Professional Policing with Foundation Year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

• Join a course that’s licensed by the College of Policing.

• Learn from experienced policing professionals and academics.

• Make a positive impact at our Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice.

• Develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge for twenty-first century policing.

• Engage in lawful, safe, and effective front-line policing, exploring ethical practices, human rights and justice.

On this course, you’ll prepare for the fast-moving world of policing. Following a specially developed curriculum licensed by the College of Policing, you’ll study a wide range of theoretical and legislative subjects to help you develop into an excellent applicant for a career in policing.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for this course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation year.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You’ll learn from expert academics who have a breadth of knowledge and experience in professional policing and criminal justice – and who are active in scholarly and professional multi-disciplinary research and practice.

You’ll learn in our internationally-recognised research centre, the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice – with opportunities to benefit from collaboration with local, national and international policing partners.

Key Themes

As the curriculum aligns to the College of Policing knowledge base for Professional Policing, you’ll study topics relating to core policing practices while engaging in professional development. You’ll also focus on key areas linked to policing – including counter terrorism, digital policing and modern slavery.

During the course you’ll gain industry experience by working with policing and criminal justice partners and placements opportunities.

Applied learning

Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your developing knowledge of policing to police practice – with class-based activities, professional projects and engagement with policing professionals.

Work Placements

You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career – and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

You’ll also be encouraged to seek work-based opportunities through membership of the Special Constabulary, as well as other virtual and in-person voluntary opportunities, in our local area and across the globe.

Live Projects

We have strong relationships with local and national criminal justice stakeholders – including the police, probation service and third sector agencies. They support learning and knowledge generation in Sheffield and the South Yorkshire region through our local, national and international networks.

These professional links enable us to provide opportunities for you to undertake a range of live research projects, and to learn about police practice with professionals from across the world. These opportunities include international placements, as well as incoming and outgoing international study tours.

Networking Opportunities

You’ll have the opportunity to network with professionals through seminars, internal and external speaker programmes, our student-led policing society, and our guest lecture programme. These opportunities include working within The Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice on local, national and international events and activities.

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.

Year 1
Compulsory modules
The Exploration Of Law, Crime, Justice And Society

Elective Modules
Social Justice In Action
The Practice Of Law And Policing

Year 2
Compulsory modules
Operational Policing: Counter Terrorism & Digital Policing
Police Problem-Solving
Professional & Academic Skills In Policing
The Role Of Police Officers, Operational Powers & Legislation

Year 3
Compulsory modules
Applied Police Problem-Solving
Applying Academic & Professional Standards In Policing
Operational Policing: Core Policing Practice
Operational Policing: Vulnerability & Risk

Year 4
Optional Module
Placement Year

Final year
Compulsory modules
Applied Investigation & Interviewing Skills
Evidence-Based Policing Project
Large Scale Incidents & Specialist Response
Personal & Professional Development

Coursework, Exam, Practical