University of Tasmania, Australia

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Police Studies

UTAS Home › Faculty of Arts › School of Social Sciences › Home › Politics & International Relations  › Police Studies

Introduction

Zero tolerance, policing protests, transnational crime, police culture, forensic psychology, community policing and social deviance are just a small sample of the topics examined in the Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies) degree. It is designed to give students high-quality social science training together with specific knowledge and skills of policing. Graduates with this degree will be able to:

  • understand and analyse complex issues concerning police practice in contemporary society;
  • understand the changing roles and expectations of police in the context of a changing society;
  • articulate the interaction between theory and practice in police studies;
  • develop a broad array of intellectual, practical and professional capabilities;
  • develop critical, analytical and communication skills;
  • organise and conduct research projects.

Undergraduate Study

The undergraduate program in the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Police Studies) has two pathways.

The In-Service pathway for students who are employed as a Tasmania Police recruit and the Conventional pathway for Police Officers who joined Tasmania Police before 2010 and all other students.

Postgraduate Study

At the postgraduate level, the following courses are offered:

and three postgraduate coursework programs in Police Studies at the Hobart campus:

Career Opportunities

There are exciting possibilities for graduates with a Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies) degree or with a post. The degree provides a quality academic base for those considering careers in policing. For serving Tasmania Police officers, the acquisition of tertiary qualifications is clearly becoming advantageous for career advancement. Indeed, the Department of Police and Public Safety Tertiary Education Assistance Scheme (which involves Commissioner's scholarships and interest-free loans) are incentives for current police officers to undertake university study.

" As a graduate of the University of Tasmania, I recognise the importance of tertiary education and I commend to you the Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies) degree." Richard McCreadie, former Commissioner, Tasmania Police.

Two different course pathways are offered to undertake the Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies): the In-Service Pathway is for people employed as a Tasmania Police recruit and the Conventional Pathway is for police officers who joined Tasmania Police before 2010, as well as all other applicants who qualify for entry.

Student Resources