BSc Professional Policing
About this course
BSc (Hons) Professional Policing, a law degree centred on operational policing, criminal investigation, and the legal and ethical frameworks of law enforcement. Core topics include Research Methods. Students can undertake an optional placement year during their studies. The first year covers foundational concepts through Models of Policing and Intelligence, The Criminal Justice System in England and Wales, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Introduction to Evidence Based Policing, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. The second year builds professional competencies through Policing and Ethics, Investigative Interviewing Skills, Career Development and Employability, Public Protection and Managing Vulnerability, Applied Policing Skills, and Additional research guidance. The final year involves advanced study and self-directed investigation through modules such as Independent Research Project, Policing Futures, and Tackling Terrorism. Optional modules allow students to focus on areas like Community Policing & Engagement and Understanding Corruption and Misconduct.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points . Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Find out more about BCU Accelerate . This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below. A Level / AS Level: A Level: 112 UCAS Tariff points / BBC (or equivalent) AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels A maximum of four subjects will be considered Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 112 UCAS Tariff points Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications Excluded subjects: Health and Social Care pre-2016 syllabus T Level: Merit overall All subjects considered Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 Accepted subjects: Social Sciences, Humanities or Law OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 112 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC) Welsh Baccalaureate: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
What students say
Based on about 22 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 92%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 91%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 96%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Protective service occupations: 55%
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 300 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 71%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 11%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Licensed by the College of Policing for the purpose of meeting all the requirements of the national curriculum for multiple entry routes into policing.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Models of Policing and Intelligence
- The Criminal Justice System in England and Wales
- Criminal Investigation and Forensics
- Introduction to Evidence Based Policing
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Policing and Ethics
- Investigative Interviewing Skills
- Career Development and Employability
- Public Protection and Managing Vulnerability
- Applied Policing Skills
- Additional research guidance
- Independent Research Project
- Policing Futures
- Tackling Terrorism
- Community Policing & Engagement
- Understanding Corruption and Misconduct
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Professional Policing at Birmingham City University earn?
The median salary is £20,000 after 3 years, £26,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £32,000. The £26,000 median after five years is £5,500 less than the UK median for Law.
What do graduates of BSc Professional Policing at Birmingham City University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Professional Policing at Birmingham City University?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Professional Policing at Birmingham City University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 111 UCAS points.
Is BSc Professional Policing at Birmingham City University accredited?
Yes. Licensed by the College of Policing for the purpose of meeting all the requirements of the national curriculum for multiple entry routes into policing.
Does BSc Professional Policing at Birmingham City University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Professional Policing at Birmingham City University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.