BSc(Hons) Applied Criminal Justice (Top-Up)

    BSc(Hons) Applied Criminal Justice (Top-Up) at University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)

    BSc(Hons) Applied Criminal Justice (Top-Up) at University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)

    The BSc(Hons) Applied Criminal Justice (Top-Up) at University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is a Bachelor program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the Frenchay campus in Bristol, United Kingdom, the program is taught in English and takes 1 year(s) to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities.

    About BSc(Hons) Applied Criminal Justice (Top-Up)

    Introduction

    Get the undergraduate qualification and academic recognition you need to progress your established career in the police or criminal justice sector. Get access to the latest facilities, supported by UWE Bristol's respected reputation as a policing and criminology education provider.

    As policing has evolved in recent years with the introduction of degree-based qualifications for new recruits, a gap has been identified within the workforce. Our BSc(Hons) Applied Criminal Justice Top-Up degree aims to address this gap by giving existing officers access to university-level education.

    Why study applied criminal justice?

    Our Criminal Justice degree brings together the knowledge, experience and theoretical concepts that underpin criminal justice practices. As an experienced member of police staff, you'll gain an undergraduate qualification to support your wealth of on-the-job experience. Plus, you'll get academic recognition for your existing occupational skills, due to the professionalisation of policing roles.

    Why UWE Bristol?

    As an established and respected provider of policing education, you'll benefit from UWE Bristol's strong reputation in the criminal justice sector, with a unique perspective of the policing and criminal justice environment.

    Get access to the latest facilities on Frenchay Campus, designed to meet the increased demands of our growing policing provision. Here you'll test your knowledge in a safe learning environment, so you're equipped to apply your academic skills to complex crime scenes.

    Where can it take me?

    This Criminal Justice course is suitable for existing police officers and professionals currently employed in the criminal justice sector, from probation services to prisons. We encourage a broad range of applicants, bringing a diverse pool of students with different perspectives to your learning.

    When you graduate, you'll be equipped with the skillset to progress your career within the police force or wider criminal justice sector or progress to postgraduate education. By acknowledging your occupational experience, you'll be in a strong position to apply for more senior positions or further study.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for BSc(Hons) Applied Criminal Justice (Top-Up) at University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)

    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.

    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.

    Career Opportunities after Completing BSc(Hons) Applied Criminal Justice (Top-Up)

    Careers

    Careers / Further study

    UWE Bristol offers different policing education routes for a range of different audiences. As our only top-up degree route, our Criminal Justice course will provide you with academic knowledge relevant to your current policing role.

    Through studying a range of core subjects, from community policing to violence against women, you'll delve into a variety of complex topics within the criminal justice sector. Gain the academic skills and knowledge you'll apply to your professional practice, such as evidence-based research, critical reflection, interviewing and presenting.

    You'll also have the chance to study a variety of optional modules, tailoring your studies to your interests and career aspirations. Choose from a broad range of optional modules, where you can learn about missing people, illegal drugs, risk management, and digital and ethical policing.

    The course will allow you to diversify and will give you a taste of other areas of policing, offering the potential for promotions in your chosen field of criminal justice. You'll also have the chance to study with students from other degrees, such as criminology, to broaden your knowledge.

    By the end of the course, you'll graduate with a recognised undergraduate Criminal Justice degree. By gaining academic recognition for your occupational experience, you'll be qualified to progress your career within the criminal justice sector and beyond.

    This qualification could help you to achieve a promotion in your current police, such as a sergeant or lead in a specialist area of policing. Plus, you could apply for more senior roles in a prison, probation or rehabilitation service, or a criminal justice agency, charity or social enterprise. You'll also be eligible to apply for postgraduate study, such as a master's degree.

    Get inspired

    Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and help you find 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.

    Learn more about graduate destinations.

    Fee Information

    BSc(Hons) Applied Criminal Justice (Top-Up) at University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
    University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
    University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Bristol

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