Bachelor of Policing

The UWS Policing degree gives you an advanced knowledge of modern policing theory and practice. You will also develop an appreciation of the diverse nature of Australian society, analytical and problem solving skills, and a client-focused approach to serving the community. 

Whether you plan to join the NSW Police Force, or you are after a career in other law enforcement or justice agencies, the UWS Policing degree is the ideal choice. The course has been developed in collaboration with the NSW Police Force and is based on real life, practical experience. It will provide you with essential knowledge and skills in policing theory and practice to equip you for a career with the NSW Police Force and other policing agencies. 

If you are planning to join the NSW Police Force your third year of study will be completed at the Goulburn NSW Police College. Professional suitability assessment occurs during first and second year of study (this assessment is not a requirement for entry into the degree). You must also satisfy the professional suitability criteria before any offer of police employment is made.

Professional suitability criteria include:
»» health and fitness to fully perform operational policing duties (all students will be required to undertake a physical capacity test prior to their entry to the NSW Police College) 
»» appropriate behavioural background (including criminal, traffic, employment, and medical history)
»» current full motor vehicle driver’s licence (must have obtained at least the Green P requirement (NSW) or equivalent)
»» minimum age 18.5 years, 19 years for employment as a probationary constable
»» current senior first-aid certificate or equivalent, or evidence of industry-based experience (e.g. nursing) and proficiency in the use of a pocket (Laerdal) mask
»» ability to swim 100 metres unaided
»» ability to type minimum 25 wpm with 98% accuracy
»» Australian citizenship or permanent residency 
»» commencement of Hepatitis B immunisation (two injections) 
»» consent to undergo urine screening for the presence of prohibited drugs (applicants are likely to be drug tested while studying at the NSW Police College).

If you plan to pursue a career in a law enforcement agency other than the NSW Police Force, or for whatever reason are unable to join the NSW Police Force, you will do your third year on-campus at UWS completing a Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Other agencies include national intelligence agencies, border protection authorities, juvenile justice, corrections, corporate sector crime prevention, and fraud control and investigations. 

Part time-study is only available to local students and is generally completed by day classes as there are limited night classes.

A Career in Policing

With its focus on problem solving and analytical skills, the Policing degree opens doors into the NSW Police Force, the Australian Federal Police, numerous other law enforcement agencies, and an array of alternative careers. You may pursue roles in:

»» criminal investigation
»» prosecutions
»» youth liaison
»» crime prevention
»» accident investigation
»» traffic management
»» education and training
»» human resource management
»» national intelligence agencies
»» juvenile justice
»» corrections
»» probation and parole

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (opens in a new window). Step by step instructions are available on the Apply Now pages.

All international applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made via the International Student Admission Application form. Step by step instructions are available on the International Admissions pages.