BSc (Hons) Police Studies with Criminal Investigation

Why study this subject?

There is a current demand for recruiting new police officers and non-warranted police staff from all communities to undertake challenging front line roles.

Our BSc (Hons) Police Studies with Criminal Investigation programme 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. If you have an interest in any of the above areas, a degree can add real value to your chosen career path.

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.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

We’ve designed our BSc (Hons) Police Studies with Criminal Investigation to help you become part of the exciting, ever-changing worlds of policing and criminal justice. You will learn from skilled lecturers within the School of Aviation and Security who have a high level of knowledge, based on past and current work in their specialist areas.

In addition, 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.

At BNU, we recognise roles in this field can be hands-on – that’s why you’ll take part in simulated learning experiences throughout the course using our specialised facilities, including our Police Code of Practice Suite. 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 via our Placement Plus Framework.

As a BNU student, you will automatically become a member of Bucks Students’ Union giving you access to a wide range of services that we offer for free as part of our exclusive Big Deal package. We are the only university in the UK to offer our members free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities, allowing them to experience new things, socialise with broader groups of people and boost their employability – all to enrich your university experience.

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 facilities can I use?

You’ll get to hone your professional skills in our Police Code of Practice Suite. This regularly updated facility includes a mock bedsit, custody desk and suspect interview room, as well as adjoining seminar rooms with a live audio and video feed.

You’ll observe and understand theory by practising core policing processes such as arrest and interview of suspects, and searching premises, in a safe, controlled environment.

What will I study?

Alongside the demands of operational and investigative policing, students 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.

You’ll gain exposure to some of the real challenges facing policing and investigative work today, exploring current reforms and what they mean, and looking at the importance of accountability, citizenship and ethics.

You will leave the course with:

• a solid base knowledge of policing and criminal justice, drawing on aspects of criminology, criminal justice and sociology
• an understanding of key areas of contemporary operational policing and criminal investigation, including the role of the investigator, forensic developments, the investigatory framework, historic case reviews, human rights and ethics
• strong critical thinking, analysis and communication skills
• an insight into different areas and roles within the criminal justice system, so you can see where your interests lie.

How will I be taught and assessed?

Modules are delivered through a blended learning approach comprised of:

• 1-hour lectures
• 2-hour seminars which are typically semi-structured, interactive in their nature and may include exercises such as simulated role play type scenarios carried out in our Code of Practice Suite, research-based activities, classroom-based discussion and 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.

Academic achievement will normally be demonstrated through completion of pieces of coursework such as essays, case studies, reflective practice-based reports, journals and action plans, or by sitting formal examinations and time-constrained assessments.

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.

Placements Plus

BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.