Course Overview
All subjects studied on the programme are relevant to the world of work within today's modern police service. The skills developed to achieve academic success reflect those required by employers and for study at higher levels. The University works closely with the police forces of South Wales and has developed a number of student schemes that give students an invaluable insight into working within the police service in a variety of roles. The involvement of public service employers, specialist police officers and senior police officers together with other public service agencies in the delivery of the programme gives opportunities for students to interact with external networks and see the relevance of their studies.
The programme integrates theoretical study and application to 'real life' utilising a variety of teaching strategies designed specifically to provide students with relevant and realistic scenarios that 'real Police officers' might expect to encounter. Additionally the programme includes case studies on all aspects of policing and draws on experience by incorporating a number of inputs from subject matter experts who have a wide experience in a variety of policing roles. In particular our graduates have analytical, research, interpersonal, cross cultural, communication and empathetic skills. The skills of managing ICT, communication to peers and external organisations, numeracy, problem solving, interacting in teams, ethical reasoning, critical appraisal, self-management and leadership have been particularly applauded.
Students' progress through the programme ensures that they become increasingly self-confident and capable of managing their own learning, developing independence and self-confidence along with the ability to work in diverse environments. The Police Sciences degree applies additional emphasis enabling students to communicate in all forms to a broad spectrum of audience and to recognise and practice excellent leadership and management skills.
Key Features
This programme offers an academically challenging, vocational experience which incorporates innovative teaching and assessment methods. Students will be expected to be active in managing their learning experience, to be creative and to take initiatives to develop themselves.
The opportunity to engage in Police, Public Service or Voluntary Sector work experience is a rewarding intellectual experience which also provides a well-grounded base for future career development. The University's international perspective and integration with employers and professional associations guarantee relevant and current content. The wide range of extracurricular activities both subject related and social, further enhance the student experience.
The friendly approach of the University allows early diagnosis of learning needs and support for skills enhancement. This includes respect for specialist needs. There is a learning support team who run regular workshops and tutorials in basic and advanced skills development. The close working relationships between tutors and students and students and their classmates allows a positive active learning environment.
The Universities Public Service programme has incorporated the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing and this qualification, along with a new Operation Policing module and the aforementioned volunteering opportunities has seen an exceptional success rate of students successfully completing the Police selection process. It is anticipated that this new qualification will serve to enhance this already impressive trend.
Modules
Year 1: This initial year provides an introduction to the key public services disciplines, including behavioural dynamics, legal process & criminal law, social theory & policy, public services environment. Over this first year students develop vital employability skills within academic skills and leadership modules and have the opportunity to work with an external organisation thereby experiencing theory in action and acquiring valuable skills.
Year 2: This second year introduces the concept of Accountability within the Police Service, Operational Policing (1), Contemporary Issues, Equality, Diversity & Communities, Terrorism & Public Services Responses, whilst developing leadership and team building skills through activities. Voluntary work experience opportunities exists and are encouraged.
Year 3: The final year develops further the knowledge and understanding of policing issues at Strategic, Operational and Tactical levels, Ethics and Values, Professional Standards and Communication, understanding of forensic science and principles of forensic recovery. Additionally this final year continues with the ongoing course leadership thread incorporating practical application and assessment of Leadership theory into practice.
Students will also study a research project in a contemporary policing topic.
Professional Accreditations
Police Sciences students will complete the Certificate of Knowledge in Policing (the University is accredited by both 'skills for Justice' and the 'College of Policing?).
Within the Leading in Action module students can work to gain a range of recognised activity awards, for examples star awards for kayaking.
Assessment
All modules are 20 credits. Assessments include; essays, reports, presentations and reflective blogs.
Level 4 have assignments only - no examinations.
Level 5 and 6 (second and final years) have assignments plus two 2 hour open-book examinations at each level.
Career Opportunities
Graduates exit with significant subject knowledge and up to date skills designed for modern day policing both as police officers and as supportive roles. Additionally the course provides a grounding for those wishing to specialise in various aspects of policing such as investigation, forensic science, crime analysis and terrorism responses. The programme's interaction with the police forces of South Wales, and the opportunities for integration further accentuate the employability of graduates within the police service and the highlights the currency of the programme content.
Further Information
The programme runs voluntary work schemes with the police service - METPOL, the fire service - METFIRE, Swansea Prison and other voluntary organisations, providing Police Sciences students with not only an understanding of 'real policing' but also an appreciation of the work of other emergency services and the voluntary sector.
Students are engaged with the many facets of life in the uniformed public sector and work with the community to gain this experience. Some of these projects will be working with other students and young people in safety campaigns across the city such as the 'safer Swansea Scheme' and will allow the students to develop their communication skills.
Furthermore students are involved with marshalling events in the city such as Bonfire Night at the St Helen's ground which attracts 1500 people to the area, the 'Carnage' events in the city's pubs and clubs and Saturday night marshalling on Wind street and the Strand.
Students can also work alongside victim protection in Swansea prison, this allows them to gain an even broader understanding of the Criminal Justice Service as they carry out vital work ensuring prisoners do not contact their victims whilst in prison, and taking part in restorative justice programmes. The schemes give the students a valuable insight into the reality of policing as a profession and creates a realistic expectation for them when they leave University.
Related Courses
- HND Public Services
- BA Sports Management
