Police officers are the first responders, the investigators, the front line. In an ever-changing world, they're a key partner in the communities they serve, and they all play a pivotal role – from police constable to chief constable.

Sometimes policing can be the blues-and-twos and chasing criminals, and sometimes it can be methodical detective work, investigation, and building a solid case. Policing isn't really a career you just fall into; it can be gritty and complex, but it can be equal parts impactful, rewarding and life changing.

Supported by our academic team of ex-coppers and law enforcement experts, you'll combine knowledge and theory with hands-on learning to be well-prepared for one of the most challenging – and exciting – jobs that modern society has to offer.

Why choose this course?

Our links with local forces

You'll be able to get hands-on through opportunities to become a special constable, or undertake a placement in police control rooms.

Our teaching team

Our academics have over 150 combined years of experience in law enforcement, with many of them being former police officers.

Guest speakers

We invite guest speakers from forces across the country to come in and support your learning.

98% of students

are positive about the academic support on their course (National Student Survey, 2026).

Throughout your three years with NTU, you'll combine learning about police powers and the criminal justice system, with hands-on experience as you learn to conduct suspect interviews, and get stuck into the forensics at our on-campus Crime Scene Training Facility.

We'll provide the context of policing in the UK, the role of the police and what makes a modern police officer, alongside in-depth explorations of public protection and community policing. You'll also explore how law enforcement operates in the digital world for which you'll achieve associate membership of the Institute of Cyber and Digital Professionals (ICDP).

Towards the end of your studies, you'll be able to apply your knowledge to a research project focusing on an area of policing that interests you. If you choose to become a special constable or volunteer with a local police force during your time with us, you can apply these experiences to your research project.

Study abroad opportunities

Get ready to embark on an adventure with our study abroad programs at partner universities or by getting a work placement overseas. Both opportunities will boost your employability, build lifelong friendships, and allow you to experience the world in a whole new way.

Module information

A standard full-time BA (Hons) course is made up of 120 credits studied each year. Some courses may vary, however, and you can find information on the total number of credits achieved per module below.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the

Year OneYear TwoFinal year

Core modulesExpand all +

The Role of the Police

This module will provide you with the rationale for the development of the modern police officer, before examining the functions of the contemporary police service alongside other criminal justice agencies and its governance in England and Wales.

20 credits

The Criminal Justice System and Crime Investigations 1

You will gain an understanding of the structure and operation of the UK criminal justice system and the role of the police within it. You will also get an introduction to crime investigation techniques such as statement taking for victim and witnesses, evidence gathering at crime scenes the and subsequent management of evidence. The module also includes an introduction to investigative interviewing techniques for suspects utilising police models.

40 credits

Problem Solving and Decision Making

This module provides students with an introduction to problem solving and decision-making techniques and models as utilised within the police service to make effective decisions at police incidents, and to implement effective evidence-based crime reduction techniques and strategies.

Criminology for Policing

This module provides students with an overview of the evolution of criminological theory, and how it applies to and affects policing in the 21st century. The module offers an understanding of criminological models and how they influence the police and the criminal justice system.

Police Powers 1

This module helps you understand basic criminal law and court processes, including key laws, police powers, policies, and procedures. You’ll learn how to use police powers fairly and without bias, consider when to use force, and understand the laws and processes involved in handling offences. As part of this module, you will have the opportunity to apply to become a Special Constable, Call Handler, or volunteer for other opportunities with Nottinghamshire Police (eligibility criteria apply).

Public Protection

You'll gain a critical evaluation of the theme of public protection, concentrating on specific areas of legislation. The module will cover areas such as domestic violence, the management of sexual and violent offenders, vulnerable victims, safeguarding of adults and children and the police approach.

Crime Investigations 2

This module provides students with additional development from Crime Investigation 1 and further seeks to develop knowledge and understanding of crime investigation techniques, crime scene management, forensic awareness.

Evidence-Based Police Intelligence and Community Policing

This module provides you with an introduction to the concepts of Evidence Based Practice. You will assess the interaction with community policing, particularly methods of engagement and decision making. Finally, to link both EBP and community policing into the handling and processing of police information and intelligence.

Police Powers 2

This module provides students with further enhancement of the students' knowledge and understanding of key pieces of legislation required for the role of a police constable, and apply them to more complex and sensitive situations within policing following successful completion of Police Powers 1.

Digital Policing and Counter Terrorism

You'll critically develop your understanding of digital policing concepts and counter terrorism issues. In this module you will learn specifically how to manipulate digital devices and extract evidence for a policing purpose.

Front Line Policing

You'll further develop your existing knowledge from levels 4 and 5 and focus specifically on front line and road policing issues.

Police Powers 3

An understanding of key pieces of legislation required for the role of a police constable and apply them critically to more complex and sensitive situations within policing, whilst building upon knowledge gained from Police Powers 1 and 2.

Research Project

You'll bring together the various skills developed through the BA (Hons) Professional Policing syllabus as well as their research methods skills and apply this to a theoretical policing issue.

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Student experience

Rory Cole

Professional Policing student

“I knew that NTU worked in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police to offer the chance to become a Special Constable alongside your studies. This was a big factor in why I chose to study at NTU.”

Read Rory's profile

Tomas Catherwood

“Knowing that I wasn’t just being taught from a textbook and instead was getting insight from real-life situations that lecturers had faced was a real selling point for me.”

Read Tomas's profile

Ava Dennis

“NTU stood out to me because of its strong reputation for Social Sciences, its supportive environment, and how practical and hands‑on the course is.”

Read Ava's profile

Paige Wing

“I am a Police Emergency Call Handler for Nottinghamshire Police… this placement has helped me a lot with my confidence and has given me some amazing connections within Nottinghamshire Police.”

Read Paige's profile

Isaac Hepworth

“Upon visiting multiple University open days around the country, NTU’s Professional Policing degree was by far the best and stood as the benchmark to which I compared all the other open days.”

Read Isaac's profile

Aidan Dingwall

“The course itself was backed by a wonderful team of lecturers who were super supportive and brought both professional and academic experience which made every topic and assignment unique and fascinating. This for me was always the biggest draw to NTU.”

Read Aidan's profile

Hear from our students and staff

Principal Lecturer for Policing and International Law Enforcement, Phil Rudkin, tells us about what you can expect on the BA (Hons) Professional Policing course here at NTU.

Q&A | Professional Policing BA (Hons)

How you're taught

To provide you with a first-class learning experience and to guarantee you have an opportunity to make the most of your time at university, you'll receive contact time through a diverse range of delivery methods. Structured teaching will be delivered through a combination of traditional lectures, seminars, workshops and police-delivered training sessions. The smaller group seminars and workshops provide opportunities to develop your problem-solving skills, group working and your analysis, debating and presentation skills. They also give you the chance to get involved in discussions about a wide range of views.

Tutorials with staff

As the relationship between students and tutors is an important one you can expect to have lots of direct contact and support through seminars and one-to-one tutorials. At these sessions, you'll have the opportunity to discuss and gain feedback about your work, ask questions about the projects you're working on and raise any difficulties you are experiencing relating to your work, personal circumstances or your university experience.

Virtual learning environment

You'll use our virtual learning environment, NOW, which is a flexible web-based system that allows you to have 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and other students, and submit coursework electronically from anywhere in the world.

Learning from experts

You'll be taught by enthusiastic, engaged and expert staff. The course team have experience in police training, practice and research, providing you with a unique and innovative insight into the world of policing.

How will I be assessed?

During the course, you'll be assessed in a variety of ways, such as: in class mock exams, draft report plans, role-play or practice scenario simulations, individual / group presentations and individual / group case study or practice-based exercise. In your final year, you'll combine this with a dissertation / independent study project. In response to student feedback the University have introduced a policy ensuring marked work is returned to you electronically within three weeks of submission.

How you're assessed

Year 1 coursework, written and practical

Year 2 coursework and practical

Year 3 coursework

Contact hours

Throughout your studies, your teaching will be a mixture of in-person teaching and independent study. You will have around 9-12 hours per week of contact time with our teaching staff, consisting of lectures, seminars, workshops and one-to-one supervision meetings. Approximately 95% of this teaching is in-person, with the remaining time being online drop ins or support sessions. Overall, contact time makes up around 30% of a full-time week, while the remaining 70% of your time will be devoted to independent study.

Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops, independent study

Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops, independent study

Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops, independent study

Who will teach you?

Tracey Pearsall

Lecturer

Tracey Pearsall is a Lecturer in the Nottingham Institute of Crime, Media, Journalism and Justice in the School of Social Sciences.

Visit Tracey Pearsall's staff profile

Martyn Magill

Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer Martyn Magill at NTU blends frontline experience as a former Prison, Police, and Probation Officer with teaching in criminology and criminal justice.

Visit Martyn Magill's staff profile

Parminder Pabla

Parm Pabla is a lecturer on the BA (Hons) Policing course at Nottingham Trent University.

Visit Parminder Pabla's staff profile

Jennifer Golding

Jennifer is course leader for NTU's BA (Hons) Criminology and Policing degree, and teaches on the BA (Hons) Professional Policing.

Visit Jennifer Golding's staff profile

Phil Rudkin

Principal Lecturer

Phil was a Police Officer for nearly 15 years with Leicestershire Police.

Phil now directly oversees the management of all policing and criminal justice provision across the institute at levels 4 to 6.

Visit Phil Rudkin's staff profile

Craig Nolan

Craig is a Lecturer in professional policing, particularly focusing on Criminal Justice, Front Line Policing and Problem Solving/decision making/Crime Prevention at undergraduate level. He is also Course leader for the MSc International Law Enforcement.

Visit Craig Nolan's staff profile

Georg Martin Tangen

Martin Tangen is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for MSc International Law Enforcement

Visit Georg Martin Tangen's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

Standard offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications

Contextual offer: 96 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

Additional requirements

Additional requirements for UK students

Becoming a Special Constable (optional practice placement)

Becoming a Special Constable is something that some of our students decide to do, but is an optional element of the course.

In order to undertake either the special constable or police volunteer streams within the course, you will be subject to further eligibility checks which are separate from/additional to the course entry requirements. In particular, for those wishing to undertake the Special Constable role:

Candidates will need to satisfy a number of pre-employment checks such as security and financial vetting, biometric and drug testing, and a medical examination;

Candidates will be required to complete each stage of the recruitment policy such as competency-based questions, an interview and a physical fitness test.

Contextual offers

We consider every application in the context of your individual circumstances and educational background. This may include information about where you live, the school or college you attended, or experiences that may have shaped your educational journey. This is known as a contextual offer, and we use information provided through UCAS to help inform our decisions. By considering achievement in context, we can better recognise academic potential and ensure applicants are assessed as fairly and fully as possible.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Other qualifications and experience

NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.

We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.

Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

International students

Academic entry requirements: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four A levels. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Additional international requirements

Additional requirements for international students

There are restrictions on who can apply to be a Special Constable. Applications can only be accepted if you are a national of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or, if not, have leave to enter or remain in the UK for an indefinite period free of restrictions.

Countries included in the EEA are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

English language requirements

View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.

If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.

If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Sign up for emails

Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.

If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students - see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£10,050 per year

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students - see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

£18,400 per year

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Cost of living in Nottingham

Our student benefits and free services

Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

Your career development

43 regional forces cover England and Wales, with specialist forces protecting our rail networks, civilian nuclear facilities, defence assets and providing air support. Many of you undertaking this course will be interested in becoming a police officer in one of these areas, and our course is designed to prepare you to do just that.

Equally, your future may not lie in the UK. International students are a core part of our student body, and our course can provide new perspectives that prepare you to start a policing career in another country.

Outside of the traditional policing roles, some of our graduates have also embarked on successful careers in related services such as His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, the Security Services, or in non-policing law enforcement roles. This is down to the essential skills and knowledge they developed during the course, such as communication and expert problem solving, along with use of information technology to gather, analyse, evaluate, and present data.

Our Employability Team

We have a dedicated Employability team located on the City Campus. The team are well placed to give you specialist guidance and practical help that will really make a difference to your prospects once you do graduate.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:

Police forces in the UK and abroad

His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service

Security services

Non-policing enforcement agencies

Our graduates are…

Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:

Police officers

Prison and probation officers

Intelligence roles

Non-policing law enforcement roles

Assessed work-like experience

We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.

NTU Enterprise

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly be studying in the Chaucer and Newton buildings, at the centre of our vibrant City Campus. As well as a range of classrooms and lecture theatres, the facilities including a mock prison cell, banks of open-access PCs, social spaces for either quiet study or busy group work.

As part of your learning, you’ll also have the opportunity to head over to our Clifton Campus and make use of the Crime Scene Training Facility.

NTU’s City Campus has everything you’ll need to stay busy between lectures. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s our stylish Students’ Union building and two-storey, 100-station gym; a whole host of cafés, bars, restaurants and food outlets for every taste; our much-loved Global Lounge; performance and rehearsal spaces for musicians; and much, much more!

Take a few steps off campus and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure. Enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Crime scene house in 360° - inside an investigation

Crime Scene Training Facility

For more information visit the Crime Scene Training Facility page.

Boots Library

For more information visit the Boots Library page.

IT facilities City Campus

For more information visit the IT facilities City Campus page.

City Campus Sports Facilities

For more information visit the City Campus Sports Facilities page.

Take a virtual tour

Applying

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page.

Good luck with your application!

Apply through UCAS

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Apply through NTU portal

Personal statement guidance

You’ll submit a personal statement with your UCAS application – here are our tips on what to include and how to structure your personal statement.

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on 44 (0)115 848 4200.

Related courses

Criminal Justice - NTU Mansfield

More from this subject

View more courses on the Criminology and Policing subject page

Further study

View Criminology and Policing postgraduate courses

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