BA (Hons) Professional Practice in Effective Policing

Our BA (Hons) Professional Practice in Effective Policing is designed specifically for experienced police officers and staff, offering formal academic recognition for their operational expertise. The programme aims to develop reflective, capable, and ethically grounded professionals, prepared for senior and specialist roles in policing and public service.

Key details

Study mode: Full-time, 3 years, Part-time, 6 years

Delivery location: Leeds City Campus and Online delivery

Start dates: January, May and September

School: School of Social Sciences

To view our Student Contract, click here.

Studying on this course, offers a flexible, practice-based route to a recognised higher-level qualification, combining Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) with work-based learning, enabling you to translate your professional experience into academic achievement. 

The course integrates academic learning into the daily working practices of police officers and staff, ensuring your education is directly relevant to your operational role and ongoing professional development. 

Through this programme, you will: 

• Develop key skills such as critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based problem solving
• Engage in research and assessment rooted in real-world practice
• Benefit from academic skills support, especially helpful for those returning to study
• Experience a learning journey with no exams, focusing instead on professional learning and impact. 

Throughout the taught modules, you’ll build confidence in academic writing, reflective practice, and explore ethical and professional issues central to modern policing. 

You’ll build a cumulative portfolio of learning that supports career progression, academic achievement, and professional recognition.  

Upon successful completion, you will gain a recognised academic qualification that supports career progression and promotion opportunities. You may also choose to continue your academic journey through postgraduate study, such as the MA Professional Practice in Effective Policing. 

Police officers with substantial policing experience can claim up to 240 credits (two-thirds of the 360-credit programme) through a structured portfolio process. 

This programme is designed to fit around the demands of professional policing roles, using a flexible and accessible delivery model that includes: 

• Blended learning: Online study materials, recorded lectures, live sessions, and in-person workshops
• Online platform: Structured pathways, discussion boards, and interactive tools
• Problem-based learning: Real-world scenarios that encourage critical reflection and practical application
• Collaborative learning: Sharing insights and best practice across diverse policing roles 

Delivered by our supportive lecturers, the programme is delivered through: 

• In-person workshops and seminars
• One-to-one academic tutorials
• Guided independent study
• Comprehensive online resources.

Modules

You’ll be assessed using various methods, which may include: 

• Portfolios and reflective accounts
• Case studies and scenario-based analysis
• Research proposals and practitioner projects
• Presentations and academic essays.

Assessment tasks are directly aligned with real policing challenges and allows you to draw on your operational experience. Opportunities for negotiated assessment formats are available where appropriate, to support your individual learning styles and professional roles.

To apply for this course, you’ll need to have the following: 

Academic entry requirements 

Hold a Level 2 qualification in English (Language or Literature). Acceptable qualifications include:  

• GCSE English (Language or Literature)
• Level 2 Functional Skills English or Key Skills Communication
• Level 2 Adult Literacy 

Alternative Route: 

Applicants who do not hold a Level 2 English qualification must complete a 1,000-word entry essay to demonstrate their academic writing ability. 
The topic and guidelines for the essay will be provided as part of the application process.  

Non-academic/professional entry requirements 

• Must be a serving police officer OR have recently served in a UK police force.
• Must have a minimum of two years’ service and have completed the probationary period.
• Evidence of confirmation in post must be provided (e.g., HR confirmation letter, service record, or similar official documentation). 

This course is not available to students on a Student Route Visa.

Additional information 

Recently served officers are typically those who have left the service within the past five years (flexibility may be considered based on individual experience). 

The fees for this programme are £4,500.

For information regarding fees and finance, please visit our Student Fees and Finance pages.

For more information on this course, including Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) and how to apply, please get in touch with the Head of Social Sciences, Tony Blockley at t.blockley@leedstrinity.ac.uk