Professional Policing

Professional policing is a career that sits at the heart of public safety and community trust. Police officers investigate crime, protect vulnerable people, maintain public order, and work with communities to prevent harm. The role requires sound judgement, ethical awareness, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to act effectively in complex and rapidly changing situations.

A degree in professional policing provides the academic and practical preparation for this demanding career, grounding you in the law, procedure, and theory that underpin police work.

At the University of the West of England, Bristol, this part-time programme is licensed by the College of Policing and offers the Pre-join Degree in Professional Policing, making UWE Bristol a regional pioneer in the national transformation of police education. The degree is designed to prepare you to apply for a role in one of the 43 UK police forces, giving you a recognised qualification that demonstrates your readiness for a policing career. A sandwich year and work placement are integrated into the programme, providing structured practical experience alongside your academic studies.

You will study criminal law and procedure, criminological theory, public protection, ethics and accountability, and the social and political context in which policing operates. The part-time mode allows you to combine study with other commitments while progressing towards a professional qualification.

Graduates are well-placed to apply for roles with UK police forces, where the professional policing degree is increasingly valued as an entry route. The knowledge and professional development the degree provides also supports careers in related fields such as probation, border force, customs, intelligence services, and security management. Some graduates pursue postgraduate study in criminology, law, or public policy, and the analytical and interpersonal skills the degree develops are transferable across the wider public and voluntary sectors.