Criminology with Policing BSc (Hons)

Embark on a fascinating journey into the world of Criminology with Policing at the University of Chester, where academic rigour meets real-world application. This innovative undergraduate degree is tailored for those who are passionate about understanding crime, its causes, and the intricacies of the criminal justice system while also gaining a deep insight into the pivotal role of policing in society. 

Our course is designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of criminology and its intersection with law enforcement. You will delve into critical topics such as criminal behaviour, risk, social justice, punishments, and the impact of crime on individuals and communities. Our curriculum is continually updated to reflect the latest trends and challenges in the field, ensuring you are well-prepared for the complexities of modern crime and policing. 

Beyond classroom learning, the University of Chester provides experiential opportunities through partnerships with local and national agencies, industry specialists and the third sector. These hands-on experiences are invaluable in developing practical skills and understanding the realities of policing and criminal justice work. 

Our staff are experts in their respective fields and are committed to guiding you through your academic journey. They bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, enriching your learning with current, relevant insights. 

Graduating from this course opens doors to a variety of careers including criminal justice, law enforcement, victim advocacy, policy and research, and beyond. Our degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to pursue your passion.

This course promotes the strengths and best interests of students to prepare you to enter into the real world of criminology and criminal justice. This course develops socially aware students who learn criminology from an interdisciplinary and international perspective. You will explore theoretical and practical understandings of crime, harm and victimisation applying knowledge and building understanding of the criminal justice system and journey. There is a clear social justice focus throughout which critically reviews media landscapes and their impacts to society. We critically reflect upon marginalised communities including how stereotypes and representations can lead to disproportionately that exists within criminal justice settings. There is an exploration of experiences of punishments and injustices which are considered in a context of promoting social change. You will develop an active voice as a reflective academic and researcher with cultural awareness and sensitivity in responding to real world problems relevant to criminology and criminal justice.  By the end of their course, they can articulate their varying attributes relevant to a range of employment roles and opportunities. 

The three 40 credit Policing modules are aspects of the BSc Degree in Professional Policing and reflect the College of Policing (the professional body of the police) current policing curriculum. They are practical based modules affording realistic activities and assessments to provide skills in relation to policing and investigative practices. The modules provide transferable skills for employment with policing or wider law enforcement. 

This modules will be taught over 10 weeks, with approximately 12 hours per week of scheduled contact hours. This course is delivered with the majority being in person learning however there may be elements of online learning. You can expect to take part in lectures, workshops and peer-led seminars. You should expect to spend an average of 10-20 hours per week on independent study which might include following asynchronous learning material, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, working with peers and preparing work for assessment. Teaching will be delivered by experienced academics and practitioners in the subject. This will be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, you will study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately 6 and 10 hours per week depending upon level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. This course is delivered through a mix of in person and online learning. You can expect to take part in lectures, workshops and peer-led seminars. 

You should expect to spend an average of 30 – 34 hours per week on independent study which might include following asynchronous learning material, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, working with peers and preparing work for assessment. Teaching will be delivered by experience academics and practitioners in the subject. This will be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers. 

There will be a broad range of Criminology assessment methods so that you are exposed to the different types of tasks you might encounter in the workplace. These will include coursework in the form of essays (long and short form), portfolios and presentations. Assessment support is provided throughout the modules. We continuously review the assessment methods used in order that they adequately prepare students for graduate level employment.  

Formative and summative assessments have been designed to authentically reflect professional policing through the production of material utilised within policing, thereby developing effective and robust transferable skills in graduates. The modules will include an exam and essays together with practical authentic assessments such as witness /suspect interviews, investigative decision logs, and giving evidence in a court room. The assessment methods are continuously reviewed so that they reflect the requirements of the College of Policing and used in order that they adequately prepare you for graduate level employment. 

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Job Prospects

Graduates will have knowledge and understanding of crime, its background and consequences, and an understanding of theories about criminality. Capacities for imaginative, rigorous and critical thinking will be developed through the course of study. Subject-specific skills, such as the knowledge of the social process of crime and the criminal justice system and the ability to understand a variety of types of evidence, are complemented by skills of broad applicability beyond the degree, including IT skills, research and problem-solving, communication, and working as part of a team. 

Graduates will find the subject a valuable grounding for entry to a range of careers where the understanding and contextualisation of crime are regarded as valuable. Some graduates use the study of criminology as a stepping stone to undertake formal legal training and education. Others may choose alternative career pathways based on the organisational and communication skills and analytical abilities acquired through the study of criminology.  

A degree in criminology with policing provides an understanding of the complexities of crime, the criminal justice system, and the societal responses to them. Such a degree offers graduates a wide range of career opportunities both within and outside of law enforcement. Here are some potential career paths for someone with this background: 

• Police Officer 
• Probation Officer 
• Community Support Officer 
• Prison Officer 
• Bailiff 
• Security Manager 
• Youth Justice Worker 
• Victim Advocate 
• Researcher/Academic 
• Policy Advisor 
• Immigration Officer 
• Intelligence Analyst 
• Criminal Justice Journalist
  

While the above list highlights many careers directly related to criminology and policing, the analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills acquired during such a degree can also be valuable in a wide range of other professions. As with many fields, gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs can significantly enhance job prospects after graduation.

Progression options

• postgraduate study

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Policing, Law Enforcement and Security MSc 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 Careers and Employability.