Charles Sturt University

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Policing is typically delivered over three years full-time (with part-time options available) and blends foundational social science with practice-focused policing subjects. Core topics include law and criminal law, criminology, evidence and investigation, ethics and professional practice, community engagement, and intelligence-led policing.

• Foundations of Policing and Society – introduction to the role of police, public policy, human rights and the social context of crime.
• Law for Policing – overview of criminal law, statutory powers, arrest and detention, and legal procedures relevant to operational staff.
• Investigation and Evidence – investigative methods, interview techniques, scene preservation and evidence management.
• Operational Skills and Tactical Practice – situational assessment, incident response, conflict management and use-of-force decision-making (classroom and practical simulations).
• Community and Indigenous Policing – culturally appropriate engagement, working with diverse communities and restorative approaches.
• Forensics and Technology in Policing – basics of forensic processes, digital evidence, cybercrime awareness and intelligence systems.
• Ethics, Leadership and Professional Practice – ethics, integrity, leadership, accountability and wellbeing in policing careers.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) – supervised placements, simulation-based assessments and projects with policing agencies or community partners.

Elective options often allow students to focus on areas such as family and domestic violence responses, traffic and public order policing, intelligence analysis, or policy and governance. Assessment mixes written assignments, case studies, simulated operational tasks and workplace-based assessments.

Entry requirements

Entry is normally through completion of secondary school qualifications or an equivalent recognised qualification, with alternative pathways for mature-age applicants and those holding relevant vocational qualifications. Applicants may be considered with a previous diploma or allied tertiary study.

• Academic entry: completion of senior secondary school or an approved equivalent qualification. Specific score thresholds may apply depending on demand.
• Alternative entry: recognised diplomas, other tertiary study or extensive relevant workplace experience can be considered.
• Additional checks: because of the professional nature of the degree and industry engagement components, students should be able to meet requirements for background checks, immunisation, and fitness to participate in practical activities when undertaking placements.
• English language: proficiency in English is required; international students will need to demonstrate competency in line with university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Bachelor of Policing typically pursue roles in operational and specialist areas within police services as well as wider community safety and justice sectors. The degree provides a sound platform for both frontline policing and complementary careers.

• Constable and frontline policing roles in state and federal police forces (subject to recruitment and agency selection processes).
• Specialist roles such as investigations, intelligence analysis, family and domestic violence units, youth and community policing, and traffic policing.
• Roles in corrective services, border protection, customs, security management and private investigations.
• Positions in policy, research, crime prevention, victim support services, and community safety organisations.
• Pathways to postgraduate study in criminal justice, forensic science, security studies, public policy or leadership and management.

Why study at Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University offers a practical, industry-aligned policing degree with a strong emphasis on work-integrated learning and simulated operational training. The university has established links with policing agencies and community organisations, which supports placement opportunities and real-world projects.

Delivery across multiple regional campuses and flexible study modes (including online units) makes the program accessible to students living outside metropolitan centres. Facilities often include specialist teaching spaces, simulated incident environments and access to expertise in criminology, law and community engagement.

The course emphasises ethical practice, cultural competency and wellbeing for practitioners, preparing graduates to work professionally and safely in a range of policing and community safety contexts.