Course summary
If you love to be at the centre of your community, working to ensure those in need are supported, a degree in Police Studies with Criminal Investigation gives you the perfect opportunity to learn about the contemporary policing challenges and criminal justice processes at the heart of this sector. We’re proud of our strong reputation, which we have developed during our 15 year plus partnership with Thames Valley Police to deliver our policing programmes. 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. Why study at BNU? If you are seeking to gain a broader understanding of policing, from criminal law to major crime investigations, this programme will give you the opportunity to explore different routes to develop your chosen career. These sectors never rest and can involve working in challenging and complex situations; the learnings you will take from this course and our highly experienced lecturers will help put you in a great position to move into the world of work. You will learn from skilled lecturers who have a high level of knowledge, based on past and current work in their specialist areas. Throughout the course you’ll hear from experienced practitioners delivering guest talks that cover contemporary policing topics and what they’ve experienced in their careers. 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. Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers. 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. What will I study? Alongside the demands of operational and investigative policing, you will enjoy a curriculum that covers a wide range of areas such as:
- criminal law and justice
- social science related research
- operational policing priorities
- miscarriages of justice
- major crime investigations
Modules
Foundation Year Core Dynamics of Aviation and Security, Unlocking Academic Potential, Navigating the Digital World, Enquiry Based Learning, Personal Portfolio, Career Success: Enhancing Employment Year one Core Introduction to Policing and the Course Social Sciences & Policing Practice Criminal Law and the Justice System Criminal Law and Legislation Policing, Governance and Ethics Opportunity 2 x 10 credit year one Opportunity modules Year two Core Research Methods Criminal Investigation Past to Present Police Concept Theories and Practices including Crime Prevention Optional Special Constable/Voluntary Work Placement Rural Policing Police Crime and the Media Global Policing Terrorism and Counter Terrorism Crime, Harm, and Power in Late Modernity Year three Core Operational Policing Criminal Investigation Systems Criminal Investigations: Scope of the State Independent work Optional Policing Terrorism and Serious Organised Crime OR Progressing a Policing Degree Towards Leadership and Management
Assessment method
Modules are delivered through a blended learning approach comprised of: lectures seminars simulated role play type scenarios carried out in our Code of Practice Suite research-based activities classroom-based discussion individual tutorials Workshops. Formative assessment is a key feature of the programme, enabling early feedback to be given on progress and to help students improve their performance. Formative exercises may be conducted as a group or individually and may include poster presentations and simulated tasks within our Police Code of Practice Suite. We use various strategies to help assess your learning during your time studying this degree, including: essays case studies presentations portfolios projects.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L4M4
- Institution code:
- B94
- Campus name:
- Buckinghamshire New University
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
International applicants
If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum requirements are: An IELTS score of 7.0 overall with at least 7.0 in Writing, 7.0 in reading, 7.0 in Listening and 7.0 in Speaking. For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international page - https://www.bucks.ac.uk/study/international
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 32 - 56 points
Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the 3-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a Level 4 course, will be considered for the 4-year programme including a Foundation Year.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://bucks.ac.uk/applying-to-bucks/general-entry-requirements
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £15000* | Year 1 |
International | £15000* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Sponsorship information
Buckinghamshire New University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships. For more information, please visit https://www.bucks.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/financial-support-bursaries-and-scholarships
Provider information
Buckinghamshire New University
Queen Alexandra Road
High Wycombe
HP11 2JZ