BA (Hons) Degree in Professional Policing · De Montfort UniversityBachelor's degree · 3 years
Request information University profile
De Montfort University · Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Degree in Professional Policing Bachelor's degree at De Montfort University

BA (Hons) Degree in Professional Policing at De Montfort University. You'll work across core theory, research methods, applied practice, and specialist options, culminating in an independent project that lets you explore a topic that matters to you.

BA (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
50%
continuation

About this course

Study the Degree in Professional Policing BA (Hons) at DMU for practical skills, real-world experience, and career-focused training. From the provider’s course page.

BA (Hons) Degree in Professional Policing is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at De Montfort University. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.

For Social policy graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £26,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sociology & Social Sciences, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

6.8
/ 10
2 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent87

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Solid50

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 50% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 3 modules
  • Studying at UniversityCore
    Module details

    This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the core concepts of how we make sense of the world around us, and the role of research in criminal justice practices. The module begins by introducing the practice and theory of research and ends with an example of how research underpins specific practices within the criminal justice system, particularly in policing.

  • Legislation & PolicyCore
    Module details

    In this module, you will explore and develop a practical understanding of key legislation, policy, and procedures used in the criminal justice system. The knowledge you gain will form a key foundation for all other modules throughout your learning journey, as these concepts will be revisited and further explored.

  • Community & Criminal JusticeCore
    Module details

    You will be introduced to key academic skills relevant to professional practice and investigative work. The module covers a critical understanding of the investigative process and management within policing. Topics include: the evolving role of the police practitioner; factors influencing the use of resources and powers; ethical practice; diversity, equality, fairness and human rights; vulnerability and safeguarding; terrorism; and managing police information.

Year 2 8 modules
  • Problem-based PolicingCore
    Module details

    In this module, you will develop an understanding of evidence-based policing, including the skills and knowledge needed to assess its influence on problem-solving, decision-making, and community engagement.

  • Contemporary Issues in Policing 1Core
    Module details

    You will examine current policing issues within a changing social, political, and economic landscape. Topics include legitimacy, public confidence and satisfaction, fear of crime, and the impact of academic and evidence-based policing (EBP).

  • Critical Incident Leadership and Management 1Core
    Module details

    Through this module, you will explore the definition and significance of critical incidents in policing. You'll examine these through the lenses of leadership, professional and accountable practice, procedural justice theory, community engagement, communication, reflection, and evidence-based decision-making.

  • Domestic Violence and AbuseOptional
    Module details

    This module considers the changing social, political, and legal recognition of domestic violence and abuse and its impact. You will be encouraged to examine the varying contexts, nature, signs, triggers, and impact of domestic violence and abuse. The module highlights social and healthcare responsibilities as well as developments within the criminal justice sector and legal and civil proceedings frameworks. You will compare and contrast various responses to domestic violence and abuse that have

  • Animals and CriminologyOptional
    Module details

    This module covers the different ways in which animals are the topic of criminological examination. You will be introduced to a broad range of topics such as animal abuse, wildlife trafficking, conservation, and animal advocacy, and will critically explore harm to animals, drawing from criminology, sociology, law, and philosophy.

  • Children and the Criminal Justice SystemOptional
    Module details

    This module presents academic research, knowledge, and understanding in an accessible way to better equip you to explore and discuss contemporary issues for children and the criminal justice system across community and custody contexts.

  • Genocides, Mass Atrocities, and Hate CrimeOptional
    Module details

    This module explores a range of genocides and mass atrocities (where genocidal-type actions have taken place but have not been legally defined as genocide, or where killings have occurred along identity-based divisions). You will examine the issues around defining genocide and what this means in terms of prevention, intervention, and justice. Theoretical frameworks underpinning genocides, mass atrocities, and hate crime will be explored, helping you develop the skills to explain complex events a

  • Drugs, Crime, and SocietyOptional
    Module details

    This module explores the relationship between alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and crime. The aim is to provide an understanding of how UK and international drug policies, localised drug usage, and the international trade in both legal and illegal drugs are connected.

Year 3 5 modules
  • Research and PracticeCore
    Module details

    This module builds on your prior learning at Levels 4 and 5, focusing on the role of research in informing policy and practice within the criminal justice system. You'll further develop your ability to locate, understand, and apply academic research and evidence to support arguments and assertions in your work.

  • DissertationCore
    Module details

    Building on the 'Research and Practice' module, this module supports you in designing and conducting your own research. You will apply research theory to critically analyse and evaluate a policing issue of your choice, resulting in an original 10,000-word dissertation.

  • Contemporary Issues in Policing 2Core
    Module details

    You will explore the structure and development of the Police Service within the wider criminal justice system and society. This includes examining how the Police Service and government respond to key social and technological changes, both locally and nationally.

  • Multi-Agency and International PerspectivesCore
    Module details

    In this module, you will gain insight into risk and multi-agency working in policing and public protection. You'll explore the benefits and challenges of collaborative approaches across disciplines such as mental health, terrorism, transnational organised crime, and human trafficking. International policing relationships and legal-cultural challenges will also be discussed.

  • Critical Incident Leadership and Management 2Core
    Module details

    This practical module builds on earlier learning to help you understand the complex challenges faced in critical incidents and leadership roles. You'll explore strategic policing contexts, incident management theory and practice, culturally competent decision-making, professional development, and investigative management for victims, witnesses, and suspects.

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

This course emphasises practical skills, real-world experience and career-focused training in policing and criminal justice. You'll usually begin with foundational sociology and social problems, examining class, gender, race and how societies respond to inequality and harm. Year 1 also introduces research methods through interviews, surveys and research ethics. In Year 2, you move to social theory and more advanced research analysis of real data, alongside applied streams in areas such as criminology, social policy, gender and identity, or migration. By Year 3, you'll choose specialist options aligned to your interests, such as crime and justice or gender and identity, while undertaking research-led seminars on contemporary issues and a final dissertation combining empirical or theoretical social research.

Who it's for

You're interested in policing as a career and want structured, practical preparation to enter the field. You're comfortable with both academic study and applied work, you need to understand the concepts and frameworks that inform policing, but you also want to see how they work in reality. You're likely drawn to public service, problem-solving in communities, and professional development. Studying this will feel like a blend of classroom learning and real-world exposure, preparing you specifically for the professional environment you're entering.

University & format

De Montfort University is a public university located in Leicester. This degree is studied full-time over 3 years in English. The BA (Hons) award is recognised by the UK degree-awarding body framework and nationally recognised. De Montfort University received a Bronze award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
95%
Learning opportunities
89%
Assessment and feedback
96%
Academic Support
95%
Organisation and management
68%
Learning resources
79%
Student voice
85%

Share of students responding positively.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Published entryBCC typical offer

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

Contextual offersPublished by this provider

The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.

Open daysOpen Days - Book your place

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of BCC. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent100% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 64 - 79 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check De Montfort University's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

UCAS tariff of entrants

Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent100%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.

Will you get in? Plot your grades

Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.

Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesDDDA-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS code5N23quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code 5N23). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask De Montfort University whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university

Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.

Check fees at De Montfort University →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years

2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.

Starting on or after 1 January 2027?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.

Paying for it

  • Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
  • Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
  • Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All De Montfort University funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

StudyKit · free

Still deciding what to study?

StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Sociology & Social Sciences graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£26,000£23,000 – £31,000695
3 years after£23,500£20,000 – £26,50030
5 years after£30,500£25,000 – £34,50035

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 695. Cohort 2021-22.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

50%
continue past their first year
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sociology & social sciences · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Sociology & Social Sciences nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£26,000
£23,000 – £30,000
After 3 years LEO
£23,500
£20,400 – £28,800
After 5 years LEO
£30,500
£24,650 – £34,800
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £19,000 – £36,000

National figures for Sociology & Social Sciences graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

50 of 100

continued or completed

continued into the next year or completed their qualification

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 695. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Sociology & Social Sciences courses at the same study level.

This course £30,500Peer median £29,000Middle 50% £26,500–£33,000
60th percentile

Compared with 751 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.

Job market & outlook

How Sociology & Social Sciences graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Sociology & Social Sciences courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
55%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
89%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine information gathering
  • First-draft writing and summaries
  • Standard analysis and admin
  • Repetitive processing tasks

More human than ever

  • Judgement and original thinking
  • Working with and leading people
  • Owning and sense-checking AI output
  • Ethics and accountability

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Sociology & Social Sciences graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Local authorities
  • Charities & NGOs
  • Research organisations
  • Government & universities

Jobs after this course

Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sociology & Social Sciences graduates.

Live from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

📈

Where graduates go

Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £26,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

🎯

Your entry chances

Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 6.8 out of 10: NSS 86.7% · continued 50%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

De Montfort University

All students23,155
International31.8%
Aged 25+27.3%

Social sciences across the UK

Students275,900
Aged 25+37%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around De Montfort University

4,747 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 1557Public Order 619Anti Social Behaviour 570Shoplifting 499Criminal Damage Arson 362

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is Sociology & Social Sciences right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to De Montfort University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is set per course by De Montfort University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check De Montfort University’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with De Montfort University and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 64 - 79 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by De Montfort University. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Social policy graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £26,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
No obligation

Request information about BA (Hons) Degree in Professional Policing

Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.

No spam · unsubscribe anytime.