BA Professional Policing with Foundation Year

The BA Professional Policing (with Foundation Year) is a four-year degree designed for students who require additional academic preparation before progressing to the main degree. It follows the National Policing Curriculum and equips students with the professional knowledge and practical skills needed for a successful career in law enforcement.

During the Foundation Year, students develop essential university skills through modules in social sciences, humanities, law, and research techniques. This year ensures students are fully prepared for the challenges of higher-level study.

The main degree focuses on key policing areas, such as incident response, investigation techniques, and community engagement. Students will learn through practical sessions in specialist facilities, including a replica police station and a mock courtroom, under the guidance of experienced former policing professionals. Assessment methods include essays, reports, practical exercises, and a final-year research project on real local policing issues.

Teesside University, located in Middlesbrough, UK, is a respected modern institution recognised as the “Modern University of the Year” by the Daily Mail University Guide 2026. It offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in areas such as Health and Life Sciences, Engineering, Business, Computing, and the Arts.

The campus, situated in the heart of Middlesbrough, has seen major recent developments and provides students with a high-quality learning environment supported by advanced technology and modern facilities.

Applicants for the BA Professional Policing (with Foundation Year) are assessed individually. This course is especially suited for students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for the three-year degree. A complete application should include a personal statement and academic references.

While this degree equips graduates with the necessary academic knowledge for policing, successful completion does not guarantee police employment. Applicants must still pass the official recruitment process of their chosen police force.

Grade Requirements:

• UCAS Tariff: Typically between 32 and 64 points from at least two A-levels or equivalent qualifications.
• GCSE Requirement: English Language at grade 4 (C) or equivalent.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Applicants with relevant work, volunteering, or life experience may also be considered.

English Proficiency:

• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency with an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (no component below 5.5), or an equivalent Secure English Language Test (SELT).

The tuition fee for international students studying the BA Professional Policing (with Foundation Year) at Teesside University is £17,000 per year for each of the four years. Please note that tuition fees are reviewed annually and may be subject to change.

Teesside University provides ways to help students pay for their studies, often through scholarships that reduce their tuition fees. As an international applicant for this undergraduate course, students might qualify for general university awards. These include the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship (£7,000 off the fee) and the Global Excellence Scholarship (£2,000 off the fee) for students who have achieved excellent grades. Students from the European Union may also be able to get the EU Scholarship (£7,000 off the fee).

Graduates of the BA Professional Policing (with Foundation Year) are well-prepared for diverse roles across law enforcement and the criminal justice system, including:

• Police Officer
• Police Staff (e.g., Civilian Investigator)
• Detention Officer
• Military Police
• Criminal Justice Sector Roles

Applications for the BA Professional Policing (with Foundation Year) should be submitted through UCAS. For personalised guidance and support with the application process, you are encouraged to contact our professional AHZ counsellors, who can help you every step of the way.