MSc Public Health and Social Care in Practice
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), United Kingdom, offers an MSc Publ...
BSc (Hons) Professional Policing
Swansea
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), located in the United Kingdom, offers a comprehensive BSc (Hons) Professional Policing program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a career as a police constable in the modern era. This degree is licensed by the College of Policing as a "pre-join" degree, meaning it meets the academic requirements for direct entry into UK police forces. The program addresses the complex and challenging nature of contemporary policing, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, digital fluency, and an evidence-based approach to policing. It delves into core policing functions, legislation, powers, and the social problems related to crime, preparing graduates to apply an ethical and professional approach in diverse situations and contexts.
Curriculum: The BSc (Hons) Professional Policing curriculum at UWTSD is a three-year full-time program structured to progressively build knowledge and practical skills. While specific module titles may vary slightly or be updated, typical areas of study across the levels include: foundational policing principles, criminal law, legal process, evidence-based policing and decision-making, understanding crime, justice and punishment, and preparing for professional policing. As students advance, they delve into topics like contemporary issues in policing, digital policing, forensic recovery and examination, operational policing, managing resources within the police, and organizational leadership within the police service. The curriculum integrates practical sessions, including those in a HYDRA Minerva simulation suite, providing immersive learning opportunities to apply theory to authentic scenarios. Assessment methods generally involve a mix of coursework, practical exercises, and reports, rather than traditional examinations, to reflect the practical nature of the profession.
Research Focus: The BSc (Hons) Professional Policing program at UWTSD has a strong emphasis on evidence-based policing and decision-making. Students are encouraged to develop research skills to understand how to put evidence-based policing initiatives into practice and to critically evaluate such initiatives within the context of preventative policing and problem-solving. Modules often include components focused on research methodologies, data analysis (both qualitative and quantitative), and the role of academic research in informing policing practice. The final year typically includes a significant "Independent Project" or "Evidence-Based Research Project," allowing students to conduct in-depth investigations into contemporary policing issues, crime trends, or innovative strategies for improving policing performance, fostering a systematic and informed approach to policing.
Industry Engagement: UWTSD places significant importance on industry engagement for its BSc (Hons) Professional Policing program, ensuring strong links between academic study and real-world policing. The university collaborates closely with local police forces, notably South Wales Police and Gwent Police. This collaboration means that police trainers work with the academic team to deliver professional practice sessions, including practical training in the HYDRA Minerva simulation suite, which uses the same system police forces use for training. Furthermore, the university has a long-standing volunteer police program with South Wales Police, providing students with valuable practical policing experience and enhancing their career progression opportunities. Guest speakers, former police officers on the teaching staff, and opportunities for direct interaction with local forces further embed industry relevance into the program.
Global Perspective: While primarily focused on preparing students for policing within the UK context, the BSc (Hons) Professional Policing program at UWTSD inherently includes aspects of a global perspective, reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of crime and policing. The curriculum may touch upon national strategies in relation to countering terrorism, organized crime, and other transnational criminal activities, acknowledging how these global risks can be managed by international organizations and governments. Students are exposed to complex social problems related to crime and deviance that often have international dimensions, encouraging them to understand the broader societal context in which policing operates. The focus on transferable skills like critical thinking and ethical decision-making prepares graduates for roles that may involve international collaboration or a broader understanding of global security challenges.
Location
Swansea
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 13500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying in the UK more accessible. UWTSD offers various scholarships based on academic merit, country of origin, and specific program requirements.
Undergraduate Merit Scholarships: International students applying for undergraduate programs at UWTSD are eligible for Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic achievements and help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees. Scholarships are available for international students who meet the academic criteria, making it an excellent opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds.
Country-Specific Scholarships: UWTSD offers Country-Specific Scholarships for students from particular regions or countries. These scholarships are tailored to students from countries with strong links to the university or who are studying specific courses. The scholarships can range from partial fee waivers to more substantial financial support and are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s background.
Early Payment Discounts: Students who pay their tuition fees early can benefit from an early payment discount. This discount is available to international students who pay their tuition fees in full before the specified deadline. The early payment discount typically depending on the program and level of study.
A BSc (Hons) Professional Policing from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is a College of Policing-licensed "pre-join" degree that directly prepares graduates for a career as a police constable in UK police forces. This rigorous program equips students with a deep understanding of contemporary policing, covering core functions, relevant legislation, and an evidence-based approach to crime and justice. The degree fosters essential skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical decision-making, making graduates highly adaptable and well-prepared for the complexities of modern policing and related fields within the criminal justice system.
Police Constable: The primary direct entry route, enabling graduates to join a UK police force and undertake a shorter, on-the-job training period before becoming a fully warranted police constable. This can involve roles in neighbourhood policing, response policing, or roads policing.
Detective Constable: After a probationary period as a police constable, graduates can specialize in criminal investigation, working on serious and complex crimes within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) or other specialist units like fraud, child protection, or major crime.
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO): Working alongside police officers to provide a visible presence in communities, addressing anti-social behaviour, providing reassurance, and engaging with the public.
Police Staff Roles: Various non-warranted roles within police forces, including control room operator, crime scene investigator (CSI) support, intelligence analyst, or roles in police support services, leveraging administrative and analytical skills.
Probation Officer: Working within the HM Prison and Probation Service to supervise and rehabilitate offenders, managing their risk to the public and helping them to reintegrate into society.
Prison Officer: Maintaining security, order, and discipline within correctional facilities, while also playing a role in the welfare and rehabilitation of prisoners.
National Crime Agency (NCA) Officer/Analyst: Working with the UK's lead agency against serious and organized crime, in roles such as intelligence analysis, investigation, or border force operations.
Customs Officer/Border Force Officer: Enforcing immigration, customs, and agricultural laws at UK borders, monitoring the movement of people and goods to ensure national security and prevent illegal activities.
Youth Offending Team (YOT) Officer: Working with young offenders to reduce re-offending rates and support their positive development, often involving multi-agency collaboration.
Criminal Intelligence Analyst: Collecting, evaluating, and analyzing information to identify patterns of criminal activity, build profiles of suspects, and provide insights that aid in solving crimes and preventing future ones.
