Career paths in Professional Policing
Graduates from a Professional Policing degree often pursue roles directly or indirectly connected to law enforcement. These can be grouped into several broad categories:
• Police and Law Enforcement: Police constable (after completing recruitment and training), detective, crime scene investigator, intelligence analyst, counter-terrorism officer, or community support officer.
• Criminal Justice & Legal Services: Probation officer, court officer, prison officer, youth offending team worker, or victim support coordinator.
• Security & Investigation: Private investigator, fraud analyst, cybercrime investigator, corporate security manager, or intelligence researcher.
• Public & Community Safety: Community safety officer, local authority enforcement officer, emergency planning officer, or safeguarding coordinator.
Alternative careers outside policing
The analytical, ethical, and interpersonal skills developed during a Professional Policing degree are transferable across many industries. Graduates who choose not to enter policing may find fulfilling careers in:
• Policy and public administration
• Human resources and leadership roles
• Data analysis and intelligence work
• Compliance, regulation, and risk management
• Charity, youth work, or community development sectors
This flexibility means that even if you don’t become a police officer immediately - or choose another route entirely - the degree still provides a solid grounding for a wide range of professional careers.
Skills you’ll gain
Throughout the degree, you’ll develop both practical and theoretical competencies that are highly valued by employers:
• Knowledge of policing legislation, procedure, and ethics
• Criminal law and investigative principles
• Decision-making under pressure and situational awareness
• Communication, conflict resolution, and negotiation
• Report writing, research, and analytical reasoning
• Teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills
Graduate outcomes
Graduates from Professional Policing programmes are well-positioned for entry into the Police Constable Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) or other law enforcement routes.
The Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) is one of the main routes into policing for university graduates. It’s a two-year, work-based training programme that allows you to earn a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice while working as a Police Constable. You’ll be a full-time, paid officer from day one, learning on the job alongside experienced colleagues, with dedicated study time built in.
Further study options
If you decide not to go into work straight away, some graduates choose to continue their education to deepen their expertise or expand their career options. Common postgraduate routes include:
• MSc or MA in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or Forensics
• Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership, Security, or Public Administration
• Law conversion courses (e.g., Graduate Diploma in Law)
• Specialist training in intelligence, cybercrime, or counterterrorism
Can I become a police officer without a Professional Policing degree?
Yes - you can still join the police without studying Professional Policing first. There are different entry routes designed for people from all backgrounds.
That said, starting with a Professional Policing degree can give you a real head start. Discover why many students choose to complete their degree first in our 'Do you need a degree to become a police officer' FAQ.
