Studying Professional Policing

Introducing your course leader - Sarah Watson

I am Sarah, the course leader for Professional Policing and am very excited you’ve applied to our course.

I have a Criminology background and undertook my undergraduate degree as a mature student and have been in academia ever since! I have an interest in crime and human behaviours generally, but my particular focus is on firearms which is what I am undertaking my PhD in, exploring mass shooting incidents across Europe.

In addition to this, I teach on some core first year modules around policing roles and responsibilities and academic study skills. I also teach on some of our vulnerability-based modules and lead supervision of student projects in this field. I understand many of the challenges that students may face whilst at university and am well prepared to offer you advice and support throughout your studies to see you succeed.

View my profile

Student Experience - Lower Saxony Police Academy

Policing student Daniel Yasein took the opportunity to visit Lower Saxony Police Academy. 

Daniel shares the activities he took part in, the skills and knowledge he learned and the highlights of the trip. 

"Overall, my visit to the Police Academy in Germany has been a transformative journey, equipping me with the invaluable skills, knowledge, and perspectives that will shape my future career in law enforcement and criminal investigation."

Read more

Graduate stories - Ellie Bowers

BSc (Hons) Professional Policing graduate Ellie is the first person in her family to go to university and has graduated with a first class degree and a job with Staffordshire Police!

Hear about how the course helped Ellie grow in confidence and prepared her for her new role as a Police Constable.

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Teaching staff

Dr Lauren Metcalfe

Course Director

Lauren completed her PhD in Evidence Based Policing and joined Staffordshire University in 2017. She is now Course Leader for Professional Policing (our Pre-join degree) and Course Director for our policing degrees.

Lauren's profile

Justin Mason-Spanner

Lecturer

I spent 30 years in the Police completing my service as a nationally trained and accredited Senior Investigating Officer, managing murder investigations. I use my knowledge and experience to deliver modules within the course.

Justin's profile

Dr Leanne Savigar-Shaw

Senior Lecturer

I am a Lecturer in Policing with an academic and research background. I have been involved in a number of research projects focusing on mobile phone use by drivers, police legitimacy and procedural justice.

Leanne's profile

Sarah Watson

Senior Lecturer

Sarah Watson is a Senior lecturer in Policing with an academic background with an interest in crime and human behaviors. And currently Undertaking a PhD that explores mass shooting incidents across Europe.

Sarah's profile

Sean Phillips

Lecturer

I worked for West Midlands Police for 30 years. In 2023, I joined University of Staffordshire's Institute of Policing, teaching Police students from regional forces and more recently supporting the Professional Policing team.

Sean's profile

Lee Crowther

Lecturer

I lecturer on both the Professional Policing and Police and Criminal Investigation Undergraduate Degree courses.

Lee's profile

Your next steps

  1. Accept your offer

    An exciting new chapter awaits you here at University of Staffordshire - we can't wait to meet you. Before you can progress with finance or accommodation choices, you'll need to confirm your offer via UCAS.

    Accept your offer

  2. Apply for student finance

    It's best to arrange your student finance before starting University. You can learn more about student finance and make an application at www.gov.uk/student-finance. Our support team is here to help, get in touch if you have any questions about student finance.

    Enquire about finance

  3. Apply for your accommodation

    We have a range of accommodation to choose from to suit all lifestyles and budgets, including en-suite and accessible rooms. Browse rooms and find out how to apply.

    Browse University accommodation
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