Policing skills learnt by degree

Students will also become special constables

A university has joined forces with its county constabulary to offer what it says is the first foundation degree of its kind in policing.

The University of Central Lancashire's (UCLan) two-year course is for students who want to be a uniformed officer or a member of police staff.

A spokesman said the course was different from previous ones as it was not specifically for serving officers.

The Department of Forensic Science will run the course.

'Positive contribution'

Stuart Villiers, head of training for the police force, said: "The Lancashire Constabulary will continue to select and recruit officers by the traditional methods.

"This programme is an option that will give students an opportunity, through operational activity and engagement, to make a recognisable and positive contribution to policing within Lancashire's communities."

The Lancashire Police Federation has also backed the course.

Chairman Steve Edwards said the organisation had been fully involved in the setting up of the course and considered it to be an ideal way for students to learn about the police.

The Foundation Degree in Policing is designed to deliver the National Curriculum for police recruits, and is based around the current Initial Police Learning and Development Programme that all new police recruits have to complete.

The course is designed to be studied on a full-time basis, and some modules are completed while students are serving with the Special Constabulary based in Lancashire.

Alternative modules are available for those who are not eligible to join the Special Constabulary.

Places on the course will be limited to 40 students.