Professional Policing

University of Gloucestershire

In June 2021, policing became a graduate-qualified profession in England and Wales, so a relevant degree is a requirement for anybody wanting to become a fully operational police officer. Licensed by the College of Policing, our course was the first approved ‘pre-join degree’ in the South West, providing an excellent route into the profession and ensuring the required standards are met. We now have 3 cohorts of graduates who have successfully completed their degrees, many of whom are now operational police officers in multiple forces in England and Wales. Our degree is run in partnership with Gloucestershire Constabulary with whom there are multiple opportunities to gain practical experience and support while you are studying with us. If you have a strong sense of justice, an inquiring mind and the ability to diffuse tension in stressful situations, you might want to consider a career in policing.

While many graduates from this course choose to pursue a career in the police force, there are a range of career pathways open to consider. These include careers in the border forces, the court system or prison service, as well as roles within local authorities and organisations dealing with social housing, victim support or substance abuse.

School of Education and Science