Student on placement.

Year of study

2025

Key details

Start date(s)
September 2025
Location
Leeds City Campus
School
Criminology, Investigation and Policing
UCAS tariff points
48
Study Mode
Full-time (4 years)

Do you want a career in the police force? Are you interested in contemporary policing and law enforcement?

Our Professional Policing degree offers an exciting opportunity to develop the knowledge and understanding of the role that professional police officers undertake in the UK.

Since 2020, all new entrants to UK police forces are expected to hold or gain a degree-level qualification. This pre-join Professional Policing degree is a professional academic knowledge-based degree, based on the national curriculum for the police constable role, licensed by the College of Policing.

This four-year course includes an initial full-time Foundation Year and offers an alternative route into university and gaining a degree.

This route is for you if you do not have the necessary qualifications or don’t yet feel ready to begin degree-level study, or are returning to education and would like some support to get up to speed with learning in a university setting.

The Foundation Year in Criminology, Policing and Sociology will allow you to develop your academic skills and confidence as well as introduce you to key concepts, debates and skills that will support and inform your subsequent years of undergraduate study.

Following successful completion of your Foundation Year, you’ll progress onto Year 1 of our Professional Policing BA (Hons) degree.

The Student Contract

About this course

During your Foundation Year, you will undertake modules to enable you to enhance your academic skills and equip you with the tools you’ll need to study with confidence. You’ll carry out a personal project so you can study an area of interest related to your chosen future subject specialisation.

You'll be introduced to key concepts and theories in criminology, policing and sociology including patterns of crime, issues in modern-day policing and social inequalities. You'll also examine how policymakers are responding to key societal problems and apply sociological and criminological theories to social problems, such as criminality and inequality. 

Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you’ll progress onto the first year of our Professional Policing BA (Hons) degree.

This specialist degree will give you the pre-join qualification you need to apply for a police officer role in England or Wales. It will provide you with a wide range of knowledge and understanding of theories that the College of Policing has identified as being advantageous for those aspiring to join UK police forces.

You will have the opportunity to study a range of subjects including operational policing, legislation connected to police work, diversity, response and community policing, criminal investigation and safeguarding.

Learning from lecturers with extensive experience working within the police, prisons and security services, you’ll develop your knowledge of the UK police force and gain an understanding of the policing profession.

Throughout your studies, you'll be encouraged to form professional links with police forces as a volunteer or in the role of a special constable in order to gain additional practical experience and further enhance your employability.

A Professional Policing programme is specifically designed as a pre-join qualification for the police force. In line with the College of Policing licensing of the programme, professional work placements are not offered as part of this course.

Why study with us?

  • Build your self-confidence, academic skills and core subject knowledge in preparation for progression onto degree-level study.
  • This specialist degree is a great starting point if you want to pursue a career in policing
  • Learn from lecturers with experience of working within police forces and security services
  • Enhance your employability through volunteering opportunities
  • Benefit from our experience delivering police officer education in partnership with West Yorkshire Police

Course Modules

You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Foundation Year

During your Foundation Year, you'll study four core modules.

Academic Skills and Studying with Confidence - Core

We'll help you develop core academic skills such as using electronic resources, planning and note-taking, communication skills related to essay and report writing and delivering presentations.

You'll learn to manage your time, prioritise tasks and manage stress, and become more confident in engaging with collaborative learning, debates, discussions and critical reflection.

Professional Development and Project - Core

In the first semester you'll get support through personal tutoring and learning hub liaison.

You'll study areas of interest related to your chosen degree specialisation so subject content will be tailored to you.

You'll have workshop-based tuition covering assessments and projects.

You'll focus on existing academic literature and secondary sources in your project, and you can negotiate what format you present your work in.

Foundations in Sociology and Policing - Core

You'll look at social inequalities in society, how they can be explained, and current trends and issues in modern-day policing.

You'll draw on the work of sociologists, academics and criminologists to investigate these issues.

We'll cover concepts such as socialisation, norms and values, social control, status, inequality, crime, deviance, victimisation, retribution and non-crime-related social trends.

We'll try to address social problems, including inequality and criminality, and explore topical areas related to sociology, policing and crime.

Foundations in Criminology - Core

You'll look at patterns of crime, social control, deviance, victimisation, the media and punishments.

We'll examine crime statistics, self-report studies and non-crime-related social trends.

You'll try to make sense of these areas using introductory-level theories from key academics and criminologists.

You'll also review how policy-makers attempt to address social problems such as criminality.

Year 1

During your first year, you'll study four core modules.

Policing Overview - Core

You'll look at the purpose of the police service and the responsibilities of those charged with delivering a professional service, particularly at constable level. You'll review the role of law enforcement agencies and be able to understand the concept and principles of policing by consent.

Cover the structure of the police service and members of the service, paying attention to both police constable and investigatory roles. You'll also look at police powers and how these powers are regulated. 

Grasp a clear understanding of how the police exercise police powers and procedures fairly and without bias.

Develop a clear understanding of national policing strategies and the role of external bodies to regulate policing, the importance of governance and data protection. Examine and understand the purpose of reviews, instances of malpractice and misconduct and how this influences the future of policing.

Contemporary Issues for Policing Communities - Core

You'll be able to appreciate the purpose, benefits, and challenges of contemporary issues in policing communities in a variety of contexts. 

Explore the function of community perception, trust and confidence and the key issues in this area. Appreciate the importance of community engagement and understand how to foster effective community relationships.

Study the importance of media in a policing and investigation context.

You'll research diverse types of communities and public engagement, drawing on theoretical frameworks. Case studies will be used to assess strengths and weaknesses of the approach to policing and investigating diverse types of community. The legislative framework of PACE and CPIA will be used as a lens for application and discussion.

You'll be introduced to community groups and will spend time learning what makes a community group effective, and how engagement, participation and power all play a role in effecting positive social change.

Communication, Decision Making, Discretion and Investigation Overview - Core

Explore the fundamental skills required for effective investigation, and identify, articulate and demonstrate skills necessary for maintaining professional standards in policing, and relevant governance.

Analyse how the police have developed policies and procedures to reduce the possibility of professional malpractice; then review the progress being made within the police service to improve professional standards.

Examine the NDM and the role of discretion in the decision-making process and analyse the effect of bias. 

You'll explore principles of risk, and effective risk management, and critically review policing incidents in this context as well as understand the importance of effective leadership and team-working in an investigative environment.

You'll be introduced to the Authorised Professional Practice (APP) which is the official source of professional practice for policing. In particular, the Code of Practice to the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) 1996, which defines criminal investigation.

Evidence Based Policing, Research & Professional Challenge - Core

You'll be introduced to problem-solving techniques, sources of evidence which can be used to support policing practice, and the models used to differentiate between types of evidence, to identify best practice.

Explore different models used in problem solving and crime prevention, such as: problem-oriented policing (POP), ‘hot spot’ policing, intelligence-led policing, predictive policing, the Problem Analysis Triangle (PAT), rational choice theory (criminological), and situational crime prevention, amongst others.

Engage in effective problem solving of policing issues in role plays, scenarios, and table-top exercises.

You'll explore the professional concept of evidence-based policing and the impact of evidence-based policing in practice. Consider the importance of partnership working and co-production in problem-solving; and the challenges of using multiple sources of data and different timescales to help define and understand problems in practice.

Learn the fundamentals of research, asking key questions to inform future directions, how to develop a range of options, evaluate them, develop the most appropriate solutions to policing problems and the potential consequences.

You'll be required to identify and understand an emerging issue or problem in a specific policing area and plan a research-based intervention to tackle the identified issue/problem.

Year 2

During your second year, you'll study four core modules.

Victims and Witnesses - Core

Victims of crime attract unprecedented academic interest, both as a subject of psychological enquiry and as a focus of criminal justice policy. You’ll study the rights of victims and understand the physical, social, psychological and emotional effects victims face in context of primary offences.

Since the 1960s, the victimisation surveys have aimed to quantify the unreported ‘dark figure’ of crime and have thus helped to build interest in the area. The need to protect the rights of victims has become increasingly important in both public opinion and judicial practice.

Suspects and Offenders - Core Criminal Justice and Employability - Core Response Policing - Core

Year 3

During your final year, you'll study four core modules.

Information, Intelligence and Evidence - Core Advanced Investigations - Core
Research Project - Core

You’ll have the opportunity to conduct your own research project about a specific police issue which relevant to your chosen interest and that is identified in the current National Policing Strategy.

You’ll explore research options, sound research practices and appropriate presentation of findings through workshops and one to one supervisions.

Co-Created Project for Policing - Core

You’ll use your knowledge and experience gained over the programme to inform your co-created project based on contemporary issues in modern policing.

You’ll conduct academic research with ethical consideration and review current literature to inform your thinking and provide a knowledge base for your critical thinking in relation to the issues in modern day policing.

Present your work to encourage debate and discussion. Defend your approach to the project using a cohesive and evidence-based argument, providing knowledge and suggestions for future directions.

Learning and Teaching

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used, matched to the learning outcomes for your programme, allowing you to apply and demonstrate the full range of knowledge and skills that you have developed.

For more details on specific assessment methods for this course contact hello@leedstrinity.ac.uk

Your time on campus, learning through in-person teaching, is at the heart of your academic experience and the way we deliver our programmes. This is supported and further enhanced by additional engagement activities and opportunities provided online and through digital teaching materials. This blended approach seeks to ensure a positive learning and teaching student experience.

Your programme of study has been carefully designed around a three-phase model of delivery:

  1. Preparation: You will be given clear tasks to support you in preparing for live teaching. This could include watching a short-pre-recorded lecture, reading a paper or text chapter or preparing other material for use in class.
  2. Live: All your live teaching will be designed around active learning, providing you with valuable opportunities to build on preparation tasks, interact with staff and peers, and surface any misunderstandings.
  3. Post: Follow-up activities will include opportunities for you to check understanding, for staff to receive feedback from you and your peers to inform subsequent sessions, and for you to apply learning to new situations or context.

Preparation, Live and Post teaching and learning and the digital materials used will vary by course, but will be designed to help you structure your learning, take a full and active part in your course, and apply and test your developing knowledge and skills.

At Leeds Trinity we aim to provide an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.

Our Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy delivers excellence by providing the framework for:

  • high quality teaching
  • an engaging and inclusive approach to learning, assessment and achievement
  • a clear structure through which you progress in your academic studies, your personal development and towards professional-level employment or further study.

We have a strong reputation for developing student employability, supporting your development towards graduate employment, with relevant skills embedded throughout your programme of study.

We endeavour to develop curiosity, confidence, courage, ambition and aspiration in all students through the key themes in our Learning and Teaching Strategy:

  • Student Involvement and Engagement
  • Inclusion
  • Integrated Programme and Assessment Experience
  • Digital Literacy and Skills
  • Employability and Enterprise

To help you achieve your potential we emphasise learning as a collaborative process, with a range of student-led and real-world activities. This approach ensures that you fully engage in shaping your own learning, developing your critical thinking and reflective skills so that you can identify your own strengths and weaknesses, and use the extensive learning support system we offer to shape your own development.

We believe the secret to great learning and teaching is simple: it is about creating an inclusive learning experience that allows all students to thrive through:

  • Personalised support
  • Expert lecturers
  • Strong connections with employers
  • An international outlook
  • Understanding how to use tools and technology to support learning and development

Entry Requirements

Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.

Information about the large range of qualifications we accept, including A-Levels, BTECs and T Levels, can be found on our entry requirements page. If you need additional advice or are taking qualifications that are not covered in the information supplied, please contact our Admissions Office.

Entry requirements for this course:
QualificationGrade
UCAS tariff48
GCSE requirementsGCSE English Language at grade C or 4 (or higher)

Applications are welcome from mature students with few formal qualifications.

Any previous relevant work experience and learning will be assessed and, where appropriate, we may offer an alternative way to assess suitability to study.

This course is not available to students on a Student Route Visa.

Fees and finance

UK Home fees £9,250 per year
Full-time

Funding

UK Home Students:

Tuition fees cost £9,250 a year for this course in 2024/2025.

Part-time tuition fees will be prorated accordingly to the number of credits you're studying.

Depending on government policy, tuition fees may change in future years.

Tuition fees for 2025/2026 entry will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2024.

Living costs, e.g. accommodation, travel, food, will also need to be taken into consideration.

Leeds Trinity offers a range of bursaries and scholarships to help support students while you study.

International Students, including EU Students:

Visit our webpage for international students.

Part-time study is not available for international students on a Student Route Visa. 

Additional costs

We advise students that there may be additional course costs in addition to annual tuition fees:

  • Recommended and required reading lists will be provided at the start of your course. All the books and e-books are available from our Library to borrow but you may choose to purchase your own.
  • On some courses there may be additional costs, such as field trips, equipment, accreditations, that may be part-funded by the University. More details will be provided at the start of the course.
  • You'll need to include placement/s travel and associated costs too, however the University will contribute a standard amount towards your total expenditure.
  • The University provides students with a £6 printing credit each academic year which can be topped up either on campus or online.

How to apply

For full-time undergraduate courses, you apply through UCAS. That's the University and Colleges Admissions Service.

On your application form, you'll need to know our institution code - it's L24 - and the course code. If you click through to the UCAS website using the button below, it'll take you to the right place with all the information you need.

You'll need to write a personal statement - we've prepared a guide to help you.

Applications are now open for courses starting in September 2025. The UCAS application deadline for courses starting in September 2025 is 29 January 2025.

There's lots more information about the application process on the UCAS website, or you can get in touch with our admissions team who will be happy to help:

Graduate opportunities

Providing you with the opportunity to develop the professional skills and experience you need to launch your career is at the heart of everything we do at Leeds Trinity University.

This degree will prepare you for opportunities in the police service or for work in civilian policing roles, the broader criminal justice system or within the wider security services.

The Professional Policing BA (Hons) degree does not guarantee employment with the police service as an officer or staff member but provides you with the academic entry requirement via the pre-join degree route.

If you wish to use this degree as your entry route to the police service, you must apply to join a police force within five years of your graduation. Successful achievement of the degree does not guarantee recruitment as a probationary police constable. Each police force sets out its own entry requirements, recruitment process and selection policy.

After you graduate, Careers and Placements will help you as you pursue your chosen career through our mentoring scheme, support with CV and interview preparation and access to graduate employability events.

To find out how we can help you make your career ambitions a reality, visit:

Careers

Meet the team

Profile photo of lecturer, Johnathan Jackson..
Criminology and Sociology Jonathan Jackson
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Profile photo of lecturer, Stephen Forster..
Law Stephen Forster
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Profile photo of lecturer, Sarah Fenton..
Policing Sarah Fenton
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