This degree is the most multi and inter-disciplinary programme within the Department for Law and Criminal Justice Studies. We are very proud of the breadth of specialism within our department and this degree is designed to showcase this range, ensuring that students benefit from our expertise and contacts in the allied fields of: Policing, Law, Criminology and Forensics.
This degree is suitable for students interested in careers in policing and the wider ‘policing family’. Through a focus on partnership approaches to policing and inter-agency cooperation, you will be apprised of the range of opportunity that lies both within and beyond the police (relevant examples include the UK intelligence agencies, such as Mi5 and SiS; and areas such as special victims/offending populations, including youth justice, substance users and those with mental illnesses).
During the degree you will be able to:
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Gain a comprehensive and critical introduction to policing, law, forensics and criminology.
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Tailor your degree to suit your own interests and desired graduate destination
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Benefit from staff with academic and professional backgrounds providing an excellent blend of vocational and academic content within the programme.
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Benefit from university staff and guest speakers engaged in operational policing and/or academic research
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Gain practical experience using our crime scene house.
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Graduate at Canterbury Cathedral.
Tailoring your degree
Students follow a core of ‘policing’ throughout their degree, alongside which they are enabled to devise their own complimentary pathway by selecting packages of modules, and optional modules to suit them (from years 2 and 3).
At year 1 the policing strand is supplemented by modules from each of our teams (law, forensics and criminology) to ensure students are introduced to these allied fields and can make informed choices – no prior knowledge or experience in these subjects is necessary; at years 2 and 3 students begin to devise their complimentary specialism by electing to drop a discipline each year, whilst choosing additional optional modules from whichever discipline most interests them. Please see the Programme's prospectus entry| for more information.
The Crime and Policing Student Forum
For the past eight years the department has arranged various extra-curricular activities for students, such as work experience and training, regular evening film screenings, and trips for students. This year, the PD for Crime and Policing has formalised these activities within the CPSF – a body run by students, for students and with access to their own dedicated budget as well as full, ongoing practical support by the PD. This initiative is designed to enhance the student experience, facilitate peer-support and networking opportunities, and to foster skills and links to improve employability.
The current CPSF team are presently being supported to deliver a monthly film screening with guest speakers invited from the professions, organising trips and placements abroad, and arranging employability workshops with a focus on the ‘graduate tool-kit’ (personal statements, CVs, interview skills etc). This is an exciting project that places C&P students in complete control!
Testimonials
“This programme is exceptional if you’re seeking employment within any area of the criminal justice system. The flexible module selection at years 2 and 3, ensures that the BSc (hons) Crime and Policing degree is not just limited to students who seek employment exclusively within the police”
Pete Russell, Third Year BSc (Hons) Crime and Policing Student, Chair of the CPSF and serving Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police.
“The standards set on this programme bear comparison with the best. They expect much of the students and achieve it. This is now the third year of my period as external examiner and have found a remarkable and welcome consistency in those standards...The curriculum has sufficient breadth and depth and makes the fullest use of contemporary developments and staff specialisms. The outcomes mix attention to theoretical issues raised by crime and criminal justice and the difficulties faced by officials, administrators and policy makers in achieving their goals...[whilst teaching staff] go 'above and beyond' in student care and engagement”
Dr Nicholas Groombridge, BA MA PhD Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Media at St Mary’s University.
Interested in visiting us? There are a number of ways you can meet our friendly teaching team:
University Open Days are available throughout the year|
To arrange a bespoke visit day for schools and colleges or to speak to a member of the teaching team contact the programme administrator diane.winnett@canterbury.ac.uk|.