Professional Policing

Prepare for a rewarding career

Our BA (Hons) Professional Policing provides the ideal preparation for one of the most challenging professions of all. It equips you with an in-depth understanding of the role of a police officer today, including a thorough grasp of criminal justice systems and the powers and laws used by the police throughout England and Wales. You will graduate with a highly regarded and valuable qualification to stand you in good stead for a policing career.

Gain valuable work experience

You will be encouraged to seek work-based opportunities through the Special Constabulary, as well as other volunteer opportunities. In the past, some of our students have been commended for their actions in the role of Special Constable by the forces they represent – including one student who helped to save someone's life. 

Expert teaching

We have a team of academics with years of policing experience at all levels. You can also draw on our excellent network of contacts ranging from chief constables and crime commissioners to representatives of national and international policing organisations.

Our outstanding visiting speaker and events programme captures topical issues and debates and includes speakers from serving and ex-police officers, charities and regulatory bodies.

Your studies will be underpinned by our leading-edge research into the explanations and motivations for criminal behaviour and how criminal activity can be detected and prevented. This includes a focus on the notion of policing itself, ethical codes, human rights and police governance.

Learn in specialist facilities 

As a BA (Hons) Professional Policing student, you will be based on the Derby Campus at One Friar Gate Square. Offering the perfect environment for innovative and engaging teaching, it includes:

• A replica crown court 
• Custody suite
• Interview rooms
• Well-resourced lecture theatres
• Seminar rooms
• Social learning spaces.
• Students have also been able to make use of other specialist facilities at the University such as our forensic crime scene house

Because you’ll be working alongside students taking courses in subjects such as law, criminology and sociology, there are many opportunities to share knowledge, expertise and experience.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You will learn through a stimulating mix of:

• lectures and tutorials
• seminars and workshops
• role play exercises
• external visits to settings such as courts and prisons
• guest lectures 
• online support through the University's virtual learning environment
• teaching input from policing experts
• peer support
• guided reading
• individual student reflection on learning.

How you are assessed

You will be assessed in a range of ways including:

• role plays and practical scenarios
• coursework
• exams
• presentations
• case studies.

Because it is designed in close partnership with constabularies, this course is aimed mainly at ambitious individuals who want to pursue a career in policing. It paves the way for you to join a hugely rewarding profession which brings new challenges every day, demanding high levels of responsibility, dedication and integrity.

Although the BA (Hons) Professional Policing qualification will not guarantee you a position within the police service, it will set you apart as an attractive candidate to secure a role.

The skills you develop on the course could also prove invaluable for a career within the broader criminal justice system. You could, for instance, consider roles in areas such as civilian investigation, crime reduction partnerships, probation, security and loss prevention.

Throughout your studies, you will also benefit from our Personal Development Planning (PDP) scheme which enables you to reflect on your learning and develop your career ambitions. The support continues once you have completed your course too: you are entitled to further help and guidance from the Careers and Employment Service for up to three years after leaving the University.

Further study

You can go on to postgraduate study at Derby, with MSc qualifications in subjects such as Criminal Investigation and Police Leadership, Strategy and Organisation. These expand your knowledge into specialist areas and accelerate your progression to more senior and leadership roles.

As a graduate of the University of Derby, you may benefit from an alumni discount on your postgraduate course fees if you continue to study with us.

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Alternative entry qualifications

The University of Derby in collaboration with Nottinghamshire Police and Derbyshire Constabulary run the police cadet scheme resulting in the Foundation in Policing qualification. On successful completion of the Foundation in Policing, applicants applying for this course will qualify for entry.

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.