BSc Applied Criminology (Policing)

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a distinctive BSc (Hons) Applied Criminology (Policing) degree, specifically designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of crime and criminal justice processes through the lens of contemporary policing practices. This program delves into the intricacies of the police role, examining its evolution, current challenges, and future directions. Drawing on CCCU's over two decades of experience in police education, the curriculum is informed by both academic rigor and practical insights from experienced practitioners. Students gain a critical understanding of how policing operates within the wider criminal justice system and society, preparing them for roles that require a deep knowledge of police procedures, policy, and operational realities.

Curriculum: The BSc Applied Criminology (Policing) curriculum at CCCU is structured to provide a strong foundation in criminology alongside specialized knowledge in policing. Core modules typically cover fundamental criminological theories, the criminal justice system, and an introduction to professional policing practices. Students will likely encounter modules such as "Core Policing," "Crime: Narratives and Explanations," "Crime: Representations and Realities," "Crimes, Punishments and Societies," "Introducing Crime, Offences & Justice," "Introduction to Professional Policing," and "Law and Politics of Policing." The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills through a mix of lectures, workshops, tutorials, and interactive sessions. The curriculum may also incorporate the use of specialist facilities for practical application. Assessments are varied and can include essays, reports, portfolios, oral presentations, and examinations, designed to develop skills relevant to policing and criminal justice professions.

Research Focus: The BSc Applied Criminology (Policing) program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by academics who are both highly qualified and often have significant practical experience in policing and related fields. Their research interests within the School of Law, Policing, and Social Sciences span a wide array of criminological and policing issues. This includes operational policing, criminal investigation, counter-terrorism, cybercrime, public protection, community policing, investigative interviewing, major crime, rape and sexual offences, and public order. This strong research background and practitioner experience ensure that the curriculum is informed by current debates, policy developments, and evidence-based practices, providing students with up-to-date insights into the complexities of modern policing.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a core strength of the BSc Applied Criminology (Policing) program at CCCU, designed to provide students with invaluable practical experience and strong professional networks. The university maintains close links with various local, national, and international police forces and criminal justice agencies. Students benefit significantly from CCCU's specialist facilities, such as the "Hydra Suite," an immersive simulation system used to train professionals in criminal justice, government, and emergency services. This allows students to practice real-life decision-making in high-pressure policing scenarios. The program also incorporates an "insights from practice" initiative, featuring regular guest speakers who are active professionals and practitioners from diverse areas of policing and the wider justice system. Students are actively encouraged and supported in seeking volunteering opportunities and work experience within relevant organizations, including police forces, to gain direct exposure to operational policing environments.

Global Perspective: The BSc Applied Criminology (Policing) program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing policing challenges and strategies that transcend national borders. The curriculum explores international dimensions of crime control, transnational crime, and organized crime, recognizing that modern policing often requires international cooperation. Modules such as "Transnational Crime and Global Markets" examine how globalization influences criminal activities and how police forces collaborate across borders to combat threats like terrorism and drug trafficking. By analyzing policing within diverse societal, historical, cultural, and political contexts globally, the program prepares students to understand international policing practices, comparative criminal justice systems, and contribute to solutions for global crime challenges.