Degree in Professional Policing (Hons) University of Worcester

Overview

This Degree in Professional Policing (PPD) (Hons) programme at University of Worcester is the only qualification which enables you to apply for the ‘pre-degree' (PPD) entry route into the Police Service in England and Wales and meets the professional requirements for policing in the 21st century.

Though this degree is primarily designed for students wishing to pursue a career as a police officer, the course is also suitable for students wishing to work in other law enforcement or investigative roles, for example; the National Crime Agency, Probation Service, Prison Service, local authority, banking and similar organisations where investigative or practical legal knowledge are required. The degree has a currency of 5 years following graduation, for police officer recruitment via the PPD route.

You will study response policing, community policing, public protection and criminal investigation strategies and techniques, including suspect interviewing. Policing strategies and models will be explored with an evidence-based approach throughout to embed research-based and critical thinking into operational decision-making, problem-solving and police practice. You’ll learn policing and criminological concepts to explain, prevent and detect crime, criminality and victimisation and will understand how these underpin both criminal justice practice and policing practice in England and Wales. You will practice applying your new knowledge in simulated practical policing scenarios on campus and at the local West Mercia Police Headquarters, whilst wearing the police uniform, to really give you the immersive learning experience.

You’ll also have the opportunity to develop communication and team working skills at our Lakeside Campus Days, where you will take part in outdoor activities as a team and you have the choice to volunteer with local organisations, including West Mercia Police, as a Special Constable or member of police staff; building on your practical experience throughout your studies. You'll learn from lecturers who are all retired officers with real-world experience, so you'll get a genuine taste of the work policing entails on a day-to-day basis and the type of work you could be doing after you graduate.

Where could it take you?

The BA (Hons) Degree in Professional Policing is one of three possible entry routes into policing and is a key part of the national policing agenda to professionalise the police service, recruitment into policing, widening participation and wider Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). As such, this qualification will allow students to pursue a career in policing as an approved and licenced qualification from the College of Policing. This helps to improve graduate prospects with regard to a future career in policing (subject to police force’s own recruitment criteria – see "Further employability information" below), or a related field.