Honing to its ethos of making a difference in the real world, the University of Westminster has launched an innovative course which will equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to regain public trust in Britain’s scandal-stricken police force upon entering a policing career.
The new Policing BA course aims to tackle head-on the issues modern policing faces such as racism and sexism, and produce graduates who can drive forward change and transform modern policing in Britain.
The course meets the benchmarking standards of the College of Policing, allowing students to progress onto the degree holder entry programme to join the police. This degree provides a pathway for students from all backgrounds to solve issues and serve the equally diverse communities which the police work within and for.
This course is ideal for those who not only wish to pursue a career in the police force and related fields, but become future leaders within contemporary British policing. For those who are interested in law and criminal justice but unsure of a career path, this course also provides a good opportunity to explore different career options. For example, the successful completion of relevant option modules will allow Policing BA students to pursue the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route and enter to the legal profession.
Course leader Dr Paul Betts had a distinguished career in policing over three decades, working across offender management, youth justice and counter terrorism. He has recently retired as a Detective Chief Superintendent in Counter Terrorism Policing HQ, New Scotland Yard, London.
Dr Betts said: “Westminster has a proud history of offering transformative education programmes, designed to change society. Now more than ever policing requires disruptive thinking and transformative approaches to evolve into a service in which all communities can have confidence. Our new policing programme, underpinned by our research, balances professional skills and critical perspectives to equip the future leaders and change makers who want to join and transform the police service.”
This course directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and 5: Gender Equality. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Applications are now open for a September 2024 start. Learn more about and apply for a place on the Policing BA course.
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