Policing, Investigation and Criminology

Why study with us? Policing in the 21st century is a dynamic, challenging profession, characterised by complexity and change. The application of science, analytical techniques, forensic psychology and criminological theory to the process of criminal investigation demands a unique set of skills and knowledge. This exciting and challenging programme equips you with academic, research, analytical and problem-solving skills ideally suited for a range of careers within policing and the criminal justice sector. The teaching team consists of serving police officers and academic staff with extensive teaching, research and professional experience in this field. What can this course lead to?

This programme provides a strong academic base for students seeking to meet the increasing demand for graduates within statutory criminal justice agencies such as the police, HM Revenue and Customs, the Serious Organised Crime Agency, the probation and prison services as well as the voluntary and private sector. It also provides a suitable knowledge base for a range of postgraduate or vocational programmes.

While opportunities to join the Police Service in England and Wales are highly competitive, it does remain very popular and provides for a challenging and rewarding career opportunity. Resources and facilities

The programme is taught by both academic staff and police officers with extensive teaching, research and professional expertise in this field. They bring together a wealth of knowledge and experience in the criminal justice sector. We invite a number of guest speakers on the course, and organise visits to criminal justice settings. You will also be taught by members of staff from the Psychology team.

Have a look at our learning resources for Policing and Criminology.

News

University and constabulary join forces
The University of Cumbria has joined forces with Cumbria Constabulary in its bid to recruit more special constables.

Students appeal for cast-off cars!
Students on the policing, investigation and criminology course are appealing to anyone who could donate an old car – engine optional – to assist them in their studies. Student work

Many of our students become Special Constables in their spare time while many others volunteer with organisations working with vulnerable groups or elsewhere in the criminal justice system. Even two or three hours a week provides valuable experience.

One of our students spent last summer in Swaziland working with a charity helping the victims of domestic violence.

Entry requirements

80 UCAS tariff points

Find out more about qualification options from the UCAS tariff table.

Please check selection criteria for any additional entry requirements.

Credit and UCAS requirements UCAS code: 112M UCAS points: 80 Selection criteria Year three entry

If you have successfully completed any one of the following UoC foundation degrees:

FdSc Policing

You can apply for year three entry to this course. Equivalent qualifications gained at other institutions may be considered for individual APL. Please contact the Programme Leader prior to making an application. Costs

Click to view information on your study type and home location.

Full-time students

Home

The tuition fee for the 2013/14 academic year has been set at £8,250 (including an automatic £750 fee discount).

As a full-time UK student, you are entitled to a tuition fee loan which doesn’t have to be repaid until you start earning £21,000 per annum (if you're from England) or £15,795 (if you're from Scotland). You may also be eligible for a maintenance loan (up to £5,500) and a maintenance grant (up to £3,354). For more information about student loans and grants, visit our student finance page.

Additional funding

National Scholarship Programme

The National Scholarship Programme is designed to support students with a household income of less than £25,000. Full-time students may be eligible for one of 110 NSP awards for full-time students worth up to £6,000.

Cumbria Bursary

The Cumbria Bursary is an annual cash award of £1,000 for up to three years of study. There are 300 Cumbria Bursaries available in 2013.

More financial support

Access to financial support doesn’t end at registration. We have several awards and support funds available to our current students, including:

• Achievement scholarships
• Outstanding performance awards
• Access to Learning Fund
• Utilities trust

EU

The tuition fee for the 2013/14 academic year has been set at £8,250 (including an automatic £750 fee discount).

As a full-time EU student, you are entitled to a tuition fee loan which doesn’t have to be repaid until you start earning £21,000 per annum (or the equivalent in your country). For more information about student loans, visit our student finance page.

Additional funding

National Scholarship Programme

The National Scholarship Programme is designed to support students with a household income of less than £25,000. Full-time students may be eligible for one of 110 NSP awards for full-time students worth up to £6,000.

Cumbria Bursary

The Cumbria Bursary is an annual cash award of £1,000 for up to three years of study. There are 300 Cumbria Bursaries available in 2013.

More financial support

Access to financial support doesn’t end at registration. We have several awards and support funds available to our current students, including:

• Achievement scholarships
• Outstanding performance awards
• Utilities trust

International

The tuition fee for the 2013/14 academic year is £9,960.

Fees are billed annually and may be paid by the student or a sponsor. 75 percent of the annual tuition fees must be paid before or at registration. For students requiring a Tier 4 Student Visa, a deposit of £3,500 is expected as a minimum before a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) will be issued. For more information, visit our international student finance page.

Early payment discount

If you are paying your own fees, you may be eligible for an early payment discount of £1,000. This discount is awarded to students who pay in full before registration.

International scholarship

If you are studying a full-time bachelor's degree (excluding teacher training and NHS-funded courses) or a top-up degree, you may be eligible for an international scholarship. The university has nine scholarships available. Find out more on our scholarships page.

Additional financial support

Our money doctors will be on hand throughout the year to help you manage your money while you’re in the UK. However, if you do happen to run into financial difficulty during your time here, you may be able to access a small emergency support fund.

Part-time students

Home

The tuition fee for students starting study in the 2013/14 academic year is £8,250 (including an automatic £750 fee discount). This fee is billed annually. For part-time students, the annual fee is calculated based on the number of years you take to complete your course. For example, a student studying part-time for six years may expect to pay £4,125 per year.

As a part-time UK student, you are entitled to a tuition fee loan which doesn’t have to be repaid until you start earning over £21,000 a year (if you're from England) or £15,795 (if you're from Scotland). For more information about student loans and grants, visit our student finance page.

Additional funding

National Scholarship Programme

The National Scholarship Programme is designed to support students with a household income of less than £25,000. Part-time students may be eligible for one of 40 NSP awards worth up to £3,000.

More financial support

Access to financial support doesn’t end at registration. We have several awards and support funds available to our current students, including:

• Achievement scholarships
• Outstanding performance awards
• Access to Learning Fund
• Utilities trust

EU

The tuition fee for students starting study in the 2013/14 academic year is £8,250 (including an automatic £750 fee discount). This fee is billed annually. For part-time students, the annual fee is calculated based on the number of years you take to complete your course. For example, a student studying part-time for six years may expect to pay £4,125 per year.

As a part-time EU student, you are entitled to a tuition fee loan which doesn’t have to be repaid until you start earning over £21,000 a year. For more information about student loans, visit our student finance page.

Additional funding

National Scholarship Programme

The National Scholarship Programme is designed to support students with a household income of less than £25,000. Part-time students may be eligible for one of 40 NSP awards worth up to £3,000.

More financial support

Access to financial support doesn’t end at registration. We have several awards and support funds available to our current students, including:

• Achievement scholarships
• Outstanding performance awards
• Utilities trust

Additional contact information Visit the Policing website. UCAS Link

Visit UCAS

Modules

For detailed summary of all course content please read our programme specification for this course (PDF).

Course summary Drawing on theory and research within the fields of sociology, social policy and ethics, this programme offers you the opportunity to explore the nature and causes of crime and the theoretical concepts which underpin policy and operational responses to controlling and responding to crime. The course develops your ability to understand and critically analyse criminological perspectives, criminal justice policy and police responses to crime and disorder. It also develops your knowledge and understanding of the organisational structures and processes which underpin contemporary policing practice within a context of social and political change.

Year one introduces core theoretical concepts in criminology, policing and investigation. Building on this foundational knowledge, in years two and three, you will undertake modules which develop your critical understanding of a range of issues relating to crime and policing. These include criminal investigation; policing vulnerable populations; young people, crime and justice; crime analysis; interpersonal violence; forensic investigation and major crime enquiries. Case studies When asked about this course, our students said...

"The teaching styles of tutors is fantastic and really stimulates you to look into things mor.e"

"I'm really enjoying the course and content and am particularly fond of the teaching style of my lecturers."