Name: BSc (Hons) Police Studies with Criminal Investigation
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BSc (Hons) Police Studies with Criminal Investigation

UCAS CODE: L4M9 (Full-time) or L4M4 (Foundation Year)

TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

Prepare yourself for a career in criminal justice with BSc (Hons) Police Studies with Criminal Investigation. Gain hands-on experience, explore contemporary challenges, and build a strong foundation for roles in justice, intelligence, and beyond.

This degree provides insights into crime prevention, detection, and punishment and looks at the concept of justice in our society. Offering a holistic view of the criminal justice system, it can prepare you for roles in both public and private sectors.

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*Positivity ranking amongst registered students (NSS 2024)

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*Based on responses from registered students (NSS 2024)

We had the opportunity to have guest speakers from different sections of the police, trips out to the control room, access to the CCTV for the town and so much more. Lecturers even helped set up work experience for those wanting to join a different sector of the police and helped with CVs for job applications. All this over the 3 years made me feel very prepared to leave BNU and enter the world of work.

Sophie Parfitt

Why study Police Studies with Criminal Investigation at BNU?

Career Options

BSc (Hons) Police Studies with Criminal Investigation is aimed at students who are seeking a broader study of policing beyond the police constable role, such as non-warranted roles both within policing or the wider criminal justice and security environment. This degree also prepares you for postgraduate studies in various criminal justice, policing, and related subjects, allowing you to further specialise and advance your career in whatever your chosen field.

Tailored Degree Options

In your second and third years, you can choose between option modules on topics such as Police Crime and the Media, Leadership and Management, and Terrorism and Serious Organised Crime. This means you can customise your degree to learn the things that interest you.

Hands-On Experience

At BNU, we have specialised facilities, including our Police Code of Practice Suite which can be utilised for practical learning. We also take students on various day trips that are relevant to the course, for example, a trip to High Wycombe Magistrates Court can be part of the learning. You’ll also be able to use our library to support your studies, whether you’re looking for the resources you need or just a quiet place to study.

Getting tangible work experience brings the theory to life and will enhance your employability in the sector. Through our strong partnership with Thames Valley Police, you will be able to apply for a volunteer special constable position while studying for your degree. Selection to perform this voluntary Special Constable role is subject to a selection process and criteria owned by Thames Valley Police.

Other valuable volunteering opportunities in non-operational areas of policing or the wider criminal justice system and community initiatives are also available and encouraged.

Industry Partnerships

BNU has a longstanding partnership with Thames Valley Police and offers you unique opportunities for practical experience and career development. Through placements and volunteer roles, you will gain first-hand exposure to law enforcement operations, augmenting your theoretical knowledge with practical experiences under the guidance of experienced professionals. BNU's connections within the criminal justice sector ensure that students receive guidance and support in pursuing diverse career paths within law enforcement and related fields.

Students discussing their work in a practice kitchen scene

Police Code of Practice Suite

A police cell door handle being turned closed

Police Code of Practice Suite

Police Code of Practice Suite

What will I study?

Police Studies with Criminal Investigation focuses on the regulation of society by various policing agencies and agents. How lawlessness is detected, prevented, punished, monitored, and the concept of justice is discussed within this holistic degree. In the ever-expanding global world, the regulations and justice of other countries can be compared to English and Welsh systems.

Whilst the traditional view of policing is enforcement by the state, modern regulation of lawlessness is done by various other organisations both public and private. The course discusses these organisations whose aim is to monitor their citizens, control the lawless and deliver justice

You will also study the impact of significant police reforms, such as the code of ethics, and examine how these reforms shape professionalism and legitimacy in policing. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on understanding the changing nature of policing, including the role of non-state organizations in law enforcement and justice.

Additionally, practical experience is an integral part of your studies. You will have opportunities to engage in work placements, such as volunteering as a Special Constable with Thames Valley Police, which helps to develop your future employability, self-confidence, and resilience. The degree also prepares you for careers within the police, intelligence agencies, civil service, or the broader criminal justice system.

Policing students sat in a classroom listening to a teacher who is stood facing the students

How will I be taught and assessed?

Teaching and assessment methods are designed to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills development.

You will be taught through a combination of workshops, lectures, and seminars, which are interactive and often involve simulated role-play scenarios, research-based activities, and classroom discussions. Individual tutorials will also support your learning.

The assessments focus on applied learning, blending academic your study with practical skills. You will be assessed through essays, reports, presentations, portfolios, and projects. These assessments are designed to test both your theoretical understanding and practical application, preparing you to become a professional and reflective practitioner in policing and criminal justice

This course is also offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme

The teaching staff are excellent; my course leaders are amazing and answer all questions that I have, they are extremely knowledgeable in their field.

Sophie Chaplain

BSc (Hons) Police Studies with Criminal Investigation Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the three-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a degree course, can apply for a four-year programme including a Foundation Year; find out more.

If you do not meet the entry requirements you may, if you have relevant professional experience, still be invited for interview, where you will be required to demonstrate the necessary knowledge and understanding for entry onto the course.

Previous study, professional and / or vocational experiences may be recognised as the equivalent learning experience and permit exemption from studying certain modules in accordance with our accreditation of prior learning (APL) process.

Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BSc (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Foundation Year

Core Modules

Dynamics of Aviation and Security

You’ll engage with your degree and peers in Aviation and Security, gaining confidence in higher education and a taste of future learning styles. You’ll join a diverse group, focusing on aviation and security through case studies, fostering an inclusive learning environment. You’ll also attend experience sessions, from your future degree.

Unlocking Academic Potential

In this module, you’ll learn to select and rephrase information into written/spoken forms, develop and integrate arguments with sources. You’ll gain understanding of essay writing, interpreting questions, planning structure, and using sources. It encourages critical writing and communication skills, focusing on academic integrity.

Navigating the Digital World

This module builds the skills essential for success in contemporary professional environments. Including: an approach to using social media to support the employment, appropriate use of AI, and collating data in Excel. You will develop cyber resilience and safety through an understanding of Malware, Ransomware and social engineering.

Enquiry Based Learning

This module aims to provide you with skills geared towards developing your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methods and approaches to academic work. You will participate in problem-based learning, small-scale investigations, and research related to your subject area.

Personal Portfolio

This module aims to support you in designing and developing an educational item in groups, and in writing a reflective report. In the module, you will have the opportunity to put much of the knowledge and skills that you have acquired so far on the foundation course into practice.

Career Success: Enhancing Employment

This module explores the concept of employability from a theoretical and practical perspective. You will explore the many definitions and approaches to this issue and a range of topics, including how the issues relate to skills, class, equality, diversity, and gender, as well as being encouraged to reflect on your own career development.

Year 1

Core Modules

Credits

Introduction to Policing and the course

20

Credits: 20

You’ll be introduced to the course and the concepts, nature, and scope of policing in an historical context. You will also be supported to complete the Special Constable application or other type of work placement application that’ll be built on throughout the years.

Criminal Law and the Justice System

20

Credits: 20

This module will introduce you to the essential doctrines, definitions, and concepts that underpin the criminal law and their relationship to the criminal justice system and processes and how this relates to various occupations within the criminal justice system.

Criminal Law and Legislation

20

Credits: 20

You will research case law and attempt to compare and critique the decisions made by the various courts. You’ll also debate pertinent issues that arise from studying criminal legislation and be competent to apply the legislation and case law in given scenarios.

Policing, Governance and Ethics

20

Credits: 20

This module builds on from the introduction to policing module and explores policing from the development of early forms of policing governance to a consideration of contemporary issues around the nature and scope of policing. You’ll learn about accountability of officers in a pluralised policing world.

Social Sciences & Policing Practice

20

Credits: 20

You’ll learn the basics of social sciences applying a social sciences lens to social order as well as an understanding of society and how these impacts on contemporary policing practice. You’ll be introduced to the key debates on the nature, measurement, and core explanations of society, crime.

Information (with Cyber) Security

20

Credits: 20

Year 2

Core Modules

Credits

Criminal Investigation Past to Present

20

Credits: 20

This module introduces the emergence and growth of criminal investigation. Its aim is to provide you with a grounding for your learning and understanding of the advancement and importance of criminal investigation. Investigations will be explored within a social context, including non-police agencies that have an investigative role.

Police Concept Theories and Practices including Crime Prevention

20

Credits: 20

This module introduces the essential theories of policing and crime prevention. You’ll begin to critically evaluate key theories and examine the nature and impact of these about wider concepts of policing. You’ll also examine emerging empirical issues surrounding crime prevention and reduction within the police and other agencies and institutions.

Research Methods

20

Credits: 20

The aim of the module is to provide you with an introduction to research methods and the skills necessary for planning and conducting research and enquiry within their field of study, discipline or professional contexts.

Cybercrime: Motivations, Methods and Impact

20

Credits: 20

Optional Modules

Credits

Special Constable/Voluntary Work Placement

20

Credits: 20

A prerequisite of this module is either a successful completion of the Thames Valley Police (TVP) Special Constabulary assessment and training programme OR an agreement from a voluntary CJS/Social Causes related volunteer placement (homeless charity, mediation Bucks, etc).You’ll be required to work a minimum of 3 hours per week at your placement du...

Rural Policing

20

Credits: 20

This is designed to reflect national issues outlined by the College of Policing, by referencing contemporary events and/or investigations relevant to rural policing. You’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of the current debates within policing and the wider criminal justice system through critical analysis and evaluation.

Police Crime and the Media

20

Credits: 20

You’ll explore a range of theoretical approaches to enable interpretation and understanding of the complex nature of the interrelationship between the police, media, and crime. This module uses theory from criminology to explore the ways in which the media represents and reports crime from both historical and contemporary perspectives.

Global Policing

20

Credits: 20

This module gives you an overview of global policing practices, policies, and challenges. You’ll explore the roles of law enforcement agencies at all levels in tackling transnational crimes, human rights issues, and global security trends. You’ll also examine the impact of globalisation, technology, and international cooperation on policing strateg...

Terrorism and Counter Terrorism

20

Credits: 20

This module focuses on terrorism, as a major theme in politics worldwide. You’ll explore its evolution, causes, and tactics, including media influence and the impact of 9/11. The module also covers counter-terrorism strategies and the balance between security and liberty.

Crime, Harm and Power in Late Modernity

20

Credits: 20

This module explores various forms of crime in modern societies, focusing on power dynamics, criminalisation, and social harm. You’ll examine how social divisions like gender and class impact crime and justice, and develop critical thinking to understand and respond to crime in the UK and globally.

Year 3

Core Modules

Credits

Operational Policing

20

Credits: 20

You’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of a broad range of contemporary operational policing considerations to a level that engages and promotes critical questioning, discussion, and informed analysis. You will explore operational challenges provoked by increasing accountability and diversity in the contemporary British policing landscape.

Criminal Investigation Systems

20

Credits: 20

You will develop the knowledge gained in the Criminal Investigation Past to Present module. You’ll explore the developments within forensic science that impact on criminal investigations and the sources and processes of a range of investigational techniques.

Criminal Investigations: Scope of the State

20

Credits: 20

This module builds on the foundations of the module Criminal Investigation Past to Present. It provides an in-depth analysis of the investigatory framework, the ethical and legal legitimacy of criminal investigations, the management of criminal investigations, and the role of the State.

Dissertation/Independent work

40

Credits: 40

This module provides you with a supportive and enabling framework for undertaking an independent extended research study. It provides a research framework for those not working with employers in the investigation of a work-based issue in a genuine professional context. You’ll develop the ability to select, design and construct an in-depth explorati...

Optional Modules

Credits

Policing Terrorism and serious organised crime

20

Credits: 20

This module explores your knowledge of terrorism and serious organised crime, including the role of foreign countries, the state, the media, and terrorist groups in creating the contemporary phenomenon that is terrorism. You’ll develop a knowledge and understanding of counter-terrorism law, policy, and practice by analysing terrorism.

Progressing a Policing Degree towards leadership and management

20

Credits: 20

This module will give you an understanding of the academic theories of management and leadership, the management and leadership approaches of organisations within criminal justice and policing and the space to review and develop your own leadership approach. You’ll have practical opportunities, which will enhance your employment prospects upon comp...

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £5,760 *
Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 per year *

International

Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 *
Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 per year *

Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.

Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  

Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  

We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.

The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

What are my career prospects?

Throughout your time with us, we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encourage you to become enterprising and skilled leaders and support you in your search to find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

Applicants should be aware that graduates who complete this degree and successfully apply to become police constables will have to undertake a graduate conversion programme during their initial police officer training.

Graduates from this degree have gone on to have careers within the wider criminal justice system and well beyond. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to work in a wide range of roles including: