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Law & criminology

BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation

A degree with a foundation year, so you can start without A-Levels. Taught in person, usually 2 days a week.

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Key course facts

Campus locations
London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham Not every course runs in every city. We’ll confirm your nearest campus on your call.
Start dates
Enrolment is ongoing Term start dates run throughout the year, so you can apply now for the next available start.
Entry requirements
No formal qualifications needed for foundation year entry This applies when you apply as a mature student. You’ll have an interview or admissions assessment, and our Admissions team helps you prepare.
Duration
Usually 4 years A foundation year followed by a 3-year degree.
Timetable
2 days a week, in person Usually around 4 hours a day on campus, plus time for independent study and assignments.
Fees (UK students, 2026/27)
Foundation year £5,760, then £9,790 a year Eligible students can pay with a Tuition Fee Loan from Student Finance England, which goes straight to the university, so there’s nothing to pay upfront. Fees can rise in later years.

Course availability, campuses and fees are set by each partner university and can change by intake. We confirm the details for your course before you apply. See how funding works.

Are you interested in a career in law enforcement or criminal investigation? This degree is designed to provide you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to work effectively within policing and the wider criminal justice system. You’ll study the strategies and techniques used in modern policing, along with the legal frameworks that underpin criminal investigations. The course blends theory with real-world applications, preparing you for the challenges faced by professionals working to keep communities safe.

During the course, you’ll cover topics such as:

  • Principles of policing and community engagement
  • Criminal law and justice procedures
  • Crime scene management and evidence gathering
  • Investigative interviewing and ethics
  • Digital crime and cyber investigations
  • Counter-terrorism and intelligence gathering

This programme is ideal for anyone wanting to pursue roles in policing, investigative services, or related fields. You’ll develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills that are essential for working in demanding and complex environments. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, this degree offers a practical and comprehensive pathway into policing and criminal investigation.

Policing, criminal law, investigation and intelligence: the knowledge behind modern policing.

Who this course suits

  • You’d like a career in policing or criminal investigation
  • You want to help keep communities safe
  • You stay calm under pressure and communicate well
  • You’re interested in how evidence and intelligence are used

Careers this course can lead to

  • Police constable
  • Police staff investigator
  • Detention officer
  • Intelligence analyst
  • Community safety officer
  • Fraud investigator
  • Security and investigation roles
  • Border and immigration roles

Joining the police means meeting each force’s eligibility rules and passing its recruitment process. A degree supports your application but doesn’t guarantee a place.

A typical week

On campus

2 days a week, around 4 hours a day

Lectures and seminars on policing, criminal law, investigation and intelligence, with scenario-based exercises.

Independent study

Evenings, weekends or days off

Reading, analysing case studies and investigation scenarios, and writing reports.

Policing & Criminal Investigation: your questions answered

Will this degree make me a police officer?

No degree guarantees a place. Each police force sets its own entry routes and recruitment process. The course gives you knowledge of policing, law and investigation that supports an application.

Are there fitness or other checks?

If you apply to the police later, forces run their own checks, such as fitness tests, vetting and medical assessments. These aren’t part of the degree.

Will I study cyber crime?

Yes. Digital crime and cyber investigations are part of the course, along with counter-terrorism and intelligence gathering.

What other careers does it lead to?

Investigation roles in police staff teams, local government, fraud and compliance, as well as security and community safety work.

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