Police and Criminal Justice (Top-up) BA (Hons)

The BSc (Top-up) in Police and Criminal Justice Studies is intended to develop independent and critical learners who are able to apply knowledge to working within the police or another service within the criminal justice system. You will build upon your existing knowledge and understanding of varying work practices within the police and/ or wider criminal justice system. You will have the opportunity to work with a variety of organisations in place to tackle crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour and those working with the most vulnerable within society. You will be able to be involved in research focusing on your chosen field and will have the chance to participate in conferences. In addition, you will be provided with a wide range of opportunities to develop your understanding of the criminal justice system by engaging with events, volunteering and visits to our industry partners. The course is delivered by lecturing staff that currently work in the criminal justice system or have experience in the wider criminal justice sector. Staff on the course are best placed to prepare you for a range of roles in the criminal justice sector. The College of Policing (professional body for policing) have put in place a plan to professionalise police forces within England and Wales through the development of the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). All police forces throughout England and Wales will be required to change their recruitment strategy for police constables by 2020. The College of Policing have stated that there will be 3 routes available to prospective police constables, namely (1) Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (Degree in Professional Policing Practice); (2) Degree in Professional Policing; (3) Any degree – conversion course will be undertaken on entry. This award will follow route 3 but is tightly aligned to route 2 developed by the College of Policing. Current serving police constables, special constables and PCSO’s will benefit from the course and will be eligible for Recognised Prior Learning. The amount of RPL credited to the individual is governed by NCG regulations. Career opportunities include (not exhaustive); a range of roles in the police, probation, prison service, youth offending, Ministry of Defence Police and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.