Policing Studies Criminology and Criminal Justice Foundation Degree (FdA)

About the course

Please note this course is now closed for 2013 applicants. We are open for 2014 applicants only.

The Policing Studies Criminology and Criminal Justice course provides a broad understanding of UK policing along with developing a broad understanding of the criminal justice sector.

The first year focuses upon providing a good foundation across all aspects of criminology and criminal justice (CCJ), while assessing your suitability as a Special Constable with Leicestershire Constabulary. Successful applicants will commence Special Constable training in the second term of their first academic year and this continues into year two.

Reasons why you should choose to study Policing Studies, Criminology and Criminal Justice at DMU

• One of a few courses in the country which will enable you to undertake academic modules alongside volunteering as a Special Constable
• Policing students who successfully complete the programme will be fast tracked for employment with Leicestershire Police if vacancies are advertised
• Students benefit from a £1000 bursary from Leicestershire Police at two different milestones within the course
• Flexible top-up opportunities offer you progression on to the full Honours degree
• Developed and delivered in partnership with Leicestershire Police

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Key facts

DMU course code: LL34 (Part-time entry: Apply direct to DMU)

Duration: Two years full-time, four years part-time

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

2013/2014 UCAS Points A minimum of 180 points GCSEs

• 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including Maths and English. Plus one of the following:

Alevels

• A minimum of 180 UCAS points from from a minimum of one A level

BTEC

• BTEC National Diploma - BTEC with Merit/Merit/Pass (200) points
• BTEC National Certificate - BTEC Distinction/Merit (200) points
• BTEC National Award - only in combination with other accepted qualifications
• BTEC Extended Diploma (3 A2s) - BTEC with Merit/Merit/Pass (200) points
• BTEC Diploma (2 A2s) - Distinction/Merit (200) points
• BTEC 90 credit Science - Distinction/Distinction
• BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (1 A2) - only in combination with other accepted qualifications
• BTEC certificate (1 A1) - only in combination with other accepted qualifications

Access Course Pass. English GCSE equivalency required, 12 level 2 credits in each subject

Interview: Yes

Work Experience: Demonstrate a desire to be a police officer.

International Baccalaureate: 26+

You must complete a declaration form and enhanced CRB/VBS disclosure application form before starting the course.*

Equivalent qualifications are welcome; please visit us online for further information, dmu.ac.uk/apply|.

Applications from mature students are welcome and are considered individually on the basis of qualifications and experience.

Interview Required:
Students will be interviewed by the relevant police area in conjunction with the academic staff of the programme to determine suitability for the programme.

International Students:
If English is not your first language, English language IELTS of 6.5 or equivalent is required.

Personal Statement selection criteria

• Clear communication skills, including good grammar and spelling

• Information relevant to the course applied for

• Interest in the course demonstrated with explanation and evidence

• If relevant for the course - work and life experience

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops and e-learning. Assessment methods include essays, group and individual presentations, research and case study projects.

Typical criminology and criminal justice teaching time is 12–14 hours each week, which includes lectures, workshops and seminars. You are also expected to engage in 24–26 hours independent study each week, and will complete a minimum of 16 hours a month as a Special Constable.

To volunteer as a Special Constable, you must be a British citizen, member of the EU or other states in the EEA (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein). Commonwealth citizens and foreign nationals are also eligible but only if they are resident in the UK, and have been for the last three years.

Course modules

First year

• Introduction to Criminology
• Diversity, Values and Ethics
• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Legislation
• Study and Research Skills
• Police Practice Development 1
• Preparing for Practice

Second year

• Research for Practice
• Crime Risk and Community Safety
• Mental Health OR Restorative Justice in Practice
• Policing in Practice
• Police Practice Development 2

Academic expertise

We have one of the largest groupings of practice-based Criminologists in the country, all involved in research and teaching, helping students develop the knowledge and skills required to work within the criminal justice sector.

Industry links and professional accreditation

The course has been designed and will be delivered in conjunction with Leicestershire Constabulary, therefore making our teaching directly applicable to the needs and requirements of the sector.

Work experience and placements

One of the largest groupings of practice-based criminologists in the country, our expert academics are involved in a multi-disciplinary range of research and teaching. Our strong links with sector and allied agencies provide voluntary work opportunities, enhancing your learning and practical experience.

Designed and delivered in conjunction with Leicestershire Constabulary, our teaching is directly applicable to the sector; greatly enhancing your employability upon graduation.

As part of the course, you are required to become a Special Constable within Leicestershire Constabulary, from the second term of the first year. Upon successful completion, you will be deemed ready for independent patrol and suitable for employment as a Special Constable.

Graduate careers

Successful graduates are eligible to apply to become a Police Constable in any UK Police Service.

Flexible top-up opportunities allow successful graduates to achieve a full BA (Hons) degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice| (Policing). This is achieved via a two year distance learning ‘top-up’ programme, whilst you continue to develop your professional experience as a serving Police Constable.

Fees and funding

UK/EU Full-time £6000

Learn more about fees and funding information|.

Scholarships

Learn more about our Undergraduate scholarships| and awards information.

Facilities

Recent investment of £8 million into our first-class teaching and learning facilities, develop your practical experience and enhance your employability upon graduation.

At DMU you will benefit from 24 hour access to our fully equipped library and Learning Zone for focussed group and independent study.