Academic writing, critical writing, and reflective writing
Referencing and academic integrity
Searching for and understanding research literature
Understanding the importance of research, how to identify relevant research, and interpret and use research in a policing and academic context
Introduction to basic research methods
Understanding and applying marking criteria and feedback
Communication skills: written, verbal, and professional
Team working, problem-solving, and decision-making
Navigating assessments, simulations, and revision strategies
Introduction to professional technologies and IT systems
Employability skills: CVs, interviews, assessment centres, networking
Personal development, wellbeing, and adapting to university study
Personality styles and professional behaviour

1. Literature Review You will complete a referenced literature review on an approved policing topic. The topic areas will centre on subject such as Stop and Search, Youth Crime, Policing the Roads, VAWG and Mental health or Vulnerability. The literature review will demonstrate your ability to search for, evaluate, and synthesise academic and professional sources, and to structure written work in line with academic conventions and marking criteria.

2. Reflective Portfolio You will produce a reflective portfolio examining your academic and professional skills development across the module/semester. Reflection should be informed by appropriate reflective models and draw on feedback received, learning activities completed, and emerging career aspirations. The portfolio may be submitted in written format or as a video accompanied by slides.

Students studying on the Professional Policing programme are subject to PSRB requirements and therefore have to achieve 40% in both elements of assessment on the module.

Learning will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, practical activities, group work, and assignment support sessions that will vary in length. Sessions will focus on applying academic skills to policing-related contexts, supported by guided independent study and opportunities for reflection and feedback. Some sessions will be taken by our careers team and library academic skills team to support your leaning with their expertise. You will be offered formative submission points to submit sections of your assignments for feedback prior to the summative assessment hand in. We will also undertake mini-reflective tasks in class throughout the course of the module to support you in your reflective practice ahead of submitting your portfolio.

1. Conduct a structured literature review through locating, selecting, summarising and referencing appropriate academic and professional sources relevant to policing, investigation and related disciplines.

Research Skills; Digital Literacy

2. Review and synthesise research literature to develop informed arguments relevant to academic study and professional practice.

Application & Problem Solving

3. Reflect on personal learning, skills development, dealing with feedback and employability in order to support academic progression and future professional development.

Reflection; Personal development & entrepreneurship

4. Reflect on the development and application of basic reasoning and collaborative skills when engaging with ethical issues and learning activities.

Reflection; Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

Bottomley, J., Pryjmachuk, S. and Wright, M. (2019) Studying for your Policing Degree. St Albans: Critical Publishing.

Bottomley, J., Pryjmachuk, S. and Wright, M. (2020) Academic Writing and Referencing for your Policing Degree. St Albans: Critical Publishing.

Cottrell, S. (2024) The study skills handbook. 6th ed. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

Pears, R. and Shields, G.J. (2022) Cite them right : the essential referencing guide. 12th ed. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

How will you succeed at university? This module supports students in developing the academic, professional, and personal skills required for successful study and future policing-related careers. You will build confidence in academic writing, research, communication, and reflection, while also developing employability skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and professional decision-making. Assessment is through a literature review and a reflective portfolio designed to support your transition into higher education and professional practice.