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. If you're passionate about understanding crime, its causes, and the intricacies of the criminal justice system, and would also like to gain a deep insight into the pivotal role of policing in society, this innovative undergraduate degree is perfect for you.

Our course is designed to offer you 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. The 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 helping you to develop practical skills and an understanding 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, such as criminal justice, law enforcement, victim advocacy, policy and research, and more. 

This course develops socially aware students who learn criminology from an interdisciplinary and international perspective. You will explore theoretical and practical insights into crime, harm and victimisation, applying knowledge and building an understanding of the criminal justice system and journey.

There is a clear social justice focus throughout this course, which critically reviews media landscapes and their impact on society. There is also an exploration of experiences of punishments and injustices which are considered in the context of promoting social change. You will critically reflect upon marginalised communities, including how stereotypes and representations can lead to the disproportionality that exists within criminal justice settings. You will develop an active voice as a reflective academic and researcher, and will demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in responding to real world problems relevant to criminology and criminal justice. 

The three 40-credit policing modules are aspects of the BSc Degree in Professional Policing and reflect the current curriculum of the College of Policing (the professional body for those who work for the police service in England and Wales). These are practical-based modules comprising realistic activities and assessments to provide you with the skills required for policing and carrying out investigative practices. You will gain transferable skills that can be used in policing or in wider law enforcement career opportunities. 

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 six and ten hours per week depending upon the 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 experienced 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 to ensure they adequately prepare you 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 helping you develop effective and robust transferable skills. The modules will include an exam and essays along 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 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

Having studied a BSc Criminology with Policing degree, you will have in-depth knowledge and an 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 knowledge of the social process of crime and the criminal justice system, and the ability to understand different types of evidence, are complemented by the development of broader skills, including IT skills, research and problem-solving, communication, and working as part of a team. 

The course will open up a range of careers in which the understanding and contextualisation of crime are regarded as valuable. Some of our graduates use the study of criminology as a stepping stone to undertake formal legal training and education. Others choose alternative career pathways based on the organisational and communication skills and analytical abilities acquired through the study of criminology.  

A BSc in Criminology with Policing offers graduates a wide range of career opportunities both within and outside of law enforcement. Here are some potential career paths:

• 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 while studying this degree can also be applied 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.

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.