For individuals with an interest in joining the UK police, embarking on a police training course has long been the traditional way to enter the force.
Yet, as the global economic crisis continues to cause budget cuts and many seek ways to gain new skills and turn to higher education to make themselves more employable, the rise of police studies and criminal justice degree courses is highlighting a trend in popularity for those to take a more academic approach to their respective police officer careers.
So why police studies? Police officer degree courses have been developed to offer an innovative and open path of study for any student, whether you are a professional with some years experience behind you, or if you are completely new to the idea of a career on the force.
Police studies will combine teaching, academic research and practical elements in order to help broaden your knowledge of the job, as well as honing any specialist skills should you decide on a more particular area of the sector.
Much of the foundation work undertaken will involve in-depth study of criminology, criminality, the varying definitions of crime and how these definitions have changed over the years - and how they are likely to change in the future.
Preparation for officers to adapt to the crimes of tomorrow is, in fact, one of the most important aspects of police studies - with discussion and analysis around the reasons individuals have to commit crime (such as psychological and environmental) being a major part of trying to prevent crime on a community and national level.
There will also likely be a significant amount of study dedicated to the role of punishment and the penal system.
For some this will no doubt be an introduction to many complexities within a system which ultimately exists to offer justice, as well as a deterrent for prospective criminals.
Yet, as an aside, police studies courses will also typically focus on the ethical issues within a system which continues to evolve.
Ethics and professional standards are a well publicized aspect of the sector, and are therefore an ongoing topic amongst students.
Consequently, police studies courses offer a forum for individuals to debate amongst their peers and teachers with a diversity of backgrounds - giving rise to valuable arena for learning new skills and knowledge from a varied range of individuals.
Yet, as the global economic crisis continues to cause budget cuts and many seek ways to gain new skills and turn to higher education to make themselves more employable, the rise of police studies and criminal justice degree courses is highlighting a trend in popularity for those to take a more academic approach to their respective police officer careers.
So why police studies? Police officer degree courses have been developed to offer an innovative and open path of study for any student, whether you are a professional with some years experience behind you, or if you are completely new to the idea of a career on the force.
Police studies will combine teaching, academic research and practical elements in order to help broaden your knowledge of the job, as well as honing any specialist skills should you decide on a more particular area of the sector.
Much of the foundation work undertaken will involve in-depth study of criminology, criminality, the varying definitions of crime and how these definitions have changed over the years - and how they are likely to change in the future.
Preparation for officers to adapt to the crimes of tomorrow is, in fact, one of the most important aspects of police studies - with discussion and analysis around the reasons individuals have to commit crime (such as psychological and environmental) being a major part of trying to prevent crime on a community and national level.
There will also likely be a significant amount of study dedicated to the role of punishment and the penal system.
For some this will no doubt be an introduction to many complexities within a system which ultimately exists to offer justice, as well as a deterrent for prospective criminals.
Yet, as an aside, police studies courses will also typically focus on the ethical issues within a system which continues to evolve.
Ethics and professional standards are a well publicized aspect of the sector, and are therefore an ongoing topic amongst students.
Consequently, police studies courses offer a forum for individuals to debate amongst their peers and teachers with a diversity of backgrounds - giving rise to valuable arena for learning new skills and knowledge from a varied range of individuals.