Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per academic year
Course summary
Our Policing BA course is designed to equip you for a future career as a police officer or police staff. The course meets the benchmarking standards of the College of Policing, allowing you progress onto the degree holder entry programme. We’ll give you the tools to put your policing ambitions into practice using detailed case studies from crime scene investigation through to processing suspects and court prosecutions, while also uniquely considering the problems and challenges facing contemporary policing in Britain. This degree provides a pathway for students from all backgrounds to solve these issues, make a positive change to modern-day policing and serve the equally diverse communities which the police work within and for.
You’ll study within Westminster Law School, with its focus on legal and ethical aspects of criminal justice and broader social matters. This gives you the opportunity to take optional modules that keep the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route open to you, if a career in law is something you may be interested in.
This course has been designed to educate police officers and leaders of the future. You’ll be taught by our experienced academic staff in law, sociology and criminology and gain the knowledge to address the key issues in modern policing. By choosing to study this course with us, you’ll benefit from a supportive environment and great location where you can prepare for your future career. You’ll graduate ready to become part of a new culture within the police force, equipped to drive forward change and re-establish the values in policing.
Top Reasons to study with us
- Be part of an inclusive community that prepares students from all backgrounds to serve the diverse communities the police work with and for
- Study a cutting-edge degree with an interdisciplinary focus on the challenges faced by the police, communities and society
- Course leader Dr Paul Betts has 29 years’ experience in the police, in roles including Detective Chief Superintendent, working across offender management, youth justice and counter terror
- Our course delivery means you’ll study the problems of modern policing head-on and be encouraged to develop ideas to improve policing in the future
- By taking specific option modules, this course includes a route to take the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) for entry into the legal profession
Course structure
Our core modules address the key skills and knowledge which all police officers need to understand and succeed in the modern world. Other optional modules allow you to construct a specialist ‘stream’ of personal interest to you; focusing on diversity and inclusion or countering terrorism, as an example.
The programme is designed to give you the opportunity to take four core law optional modules that keep the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route open to you for entry into the legal profession.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
Core modules
- Guided Project
- Criminal Justice: Crime and Punishment
- Criminal Law and Police Powers
- Genealogy of Modern Policing
- Investigation and Evidence
Option modules
- Cinematic Justice
- Introduction to Rights and the Law
- Islamic Law in Context
- Law and Social Media
- Public Law
- Race and the Law
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
Core modules
- Professional Practice: Project
- Advanced Investigation and Evidence
- Managing People
- Public Protection and Vulnerability
Option modules
- Child Protection Law and Policy
- Community Building for Policing
- Criminology and the Law
- European Criminal Law
- Introduction to Human Rights Law
- Law and Mental Health
- Law and Social Justice
- Private Law
- Women in Policing
Credit Level 5
Study Abroad Year
You can spend an additional year of study abroad at our partner institutions around the world. You'll study for 120 additional credits through the two Law Study Abroad modules.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Your final year will provide you with the opportunity to choose whether to align your learning thematically with the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) in preparation for professional practice, or choose the professional research project pathway as your core, where you can do an extended research project in Policing or one of the rest research areas linked with the research centres in the Law School. Therefore, you can either do Professional Legal Practice: Knowledge, Ethics and Transactions (you need, by the end of your studies, to have taken Private Law, Criminal Law, Public Law, Property Law and Business Law in order to be allowed to do this module) OR Professional Legal Research: Advanced Project.
Subjects of study include:
Core modules
- Professional Legal Practice: Knowledge, Ethics and Transactions
- Professional Legal Research: Advanced Project
- Rethinking Policing
- Values, Virtues and Ethics
Option modules
- Advanced Criminal Law
- Business Law
- Countering Terrorism
- Family Law and Family Justice
- Human Rights: Contexts and Controversies
- International Criminal Justice: Mass atrocity Crimes
- Property Law
- Protecting Human Rights in the UK
- Race and Policing
- Religion, Law and Society
Credit Level 6
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
This course is ideal for those who not only wish to pursue a career in the police force and related fields, but become future leaders and push forward change within modern-day British policing. If you’re interested in law and criminal justice but unsure of your career path, this course provides a good opportunity to explore different career options, as successful completion of relevant option modules will allow you to pursue the SQE route to becoming a solicitor.
Prepare for your career
This course meets the standards of the College of Policing and offers option modules that meet the requirements for the Solicitors’ Qualifying Exam, providing options for your future career path.
Build your network
Benefit from our links with employers in policing and the wider criminal justice sector, as well as expert guest speakers.
Gain international experience
Spend an additional year studying abroad and gain experience and an understanding of policing beyond its national boundaries which is particularly valued by employers.
Industry Links
Throughout this course, you’ll benefit from our strong links with professionals working in the police, prisons, charities and legal profession. You’ll be able to network and gain insight from guest speakers and through field visits and community engagement projects. This will allow you to gain valuable work experience and insight, whilst contributing to providing important community services and developing new skills.
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course could find employment at organisations including:
Police Forces
UK government intelligence agencies
National Crime Agency
Probation Service
Prison Service
Law (solicitor or barrister)
Civil Service
Local Government
Education
Private sector
Voluntary sector working in Policing / Criminal Justice
Regulatory bodies
Job Roles
This course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas including:
Police Officer
Police Staff
Investigator
Probation Officer
Prison Officer
Solicitor
Barrister
Intelligence professionals
Crime analysts
Leadership roles in the policing and criminal justice sector
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Paul Betts
Senior Lecturer
Course Team
Meet the Head of Westminster Law School
Why study this course?
Be part of our community
At Westminster, you’re not just a student; you’re part of a family. Our small learning groups, personal academic tutors and student partnership roles combine to create a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Expert teaching
Our team are experts in the fields of law, criminology and sociology, amongst others, plus our course leader has 25 years’ experience in the police force.
Make a difference
This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a progressive police leader who will help transform policing in a way that benefits all citizens.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels – BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 112 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM
- BTEC Diploma – Not accepted on its own
- Access – 112 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in the other components.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
- .International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score.
- We welcome applications from students around the world who have other internationally recognised qualifications.
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with at least 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in the other components. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Creative Enterprise Centre offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
Our Regent Campus is composed of three sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Little Titchfield Street is the home of Westminster Law School and, as part of our Regent Campus, benefits from a central London location. The facilities include a full-size mock courtroom, high-tech learning spaces, a pro-bono clinic and a 382-seat lecture theatre.
For more details, visit our locations page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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