Course specification and structure
Undergraduate Course Structures Postgraduate Course Structures

UDPSPRFY - BSc (Hons) Police Studies, Procedure and Investigation (including foundation year)

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science, Preparatory Diploma, Preparatory Certificate
Total credits for course 480
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Social Sciences
Subject Area Criminology and Sociology
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Part-time 6 YEARS 8 YEARS
Full-time 4 YEARS 8 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The preparatory year of the four-year BSc Police Studies, Procedure and Investigation with Foundation Year helps prepare students with non-traditional qualifications, lower UCAS points and mature students wanting to return to education. It teaches students the academic study skills, digital skills, research techniques and critical thinking that they will need for undergraduate study as well as introducing them to basic ideas, approaches and themes in social sciences and their pathway choice. The foundation year also aims to develop their independent learning, supporting them to become confident and proactive students, able to operate effectively at undergraduate level within a large university.

From level 4 the course is delivered through a range of pedagogic methods including formal lectures, seminars, workshops, project-based research activity and individual tutorials.

The course integrates face-to-face and online learning. All modules use Weblearn facilities making key information available and also providing a convenient place for handbook information, calendars and class announcements. Some modules focus specifically on the development of IT skills. The course will also progressively examine ways of further developing the link between face-to-face and online learning as ideas and technology develop, and as resources permit. The course encourages contact between students and tutors and, in the course of this, encourages active learning. IT and other media are used to encourage collaboration among students.

Course aims

The preparatory year aims to support and prepare students to become "undergraduate ready". This will be done by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and understanding in social sciences and their pathway choice, the key digital and academic skills in order to communicate their ideas effectively (orally and in writing), using an appropriate academic style, that will allow them to progress onto level 4. It also aims to develop their understanding of different assessments and learning and teaching styles in HE and to build their confidence by experiencing and understanding theories and knowledge through personalisation and reflective learning techniques.

From level 4, this course aims to:

1. Offer a programme relevant to a range of careers policing
2. Develop the intellectual skills necessary for the understanding, critical evaluation and application of a range of theoretical approaches to the study of crime and policing
3. Enable students to gain practical experience and knowledge required to be able to join the Police Service.
4. Develop students’ competence in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
5. Provide a framework in which students identify and distinguish between some comparative models of policing and for understanding the differing forms of policing systems
6. Explore practical applications of operational policing over a wide range of policing problems.
7. Offer the opportunity to develop the above in relation to specialist areas of interest culminating in the production of an in-depth piece of independent research focussed on policing at level 6.
8. Provide an insight into the role of an investigating officer from the outset of an enquiry and to test problem solving, decision making and communication skills in the process.

Course learning outcomes

On successful completion of BSc Police Studies, Procedure and Investigation (from level 4) students will be able to:

1. Deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within policing;

2. Devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of policing;

3. Describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in policing, recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge;

4. Manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to policing);

5. Apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects;

6. Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem;

7. Communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;

8. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts;

9. Undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

Module Code Module Title

IF3050 Critical Thinking
IF3060 Researching Discrimination
IF3061 Researching Inequality
IF3058 Reflecting on Self and Society
IF3059 Social Issues in Context:Text to Essay
IF3073 Interventions for Change
IF3063 Media Crime and Race
IF3051 Studying London

Course Learning Outcomes: LO1 - LO4

Please check the latest Course Handbook for further information.

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Criminology
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/subject-benchmark-statements/sbs-criminology-14.pdf?sfvrsn=b3e2f781_8

Assessment strategy

Students will be thoroughly prepared for a range of different assessments to give practice in the types of assessments they will face at higher levels. Examples include research reports, in-class tests, written portfolios, individual oral presentations, group-led seminars, literature reviews and essays. At level 3 these assessments are spread over 8 15 credit modules which allows for early assessment and feedback, giving students a clear sense of progress at the end of semester one.

Students have opportunities in all modules for formative feedback via draft submissions and one to one tutorials, which focuses on strategies to improve their work and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses. Further formative feedback is received through regular short in-class and on-line tests, peer assessment and discussions and tutor oral and written responses.

From levels 4 to 6 students are assessed through a combination of essays, module-specific research projects,seen and unseen examinations. At level 4 assessments seek to encourage students to specify and describe theories and institutions. At level 5 assessments require students to extend and critically to evaluate the knowledge they have encountered. Students at this level are also required to produce research reports including data analysis and interpretation. At level 6 assessments test students’ critical knowledge of applied areas of Criminology and their ability to think and research independently.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

The course will liaise regularly with recruitment staff from both the British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police Service where officers visit the university to encourage students to become Special Constables. If this avenue is pursued, students can be awarded credit by taking the criminology work placement module at level 6.

There may be opportunities for students to study for part of their degree in another European country. ERASMUS is part of the European Union SOCRATES programme for cooperation in the field of education. Under ERASMUS the university has student exchange agreements with 16 different European countries

Course specific regulations

Level 3 Year 1 (Autumn Entry)
IF3050
IF3058
IF3061
IF3073

Level 3 Year 2 (Autumn Entry)
IF3063
IF3060
IF3059
IF3051

Level 3 Year 1 (Spring Entry)
IF3050
IF3051
IF3059
IF3061

Level 3 Year 2 (Spring Entry)
IF3058
IF3060
IF3063
IF3073

Level 4 Year 1
SC4002
LL4053
LL4057

Level 4 Year 2
SC4001
SC4000

Level 5 Year 1
SC5000
SC5008

Level 5 Year 2
SC5002
SC5050
SC5051

Level 6 Year 1
SC6002
SC6053
SC6051

Level 6 Year 2
SC6P00
SC6004

As a condition of progressing from level 3 to 4, students are required to have gained all 120 credits at level 3, that is, achieving the pass mark (40%) on all 8 modules.

Modules required for interim awards

N/A

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Throughout the programme students will be required to reflect on their learning, identify areas of strength and weakness and develop action plans in response to these reflections. This will occur informally through tutor and peer feedback and also formally through reflective writing as part of the assessments and the written and oral response from tutors to this. We expect that through this experience of reflective learning, students will start to understand the value of being proactive, independent learners, ready for their first year of undergraduate study.


At level 4 students begin processes of personal development planning in core modules and start to build up a record of achievements. They are encouraged to reflect in workshop contexts and individually on specifically what they have learned from modules and the ways in which this knowledge may be used in, or applied to, the wider social world. Specific modules focussed on social research methodologies provide a forum in which students reflect upon their practice as social researchers, its ethical dimensions and the ways in which this practice may be applied to solving problems in the context of volunteering activity and/or employment. Self-directed project research at level 6 provides an opportunity for students to consolidate this reflection, bringing together particular substantive areas of interest with methodological issues and considering how this might provide a basis for their further self-development and contribution to the wider social world in the future.

Students will also reflect upon their practice as future police officers, the ethical dimensions of the role, and the ways in which their academic skills may be applied to solving problems in the context of volunteering activity and/or employment.

Other external links providing expertise and experience

N/A

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

The course is designed to provide a useful foundation for students wishing to take up careers in the police service or other areas of law enforcement and the Criminal Justice System. It delivers a comprehensive grounding in these fields and also provides an excellent preparation for undertaking a higher degree in the fields of law enforcement, security, intelligence and Criminology.

Career opportunities

Graduates from our criminology related courses enter a range of careers including police officers, special constables, investigating analysts, support workers, senior detective constables, investigating analysts and probation officers. They now work for organisations as diverse as the Metropolitan Police, Ten Intelligence, Mears, the Finnish Police and the London Community Rehabilitation Company.

There are also options for postgraduate study at London Met, which will allow you to gain more links with police forces thanks to the important research culture in units such as our John Grieve Centre.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • at least one A level (or a minimum of 40 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
  • English Language GCSE at grade C (grade 4) or above (or equivalent)

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

If you are a mature student with significant work experience, you are invited to apply for this course on the basis of the knowledge and skills you have developed through your work.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2019/20 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 13 Sep 2019 Last validation date 13 Sep 2019  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes
Route code PSPRFY

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 03 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
IF3050 Critical Thinking Core 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
IF3051 Studying London Core 15 NORTH SPR FRI AM
IF3058 Reflecting on Self and Society Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
IF3059 Social Issues in Context: Text to Essay Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
IF3060 Researching Discrimination Core 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
IF3061 Researching Inequality Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
IF3063 Media, Crime and 'Race' Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
IF3073 Interventions for Change Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM

Stage 1 Level 03 January start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
IF3050 Critical Thinking Core 15        
IF3051 Studying London Core 15 NORTH SPR FRI AM
IF3058 Reflecting on Self and Society Core 15        
IF3059 Social Issues in Context: Text to Essay Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
IF3060 Researching Discrimination Core 15        
IF3061 Researching Inequality Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
IF3063 Media, Crime and 'Race' Core 15        
IF3073 Interventions for Change Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SPR MON AM

Stage 2 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
LL4053 English Legal System Core 15 NORTH AUT TUE AM
LL4057 Criminal Law I Core 15 NORTH SPR FRI AM
SC4000 Introduction to Criminological Theory Core 30        
SC4001 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System Core 30        
SC4002 Introduction to Policing Core 30        

Stage 3 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SC5000 Crime in Context Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR THU PM
SC5001 Measuring and Interpreting Crime Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR WED AM
SC5002 Perspectives on Policing Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI AM
SC5050 Crime, Media and Technology Option 15 NORTH AUT FRI PM
SC5051 Youth, Crime and Violence Option 15 NORTH SPR FRI PM
XK0000 Extension of Knowledge Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA  

Stage 4 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SC6002 Frameworks in Investigation Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
SC6053 Victims and Crime Core 15 NORTH AUT TUE PM
SC6P00 Criminology Project Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
SC6000 Crime Control and Penology Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI PM
SC6004 Social Control, Drugs and Organised Crime Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI AM
SC6051 Serious and Serial Offenders Option 15 NORTH AUT THU PM
SC6052 Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Option 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
SC6W51 Criminology Work Experience Option 15 NORTH SPR WED PM