University of Staffordshire United Kingdom

Policing and Criminal Investigation with a Foundation year

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree With Integrated Foundation Year
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Policing and Criminal Investigation with a Foundation year at the University of Staffordshire is designed for aspiring professionals seeking a robust understanding of law enforcement and investigative techniques. This undergraduate degree addresses the complexities of crime in context, the theories of criminality, and the journey from crime scene to courtroom, preparing you for critical roles within the justice system. If you are passionate about understanding and tackling criminal behaviour, and possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills, this course offers a comprehensive pathway into a fulfilling career.

You will study this programme full-time on campus over four years, beginning with a foundation year that builds essential academic skills, introduces critical thinking, and explores the sociology of crime. Subsequent years delve into practical areas such as crime scene processing, digital evidence, policing theory, and fairness in policing, culminating in a significant project in Policing and Criminal Investigation. You will graduate with the knowledge and practical experience to pursue careers in policing, the armed forces, or various investigative roles within public and private sectors.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program provides a comprehensive foundation in policing and criminal investigation, beginning with essential academic and contextual modules. Students will explore crime theories, sociology of crime, and critical thinking before progressing to practical skills in crime scene processing, digital evidence, and policing theory. The curriculum further delves into fairness in policing, legal procedures, investigative methods, and research, culminating in advanced studies of complex policing issues and a major project.

1 Year 0 compulsory modules

Academic Skills
Crime In Context
Introduction To Critical Thinking And Argument
Sociology Of Crime
Theories Of Criminality And An Introduction From Crime Scene To Courtroom

2 Year 1 compulsory modules

Crime Scene Processing
Digital Evidence Processing
Essential Skills
Introduction To Crime And Crime Prevention
Policing Theory

3 Year 2 compulsory modules

Fairness In Policing
Law, Practice And Procedure
Practical Methods Of Criminal Investigation
Research Methods
Risk And Vulnerability

4 Year 3 compulsory modules

Case File To Court
Policing Complexity
Project In Policing And Criminal Investigation

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

17% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 19,081.00 USD 23,093.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,093.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,093.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,093.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 88,362.00 USD 92,375.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Stoke-on-Trent campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Banking & Financial ServicesBorder Control & Immigration EnforcementEmployment & Labor LawFamily & Civil LawFinancial Technology (Fintech)Healthcare ConsultingIntelligence & InvestigationsMental Health & CounselingPolice & Public SafetyPublic Health & Epidemiology

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Irwin mitchell

Why Study Policing and Criminal Investigation with a Foundation year at University of Staffordshire

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Staffordshire in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Policing and Criminal Investigation with a Foundation year at University of Staffordshire

Can I work while studying?

International students can work 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English language proficiency, the minimum requirements are TOEFL with an overall score of 72, IELTS with an overall score of 6.0, or PTE with an overall score of 59. Ensure you meet these to qualify for the course.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Police Officers, Insurance Investigators, HMRC Officers, or Armed Forces personnel.

What will I actually study in this course?

The BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation degree focuses on investigative expertise and policing knowledge. The Foundation Year covers essential subjects like Theories of Criminality and Introduction to Principles of Law.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The course has two intake months: January and September. You can apply for either intake depending on your readiness to start.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️