes of each module and to best reflect the professional knowledge and understanding requirements within the police service. The understanding of theoretical concepts is typically assessed through written essays, reports and presentations. Professional knowledge and understanding are assessed through the completion of PPDP, timed exercises and presentations.

What can I do next?

The programme has been designed to prepare students for a career in policing. Students who successfully pass the special constabulary recruitment requirements may engage with volunteer policing duties as part of their studies.

Students who would like to join the police service can draw on support from staff within the Department and the University careers service.

Special features

Students enrolling on these programmes with the intention of joining the police service on graduation are strongly encouraged to consider the police entry requirements (e.g. security vetting, health and fitness) before applying for entry on to the degree. Although the programme is focused on policing, the University does not assess the suitability of students to join the police service. For this reason, it is important that prospective students make the necessary enquiries with police services and/or their General Practitioner (GP) regarding entry requirements for employment and are aware of any implications for a pre-existing medical conditions, criminal records or cautions. Levels of fitness are the responsibility of the applicants.

Selection is made on the basis of one short 15 minute interview during an open day. This interview will be conducted at the Broadstairs Campus by members of the academic staff.

Testimonial

"The course is brilliant, the lecturers and support staff are incredibly enthusiastic about supporting students and helping them attain their full potential. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to study Police Studies at Broadstairs campus…. In a time of increasing competition for police jobs, the degree provides a unique level of insight that many other potential police officers would not have."

Scott Farrant
Police Studies (Graduate)

Department of Law and Criminal Justice Studies