policing students sat at table in uniform policing students sat at table in uniform

Course Summary

This course will allow you to explore the criminal justice system. This is an ideal course for those who already hold a foundation degree and are seeking to gain an undergraduate degree with a view to gaining employment in either policing or a wider law enforcement capacity. On successful completion you will be awarded the degree of BSc in Policing Law and Investigation.

The Institute of Policing at the University of Chester have developed a programme of academic modules that examine the challenges encountered by those involved in investigation and community engagement. If you are interested in the legal, political, and economic aspects that influence how the police, partner agencies and the community work together; and if you are interested in examining crimes that affect people in society and how multi-agency problem solving is central to addressing these issues, then this course should interest you.

The course is delivered by subject matter experts and experienced practitioners (including retired police officers) with a wealth of professional and subject expertise in specialist areas to enhance your learning experience.

Successful completion of this course will equip you with the knowledge and understanding in a wide range of contemporary policing topics, and also influence your skills of analysis and reflection in a variety of law enforcement situations influencing the way you conduct impartial, fair and objective investigations.


What you'llStudy

During the BSc Top-Up year, you will extend your skills and understanding of more specialist areas of policing and investigation. You will also have an opportunity to produce a dissertation, researching an area of policing that fascinates you.

Who you'll Learn from

Mike Blakeley

Senior Lecturer in Policing
Mike Blakeley

Mike Parsons

Lecturer in Policing
Mike Parsons

How you'll Learn

You will be taught by experienced practitioners (retired police officers) who have a diverse range of knowledge and skills, together with subject specialists from law enforcement agencies.

Teaching methods comprise lectures, field trips, subject specialist speakers, in-class tests, self-directed study, online resources, and the use of immersive learning in our Hydra facility. Use of the immersive learning suite is essential to consolidate the learning process by enabling you to apply knowledge attained from your classroom learning to life-like scenarios.

Methods of assessment are varied and stimulating and are explicitly linked to each module learning outcome. Examples of summative methods of assessment include case studies, personal and group presentations, role-play activities, recorded interviews and assignments.

 

Entry Requirements

Extra Information / General Entry Requirements

Applicants must have successfully completed the University of Chester's FdSc Policing, Law and Investigation programme, a Foundation Degree in Policing or another related programme. An interview will form part of the process.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry requirements

Where you'll Study University Centre Warrington

Fees and Funding

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

£13,950 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. 

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

 

Your Future Career

Job prosects

Successful completion of this degree will provide the opportunity to gain employment in either policing or a wider law enforcement capacity.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.