Policing and Criminal Justice - BSc (Hons)

How do the police tackle crime? How can we deter or rehabilitate criminals? How does the criminal justice system work? These are some of the questions you’ll explore on this course. We’ll engage you in debates about crime and the police, both in theory and practice. You’ll acquire in-depth knowledge about types of law-breaking and law enforcement, and practical skills relevant to work in the police and criminal justice system.

Our course will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge that are in great demand with public service employers like the police, the prison service, the probation service and the criminal justice system.

Based on our modern and well-equipped Chelmsford campus, with access to all of our university’s facilities, you’ll get first-hand experience of the work of the Police and wider criminal justice system through work-based learning, and improve your academic knowledge of the causes of crime and responses to law-breaking, including how the criminal justice process works. Using an exciting combination of real-life case studies, academic research and interactive learning, you’ll gain a deep understanding of crucial issues and policies.

Our modules will help you to develop your skills in leadership, interpersonal communication, and presentation; and to learn about issues relevant to contemporary policing including the investigation of sexual offences and fraud; counter-terrorism initiatives; equality and cultural diversity; crime control, and crime prevention.

Our degree has been developed, and continues to develop, through strong links with local police forces and criminal justice agencies. Talks and workshops offered by serving professionals are a key feature of this course, and you’ll have opportunities to participate in different trips and activities, and to visit courts and other organisations. You’ll also examine the trial process, methods of rehabilitation, punishment and retribution, and get practice in presenting evidence in our purpose-built mock courtroom.

Course Leader: Emma Brett