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Police Studies with Criminal Investigation at Buckinghamshire New University - UCAS

Course options

Course summary

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. 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.
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.
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.
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. This course is also offered as four-year programmes, 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 degree. 

Modules

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 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. The University also has a dedicated academic skills centre, Student Learning and Achievement, which can provide additional support in areas such as presentations skills, time-management, academic reading, referencing or academic writing, research for essay preparation and how to prepare effectively for examinations in addition to being assigned a personal tutor from the academic team.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
L4M9
Institution code:
B94
Campus name:
High Wycombe Campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Visit bnu.ac.uk/international to find out more about applying to BNU as an international student!

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.bnu.ac.uk/study/general-entry-requirements


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6We require an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element lower that 5.5) or a recognised equivalent.

If English is not your first language or if you have studied in a non-majority English-speaking country, then you will typically be required to demonstrate your English language ability (speaking, listening, reading & writing) by way of a test such as IELTS.

BNU English Language Requirements

https://www.bnu.ac.uk/study/general-entry-requirements


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
65%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
100%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
EU £15150 Year 1
International £15150 Year 1

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

Buckinghamshire New University tuition fees cover the cost of instruction, assessment, and core academic materials. However, additional costs may be incurred for course-related items or requirements, such as, but not limited to: - Text books and supplementary reading materials - Specialised equipment or resources required for specific courses - Field trips, placements, or external activities - Printing, photocopying, and binding - Accommodation, travel, and living expenses Additional costs will vary by course. It is your responsibility as a student to budget for any additional expenses associated with your studies. For further details on what is included in your tuition fees, please check bnu.ac.uk/fees-and-funding

Sponsorship information

There are several ways you can fund your studies, including sponsorship and student loans. You may be able to use ELCAS credits for some of our courses. We also have scholarships and bursaries to help support our students.

Police Studies with Criminal Investigation at Buckinghamshire New University - UCAS