About

Introduction

UWE Bristol are regional pioneers of the national transformation in police education. We are licensed by the College of Policing to offer the Pre-join Degree in Professional Policing. This course will prepare you to apply for a role in one of 43 UK police forces.

Why study Professional Policing?

Police education is in the early stages of a national transformation, recognising the complex and challenging role of today's police officers. This transformation aims to equip future employees with the skills they need for success in modern policing, including communication, digital fluency and critical thinking.

As an aspiring regional hub of police education, UWE Bristol are early adopters of this cultural change. Our pioneering policing degree is designed to address the changing needs of the sector and places a strong focus on improving equality, diversity and inclusivity in policing. Completing this degree will be your first step towards working for the police.

Why study at UWE Bristol?

Study a Professional Policing degree that's at the forefront of the national transformation of recruitment and training in the policing sector. You'll learn to apply an evidence-based approach to Professional Policing, supported by research-led teaching, bespoke facilities and specialist staff from practice.

You'll also benefit from our strong professional connections with Avon and Somerset Constabulary. Take advantage of exciting opportunities to collaborate with police officers in practice and interact with local police forces through mentoring, shadowing and ride along activities. By the time you graduate, you'll have the academic knowledge required to become a police officer.

Where can a Policing degree take me?

Aimed at those who aren't already employed by a police force, this course is one of three accredited routes to become a Police Constable that UWE Bristol offers. Our Professional Policing degree will prepare you to apply for a response officer role in any national force area.

We welcome applications from a range of prospective students, from school leavers interested in policing or criminology, to armed forces employees seeking a career change. We also encourage those looking to work in non-operational policing roles to apply.

Disciplines

Health and Social Sciences

Requirements

Entry Requirements

We are pleased to confirm that our New students webpages are now available for students starting this course in September 2025. Here you can find links to useful information about registering, course start dates, arriving on campus what to expect before and when you arrive.

We automatically send a message via your Welcome website plus an email to notify you once your Preparing to Study information is available. It is important that you regularly check your Welcome website for new messages.

Tariff points: 112
Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
GCSE: Grade C/4 in English and Mathematics, or equivalent.
English Language Requirement:
International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language requirements.
A-level subjects: No subjects required
EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No subjects required. For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.
Access: No subjects required
Irish Highers: No subjects required
Welsh Baccalaureate: We accept tariff points achieved from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications.
Cambridge Technical: No specific subjects required.
T Levels: No specific subjects required.

We are pleased to confirm that our New students webpages are now available for students starting this course in September 2025. Here you can find links to useful information about registering, course start dates, arriving on campus what to expect before and when you arrive.

We automatically send a message via your Welcome website plus an email to notify you once your Preparing to Study information is available. It is important that you regularly check your Welcome website for new messages.

English Requirements

PTEMin 50
IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 80

English Program Requirements

English Language Requirement:

International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language requirements.

Career

Careers

Careers / Further study

As an established and respected provider of policing education, UWE Bristol offers three licensed police entry routes. Our Professional Policing degree will provide you with knowledge relevant to policing roles, ahead of completing the operational training you'll need for employment in the police force.

Through studying a range of core subjects, from counter terrorism to response policing, you'll delve into the complex role of a Police Officer. Gain the academic skills and knowledge you'll apply to professional practice, such as research, communication and problem solving.

By the end of the course, you'll graduate with a professional policing degree that's licensed by the College of Policing. This accreditation will enable you to apply for roles in any national police force area in the UK, within five years of graduation.

Subject to local vetting procedures, if you're successful in finding employment within the police force, you'll learn the hands-on aspects of policing on the job. You'll develop your practical skills once you're in the role, enabling you to apply the theory you've learned through your degree.

By studying Professional Policing, you'll be qualified to enter various other careers within the criminal justice sector and beyond. While many of our graduates will go on to become a police officer, you could also take on a role as police staff, work in prisons or for another criminal justice agency, charity or social enterprise.

Benefit from a range of professional opportunities throughout your policing degree. Thanks to UWE Bristol's established industry links with Avon and Somerset Constabulary, you'll have a chance to collaborate with other police officers in practice. These connections present potential opportunities for placements, summer internships, voluntary policing work and mentoring, supporting your progression throughout your learning journey.

Get inspired

Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.

We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.

Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

23,004 / year