Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: L435 BSc/PoIS
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
How to Apply
Why choose this course?
Our Policing and Security course is designed to give you an insight into modern policing and security. It will equip you with a background in the essential related areas of forensic science, scenes of crime, law, organisational management, psychology of crime, criminology and sociology. The course is multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, and staff from the all of the University’s Schools teach on the course.
In year one, you will be introduced to forensic science, psychology and sociology as a foundation for later levels. Aspects of crime, society, historic and modern policing and the security industry are also studied.
In year two, you will learn how to approach and process the scene of a crime; and acquire more knowledge of the psychopathology of crime, the organisation, management and operation of the police; and how the security industry and the law operate.
Year three focuses on the social influences of crime; the specialised agencies tasked with the investigation and prevention of crime; how the modern police force responds, particularly to the rise in computer-based crime and corporate crime; and the security challenges facing private businesses and how they react to them.
In the fourth or Honours year you will study current aspects of policing and examine how major incidents and events have been prepared for, responded to and dealt with by the police and security agencies. There will be an opportunity to carry out a large piece of individual research in a relevant area of policing and/or security.
How you learn
The course combines a variety of teaching and learning methods including lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals and private study. There will be input from police and security professionals at all levels of the course.
The Honours dissertation/project is an opportunity to capitalise on the enquiry-based and problem-solving skills developed throughout the course. Additionally, the design and execution of an individual research project will enhance your skills in planning, data gathering and analysis, report writing and communication. There may be opportunities to interact with SIPR (the Scottish Institute for Policing Research) at the University and elsewhere in Scotland, and Abertay can also offer opportunities in forensic sciences research.
How you are assessed
Assessment for this course is carried out using a variety of methods including coursework assignments, class tests, practical exercises, presentations and closed-book examinations. A range of methods is used including short-answer tests, problem-solving exercises, formal reports (oral, written, posters) and laboratory assignments. In all years of the course, formal examinations are a feature in many modules.
Higher BBCC; A Level CCD; ILC (H) BBCC; UCAS Tariff 220 points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: an appropriate science (e.g. chemistry, biology, physics)
Applicants with non-standard qualifications and experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Advanced entry (year 2)
Advanced entry is possible for applicants with suitable subjects at Advanced Higher or A level and who offer around 300 UCAS points (e.g. BBB at Advanced Higher or BBB at A level) or a relevant Higher National Certificate.
Each application will be considered on its own merits. If you would like us to consider you for advanced entry then please contact the admissions tutor in the first instance to discuss you qualifications. A bridging course may be available if required.
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A levels must offer at least three Highers or two A levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Your future
Many graduates from this course will seek careers in the police and security forces in both the public and private sectors.
Opportunities for graduates will also exist in areas such as the prison service and scenes of crime investigation. The generic skills developed on this course – analytical skills, report writing, team working, initiative etc - will be very relevant to employment in a wide range of careers.
Although this course has been designed to provide an understanding and appreciation of the requirements of the modern police force and related security industries, it cannot guarantee entry into any such position as this is determined by the individual and the needs of the potential employer.
| Fee Category | September 2012 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
The 2012 fee will be announced Apply to the Student Awards Agency |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7000 per year (max. amount payable You can apply for financial assistance, |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£9975 per year. Fees may be subject to annual increase. |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fees shown are payable annually, and may be subject to increase each year.
