FdA
Police Studies
Developed in consultation with the police sector
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This Foundation degree is an employment-related higher qualification for serving police officers, Police Community Support Officers and special constables.
It has been developed in consultation with the key stakeholders in the police sector including police forces, ACPO, Skills for Justice and the Police Federation, to ensure that it meets your needs and those of your employer. It will allow you to develop and formalise the knowledge and skills you have gained in police training.
All applicants should apply as soon as possible to reserve a place and ensure adequate preparations are made for the start of your studies. The latest we can receive an 'on time' application (with all associated documentation) is 6 September 2013 (16 August 2013 for non-EU students). Applications received after this date may be processed, but your course induction and start to studies may well be disrupted.
What will I experience?
On this course you will:
- Gain a broader and more informed perspectives on policing and criminal justice to assist you in your day-to-day work and throughout your police career
- Be able to study whilst reamaing in your job
- Attend two annual events in Portsmouth, giving you the opportunity to meet staff and other students, and to sample more traditional forms of learning such as lectures and tutorials
- Plan and monitor your personal and professional development
What opportunities might it lead to?
You will already be working in a police organisation while you study on this programme. The course is designed to integrate with the needs of key stakeholders and with the knowledge and skills you have already acquired in this role.
If, after successfully completing the degree, you wish to take your studies further you are guaranteed progression onto an appropriate honours degree such as our BSc (Hons) Crime and Criminology, BSc (Hons) Risk and Security Management and BSc (Hons) Counter Fraud and Criminal Justice Studies.
How do I apply?
Complete the University's online application form (not a UCAS form)
Different support services can assist with queries and the tutors will always be available for that invaluable pointer.
Jon Marsden, FdA Police Studies student
Key Facts
- Duration
- 2 years part time
- Entry
Offered part time to serving police officers, Police Community Support Officers and special constables.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands/Isle of Man and International students
Serving police officers structure Year 1 - 60 credits APL, Year 2 - 40 credits APL Year 1 £2,250 Year 2 £3,000
Police Staff structure - Year 1 - 40 credits APL, Year 2 - 20 credits APL Year 1 £3,000 Year 2 £3,750
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- icjsapplications@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 3928 - Department
- Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Course:
Foundation Degrees in ICJS
Find out what our students say about studying a Foundation Degree in ICJS, including:
- Foundation degrees as a re-introduction to study
- Keeping up with rapidly changing professional challenges
- Lecturers with practical experience in the subjects
Structure & Teaching
Year one
- Studying Criminology
- Social Context of Policing
- Introduction to Research Skills
Year two
- Police Operations and Policing Processes
- Crime, Disorder and Justice
- Professional Practice Project
On successful completion of the course you will be able to:
- discuss key concepts and issues in policing, crime and criminal justice
- collect and analyse data using appropriate methods of research and analysis
- identify and evaluate your key skills
- plan and undertake a work-based learning project
- plan and monitor your personal and professional development
Teaching and Assessment
The degree is delivered by distance learning so that you are able to continue working. Typically you need to devote 12-15 hours per week to study, but with distance learning you have the flexibility to choose when and where this takes place.
We will provide you with up-to-date research-based course materials and access to our oline learning environment, Moodle. Here you will be able to discuss the issues you are studying with fellow students and ICJS staff on your course, via online discussion rooms. You will also have access to the University’s library catalogue and services including ejournals and dedicated tutor support by phone, letter or email.
We also run conferences twice yearly free of charge, where you attend lectures, seminars and workshops of your choice and meet with fellow students and members of University staff.
How are you assessed?
Assessment is entirely through the submission of coursework. This includes essays and a work-based learning project. Assessment is designed to encourage you to reflect on your own work-based experience and the Professional Practice Project provides the opportunity to work on an issue that relates directly to your work place.
Facilities & Features
ICJS
One of the UK's leading centres for research and course provision in criminology, criminal justice and police studies
Professional Links
Links with the criminal justice sector: local, national and international
Distance Learning
Pioneering distance learning programmes for professionals
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
ICJS
The Institute of Criminal Justice Studies was founded in 1992 and has since grown to comprise 50 academic staff and more than 1,800 students. Now an internationally-renowned focal point for the study of crime and criminal justice processes, it draws together expertise in criminological analysis, applied psychology, police governance and management, victimology, penology, risk and security.
Professional Links
Our extensive experience and close professional relationships with the police service and criminal justice agencies ensure that our courses reflect the changing needs of the profession. You may benefit from these links by hearing guest speakers, listening to leading-edge research and being helped to find professional work placements.
Distance Learning
Our distinctive approach to supported distance learning, robust procedures for the accreditation of prior learning and modular award framework not only help facilitate access to higher education but also offer flexible and transferable platforms for life-long learning.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
The programme has been designed with input from key stakeholders in the police sector to support professional career development. Additionally, successful completion of the degree allows you to take your studies further if you wish. Graduates are guaranteed progression onto an appropriate honours degree such as our BSc (Hons) Crime and Criminology, BSc (Hons) Risk and Security Management or BSc (Hons) Counter Fraud and Criminal Justice Studies.
Career planning
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.