BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Justice

Why study Criminology and Policing at ARU?

• Gain a deep understanding of the issues and policies involved in modern policing and rehabilitation, whether you want to work for the police, prison service, security industry, local government or elsewhere in the criminal justice sector.
• Get first-hand experience of the police or another public service on our work-based learning module, giving you an insight into working cultures and practices as well as a head start in your chosen career.
• Get hands-on with the latest case studies and research, interactive sessions, and opportunities for field trips.
• Receive support from staff with real-world experience: a significant part of your teaching in some modules will be delivered by policing and criminal justice practitioners such as former and active crime scene investigators.
• Our links to local and national organisations, including regional police forces, give you the chance to gain relevant work experience and engage with professionals from the criminal justice sector.
• Attend events organised by our International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI), including conferences, workshops, study trips and research projects.
• Join a university at the forefront of investigating and initiating cultural change in uniformed services: our record £11million research grant from Research England is allowing us to extend our links with organisations within the sector.

Study in Chelmsford – the home of our International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI) – and take your first step to a rewarding career in the criminal justice sector.

Our graduates go on to work in the police force, probation, prisons and youth justice, as well as the Border Force, the military, security, charities and NGOs, local government, and the public sector more generally. Others are using their skills in areas such as policy, PR, communication and the media.

If you’re already working in the criminal justice sector, you could follow in the footsteps of former students who have progressed their careers to graduate level.

You could also develop a specialism or start a career in research by taking part in our academic shadowing scheme or Cambridgeshire County Council’s violence prevention analysis programmes.

Or you could choose to continue your studies on one of our Master’s degrees, such as MA Contemporary Policing or MA Criminology. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.