BA (Hons) Professional Policing

Program Overview

Liverpool John Moores University's BA (Hons) Professional Policing program is a three-year, full-time degree that prepares students for a policing career. Licensed by the College of Policing, it offers a solid foundation covering the academic and theoretical elements of policing. Through a blended learning approach, including simulated exercises and mentoring, students develop essential skills and knowledge for policing, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethics. Graduates are eligible to apply for police constable positions within five years of completing the program.

Program Outline

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