Professional Policing
Professional policing is the study of crime, law enforcement, and the principles that underpin effective and ethical policing in a democratic society. As policing has grown more complex, the knowledge base required of officers has expanded considerably, encompassing criminal law, criminology, digital investigation, intelligence analysis, and the ethical and human rights frameworks that govern the use of police powers. At Teesside University, this part-time programme is designed for those who want to engage with policing at a professional and academic level, studying on a schedule that reflects other commitments.
You will examine the theoretical and practical dimensions of policing, including the principles of investigation, the use of digital evidence and intelligence, the legal frameworks governing police action, and the challenges of policing in diverse communities. The programme pays particular attention to digital crime and intelligence, exploring how digital evidence is gathered, recorded, and shared, and how digital methods relate to traditional forms of investigation. Studying part-time allows you to integrate academic study with other professional or personal responsibilities, and the curriculum is designed to be directly relevant to those already working in or alongside the criminal justice system as well as those aspiring to enter it.
Graduates of professional policing are well placed for careers in the police service, where degree-level qualification has become increasingly standard, as well as in related areas such as crime analysis, intelligence work, probation, security, fraud investigation, and border control. Many graduates also pursue further study in criminology, criminal justice, or security studies, deepening their expertise for specialist or leadership roles within the criminal justice sector. For those committed to public safety and the principles of a fair and effective justice system, this programme provides a thoughtful and professionally relevant academic preparation.