What will I learn on this module?
You will examine the role and responsibilities of the police constable, the structure and organisation of the wider police service. With a focus on the delivery of a professional service, you will be introduced to key concepts and principles including 'policing by consent', community engagement, public protection and crime prevention. Unpacking key concepts and theories in criminology you will study the relationship between crime, offending, 'vulnerability’, ‘harm’ and ‘risk’, all in the context of operational policing. The module moves on to develop your knowledge and understanding of a number of contemporary themes in criminology and policing including counter-terrorism policing; the response policing role; the role and function of community policing and partnership working; and the importance of information and intelligence to key areas of policing.
CoP pre-join curriculum learning outcomes: CoP December 2023 v1.1
Core National Learning
Understanding the Police Constable Role and Professional Standards: 1.1-1.6, 2, 3, 4, 5.1, 6
Valuing Diversity and Inclusion: 1.1-1.6
Protecting the Public: 2.1-2.2; 2.2a-2.3a
Victims and Witnesses: 3.1-3.2
Community Policing and Partnership Working: 2.1-2.2, 3.1, 7.1, 8.1, 11.1-11.3, 12.1, community trauma (1.1-1.2), partner support (3.1-3.2). understand engage (4.1), challenges community policing (4.1)
Core National Supporting Information
Supporting/Supplementary Material
The Police Constable role and professional standards
Communication skills
Prevention and problem solving (incorporating evidence-based policing)
Suspect/offender management
Community policing and partnership working
Response policing
Legislation/Reference Material
The Police Constable role and professional standards
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through a series of different delivery styles which will include traditional taught lectures to cover theoretical aspects, supplemented with seminar and workshop sessions, where you will be a more active learning, applying the theory into practice.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported through active participation and discussion during seminars and workshops. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand the criminological theory underpinning the role and responsibilities of the police constable, the wider police organisation and criminal justice system, and the delivery of a professional police service in local communities. All lecture, seminar and workshop material will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects. Written assessment feedback will also be provided to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in subsequent assessments within your programme.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
You will be supported through active participation and discussion during seminars and workshops. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand the criminological theory underpinning the role and responsibilities of the police constable, the wider police organisation and criminal justice system, and the delivery of a professional police service in local communities. All lecture, seminar and workshop material will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects. Written assessment feedback will also be provided to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in subsequent assessments within your programme.
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessments will include group exercises, a group presentation and writing exercises to prepare you for the summative assessment
Summative Assessment A 2000-word essay drawn from a series of questions designed to illustrate knowledge of the relationship between criminology and contemporary issues in policing, (K&U 1; IPS 3; PVA 4)
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module introduces you to the major concepts, debates and theories within the discipline of criminology, paying particular attention to those relating to the role and function of policing in contemporary society. You will develop knowledge and understanding of crime, offending and policing. Unpacking the structure and dynamics of the police organisation and their work with key stakeholders’ you explore the role of the police constable and important concepts including consent, legitimacy, and profession standards. Through an introduction to partnership working and community policing you consider the significance of community engagement; the relationship between the police and local communities; the police role in protecting the public, including vulnerable people and those most at risk of harm; and the need to work with other agencies to prevent crime and tackle anti-social behaviour. Contemporary issues in policing including response policing, counter-terrorism policing, and intelligence led policing also feature throughout the module.
Course info
UCAS Code LL44
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
Department Social Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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