BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Bachelor's degree at Staffordshire
BSc (Hons) Professional Policing at Staffordshire. The University of Staffordshire is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and this qualification is nationally recognised.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Professional Policing is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Staffordshire, based in Stoke on Trent Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Law graduates from this provider, 86% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 54% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £23,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Law, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 86% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 75% (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 6 modules
- Academic Study SkillsCompulsory20 credits
- Information And IntelligenceCompulsory20 credits
- Introduction To Core Policing PrinciplesCompulsory20 credits
- Introduction To Crime And Crime PreventionCompulsory20 credits
- Introduction To InvestigationCompulsory20 credits
- Introduction To Response PolicingCompulsory20 credits
Year 2 6 modules
- Policing In A Digital AgeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module focuses on the digital element of policing and investigation. The module will include introductions to the key terminology used and basic concepts about the use of technology both in committing offences and tackling criminality. The module will include both theory, including case studies to contextualise information as well as some practical elements to provide applicable skills to students.
- Policing VulnerabilityCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The content of this module evaluates the complexities involved in policing vulnerable people in society. Students will understand vulnerability and the theories and concepts around how a person can become a victim. Students will explore contemporary vulnerability issues such as adults at risk, domestic abuse, families with complex needs, missing persons, prostitution, coercive control, and sexual offences. The module evaluates evidence-based models of policing to protect vulnerable people, with
- Professionalising InvestigationCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This is a core module which is taught during semester 2. During semester 2 the module provides a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the legal framework of investigation relative to arrest and bail, disclosure of evidence, search, detention, identification and interviewing of suspects in accordance with the Police and Criminal, Evidence Act 1984. Students will also apply their knowledge through a series of practical exercises regarding interviewing the complainant, witness and suspect ab
- Professionalising PolicingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will cover national and strategic policing policy, practice and guidance which impacts upon the development and delivery of a professional police service. It will outline roles and responsibilities of those charged with ensuring that the police deliver an unbiased, ethical and fair service ensuring that the police approach must value inclusivity and diversity. Cases will be examined where professional standards may have fallen below acceptable levels. Students will also have the oppo
Assessment: One written assessment of a 2000-word assignment where students will critique the police response to a high-profile case or event, applying their knowledge of contemporary policing policy and practice.
- Research MethodsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module is designed to equip the student with knowledge and understanding of research development: from the initial research idea; to formulating a research question; research methods utilised for a policing context; and finally, methods of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The module also provides students with invaluable practical application of data collection methods and experience of data handling techniques. This module builds upon skills acquired in the level 4 module,
- Roads PolicingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The roads network is an important policing context where police powers, legislation and skills can be used to identify offenders, disrupt criminal behaviour and increase safety for road users. This module will give students an overview of the core policing functions and strategies relating to the policing of the roads, including key pieces of legislation and police powers associated with common offences on the roads. Students will examine how the UK road network is policed strategically and safe
Year 3 12 modules
- Evidence Based Research ProjectCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module requires students to undertake an independent research project. Students will identify an issue or problem within Policing and then devise, plan and execute a substantial piece of independent research. Students will need to select, employ and adapt techniques, critically interpret and evaluate data, and present your findings both in writing and orally.
- Policing And SocietyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module focuses on individual and organisational aspects which may influence policing both internally and externally to the organisation, including misconduct and culture. Students will learn about bias and discrimination and how to effectively challenge these to improve policing. Students will study theories of justice such as procedural justice and organisational justice, as well as how community differences, values and norms, alongside politics, accountability and governance impact on the
- Policing ComplexityCompulsory20 credits
- Policing In PracticeCompulsory20 credits
- Child SafeguardingOptional20 credits
- Community JusticeOptional20 credits
Module details
You will learn about the probation service and how community sentences are facilitated by both public and private sector organisations. You will reflect on how community justice is essential to cutting crime, tackling reoffending, supporting victims and keeping the public safe. You will consider the efficacy of combining the right sentences with new technology. You will learn how probation staff work more closely with local authorities and the NHS to help offenders find a stable home and medical
- CybercrimeOptional20 credits
- Intelligence Led Policing And Major Crime InvestigationOptional20 credits
- Policing Work ExperienceOptional20 credits
Module details
This module provides you with the opportunity to gain practical and real life experience in a policing, investigation or associated criminal justice or law enforcement setting. The experience can be gained in a range of private, public and third sector organisations and may be paid or voluntary work. You may wish to utilise existing part time or voluntary roles, as a basis for your work experience placement. The module emphasises the importance of reflective practice, allowing you to critically
- Rehabilitation Of OffendersOptional20 credits
- Serial KillersOptional20 credits
- Transnational Organised CrimeOptional20 credits
Module details
Progressing from the activities of organised crime groups previously covered (the who), this module examines numerous thematic processes associated with organised crime (the what). Crucially, the organised crime paradigm itself will be critically interrogated in order to examine how crime develops and thrives in otherwise legitimate structures, markets, and businesses. Throughout the module, a focus will be maintained on transnational issues and potential interventions. A core aim of the module
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 in Professional Policing leads you through the theory and practice of law as it applies to policing and criminal justice. A course like this typically builds from foundational legal principles, contract, public law and criminal law, before moving to deeper study of tort, land law and broader legal frameworks. In your second year, you'll usually explore how these core areas interact with policing contexts. By year three, you'll encounter specialist options such as criminal justice, human rights and employment law, alongside opportunities for independent research or supervised practical work in applied settings. The emphasis throughout is on how legal principles translate into professional policing decisions and accountability.
Who it's for
This course suits students with A-level qualifications or equivalent. Among recent cohorts, 95% of accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. The typical UCAS tariff band for entrants was 160–175 points. The course is designed for those seeking a degree-level qualification in professional policing and related law disciplines, such as Criminal Law, Commercial Law, Human Rights, Corporate Law, Family Law, Intellectual Property, Criminology and Public Law.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) is studied full-time over 3 years at the University of Staffordshire, a UK university based on the Stoke on Trent Campus. Instruction is in English. The degree is a nationally recognised qualification from a recognised UK degree-awarding body. The university received a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
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.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
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
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
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.
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.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code I766). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write 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.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results 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.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Staffordshire →For students who normally live in England
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.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
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.
Careers & earnings
What Law graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £23,500 | £21,000 – £28,000 | 30 |
| 3 years after | £21,000 | £17,500 – £24,500 | 135 |
| 5 years after | £25,500 | £20,500 – £32,000 | 145 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Paralegal / TraineeTraining contract or pupillage route · 0–2 yrs
- 2Solicitor / BarristerQualified practitioner · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior AssociateLeading matters and clients · 5–9 yrs
- 4Partner / In-house CounselPartnership or heading legal · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Law nationally
National figures for Law 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.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. 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 Law courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,352 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Protective service occupationsDiscover Uni category · 21% of published destinations
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 180; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Law graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
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
- First-pass document review
- Standard contract drafting
- Legal research summaries
- Routine due diligence
More human than ever
- Advocacy and negotiation
- Judgement on ambiguous facts
- Client trust and ethics
- Strategy in disputes and deals
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Law graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Law firms
- Barristers' chambers
- In-house legal teams
- Government Legal Service
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Law graduates.
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
86% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £23,500. 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 8.2 out of 10: NSS 84.6% · in work or study 86% · continued 75%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Staffordshire
Law across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Stoke on Trent Campus
1,636 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Law right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Staffordshire from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,085 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 Staffordshire’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 Staffordshire and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Staffordshire
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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