BSc (Hons) Policing & Criminology

Overview

Our Policing and Criminology course allows you the opportunity to study a subject which is applied, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to become a reflective police officer or take on a broader criminal justice role.

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

M901

Placement:

Yes

Study Abroad:

Yes

Course details

A key aim of the course is to give you the competitive edge to go on and become a police officer, should you wish. Although there are no direct routes into the police from this BSc, the programme will link with the Special Constabulary (volunteer police officers) and will have input from Police Scotland, including in the lecture content, the honours project and in placements.

Beyond the police, this course will give you an understanding of the criminal justice system, criminal and deviant behaviour and the broader social, cultural and historical foundations of contemporary criminology. You will also develop a range of research skills, which will be invaluable in developing your understanding of a wide range of social science issues throughout your career.

How you’ll be taught

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Independent study

Assessments

• Ongoing assessments
• Coursework
• Exams

Work placement

The Volunteering and Employability module in year two will be where the students are encouraged to become a Special Constable. This can include an element of work placement.

Study abroad

As part of this course, there is an option to study abroad through the Erasmus programme. Placement and Study Abroad opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.

Popular modules

Year 1

• Introduction to Sociology 1
• Understanding social science research
• Introduction to Criminology
• Introduction to policing: theory and practice

With optional modules in:

• Criminal Law
• Computer Systems 1
• Behavioural studies
• Legal Systems and Skills

Year 2

• Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems in the UK
• Policing in contemporary society
• Quantitative Research
• Youth, Crime & Deviance
• Criminological Theory

Optional modules:

• Volunteering and Employability
• Business and Management Challenges Digital Forensics

Year 3

• Crime Control and Policing
• Violence & Society
• Researching Social Sciences
• Punishment and Penology

Option modules:

• Law and Society
• Child Protection (online)
• Human Rights
• Public Policy and Management
• Cybercrime

Year 4

• Preparing for the Honours Project
• Comp and International Criminology
• The Honours Project (40 credits)

Option modules:

• Victimisation & Victimology
• Cybercrime
• Leadership in a changing environment
• Surveillance & Society
• Contemporary Issues in Criminal Law

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Year 1

Minimum Year 1

• SQA Higher: BBBB including English or Literary subject*
• A Level: BCC including English or a literary subject*
• Irish Leaving Certificate: Grades H2, H2, H3, H3 at Higher Level including English or a Literary subject*
• BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a relevant subject.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 including English or a Literary subject* at minimum grade 5.
• HNC: Pass HNC Social Science/Policing Studies/Legal Services with B in the graded unit for year 1 entry.
• T Level: Grade M
• T Level must be completed in a Literary subject or A Level Literary subject may be required. Please contact to check if you meet the subject specific requirements.

*Accepted literary subjects: Modern Studies, History, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies, Latin, Theology, Classics, Philosophy, A Level Government and Politics, A Level Classical Civilisation.

English language

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:

• BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
• All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

Admissions policies

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,250
• Overseas and EU: £16,680

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.

Careers

What can you do with a policing and criminology degree?

By studying policing and criminology at Edinburgh Napier University, you will gain relevant practical and academic knowledge and skillsets, equipping you for a career in policing and the criminal justice sector. By the end of the course, you will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will also have developed well rounded research and, critical analysis skills. You will have developed the ability to operationalise these skills independently taking initiative as well as a member and leader of a team.

Careers you may typically pursue include a pathway in policing (e.g. constabulary, national services, the private sector), the prison service, the third sector, or civil service. If you have an interest in social science, the criminal justice sector and policing, and want to pursue a career in police practice, police research, or policing policy development then this might be the right course for you.

What does a police officer do?

A police officer’s main role is to maintain order within the communities they work in, whilst carrying out area patrols, responding to emergencies and making arrests, as well as investigating criminal activities that have taken place. Policing increasingly involves dealing with public health and social challenges including physical and mental health. You may also be involved in public outreach campaigns within local communities, such as talking to schools, local businesses. You will have excellent oral, written and aural communication skills. You will be empathetic and compassionate. You will demonstrate effective decision-making skills meet the required fitness standard. You will hold a full UK manual driving licence.

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Policing & Criminology BSc (Hons) | Edinburgh Napier University

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Degree Overview:

This program offers a comprehensive study of policing and criminology, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, and related fields. The program emphasizes a practical approach, linking theoretical concepts to real-world applications.

• To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become reflective police officers or take on broader criminal justice roles.
• To develop students' research skills, which are invaluable for understanding a wide range of social science issues.
• To provide students with opportunities to engage with practitioners in the field through lectures, guest speakers, and placements.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

• Full-time program with a duration of 4 years.
• Starts in September.
• UCAS code: M901
• Includes placement opportunities.
• Offers study abroad options through the Erasmus program.

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Course Schedule:

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Year 1:

• Introduction to Sociology 1
• Understanding social science research
• Introduction to Criminology
• Introduction to policing: theory and practice

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Optional Modules:

• Criminal Law
• Computer Systems 1
• Behavioural studies
• Legal Systems and Skills

---

Year 2:

• Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems in the UK
• Policing in contemporary society
• Quantitative Research
• Youth, Crime & Deviance
• Criminological Theory

---

Optional Modules:

• Volunteering and Employability
• Business and Management Challenges
• Digital Forensics

---

Year 3:

• Crime Control and Policing
• Violence & Society
• Researching Social Sciences
• Punishment and Penology

---

Option Modules:

• Law and Society
• Child Protection (online)
• Human Rights
• Public Policy and Management
• Cybercrime

---

Year 4:

• Preparing for the Honours Project
• Comp and International Criminology
• The Honours Project (40 credits)

---

Option Modules:

• Victimisation & Victimology
• Cybercrime
• Leadership in a changing environment
• Surveillance & Society
• Contemporary Issues in Criminal Law

---

Disclaimer:

The modules listed above are indicative only and may be subject to change.

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Assessment:

• Ongoing assessments
• Coursework
• Exams

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Teaching:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Independent study

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Careers:

• Police officer (constabulary, national services, private sector)
• Prison service
• Third sector
• Civil service
• Police research
• Policing policy development

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Other:

• The program was developed with input from Police Scotland.
• Students have the option to undertake "Volunteering and Employability" in year two, which may include a work placement.
• Placement and Study Abroad opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.
• The program aims to give students a competitive edge for becoming a police officer.
• The program links with the Special Constabulary (volunteer police officers) and includes input from Police Scotland in lectures, the honors project, and placements.

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|Tuition Fees for 2024/25| | |:---|:---| |Students from|2024/25 |2025/26 | |Scotland |£1,820 | £tba| | England, Wales, Northern Ireland,and Republic of Ireland |£9,250|£tba | |Overseas and EU|£16,680 | £tba |

• Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate.
The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.

Edinburgh Napier University

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Overview:

Edinburgh Napier University is a modern university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is renowned for its student learning experience and its commitment to innovation and enterprise. The university boasts a diverse student body with over 20,000 students from over 140 countries.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Libraries and Heritage Collections:

Access to extensive library resources and heritage collections.

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options for students.

Student Life:

Opportunities for student engagement through clubs, societies, and events.

Funding:

Bursaries and scholarships to support students financially.

Career Services:

Guidance and support for career development and job searching.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students.

Online Study:

Flexible learning options through online courses.

Short Courses:

Opportunities for professional development through short courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Edinburgh Napier University provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including:

Clubs and Societies:

Joining clubs and societies related to their interests.

Events:

Attending university-organized events and social gatherings.

Sports:

Participating in sports teams and activities.

Student Union:

Engaging with the student union for representation and support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings:

Consistently ranked among the top modern universities in Scotland and the UK.

Student Satisfaction:

High student satisfaction rates, reflecting a positive learning environment.

Research Power:

Strong research output and impact, contributing to knowledge advancement.

International Focus:

Diverse student body and global partnerships, fostering a multicultural environment.

Career-Focused Education:

Programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers.

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Academic Programs:

Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting and Finance

Acting

Biological Sciences

Building and Surveying

Business and Management

Computing

Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology

Design, Photography, and Advertising

Engineering

English, Creative Writing, and Publishing

Film, Journalism, and Media

Health and Social Care

Law

Marketing

Music

Nursing and Midwifery

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Teaching

Tourism, Hospitality, Festival, and Events Management