Professional Policing

Professional Policing is a degree that prepares you for a career as a Police Constable by combining academic study of the criminal justice system, law enforcement, and social science with the professional knowledge and practical skills that policing demands. The degree-level entry route into policing has been established to ensure that new officers are equipped to handle the increasingly complex demands of the role, from cybercrime and organised crime to domestic abuse, mental health crises, and the challenges of building trust in diverse communities.

At Birmingham City University, this three-year, full-time programme is licensed by the College of Policing, the national body for policing standards and professional development, and is taught by subject matter experts and experienced practitioners including retired police officers who bring direct operational experience into the classroom. You will develop the knowledge base that policing requires, including criminal law, investigation procedures, public order management, and the ethical and legal frameworks governing police conduct, alongside the transferable skills in analysis, communication, and decision-making that the role demands. The programme includes a sandwich year and work placement opportunities, giving you practical exposure to policing environments before you enter the profession.

Graduates of Professional Policing are well prepared to apply for Police Constable roles with forces across England and Wales, where the degree-level qualification is increasingly the standard entry route. Beyond frontline policing, the programme also prepares you for roles in investigation, community policing, public protection, and specialist units as your career develops. Some graduates choose to continue their education in criminology, law, public policy, or security studies, building deeper analytical expertise for senior or specialised roles within the criminal justice system.