1999 Arts Handbook - Bachelor of Arts (Police Studies)

Bachelor of Arts (Police Studies)

General information
Objectives of the BA(Police Studies) degree
Admission requirements

General information

Course code: 0419
Coordinator: Associate Professor Brian Costar

Objectives of the BA(Police Studies) degree

A primary objective of the Bachelor of Arts (Police Studies) is to provide academic and professional analysis of the policing process within appropriate social, political, legal and historical contexts. This objective is pursued both within the compulsory police studies major and through the cognate majors and minors also available. Upon completion of the course, students are expected to:

be able to analyse a range of academic viewpoints in relation to the profession of policing and law enforcement;
have acquired an understanding of (i) the complexities which exist between policing and law enforcement and the society which police and other law enforcers serve; and (ii) theoretical approaches to the study of policing and law enforcement;
have achieved analytical insights into the academic study of police management;
have developed contemporary knowledge and expertise in academic disciplines complementary to police studies;
have developed research and writing skills which will enable them to construct briefing, positions and policy statements within their chosen vocational environment.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements (a) Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) by obtaining a grade average of C in units three and four of English and a grade average of D in at least three other studies; or (b) qualifications and/or experience acceptable to the faculty's admissions committee.
At present, (b) above is interpreted as comprising completion of the Victoria Police Initial Phase Course of nineteen weeks duration plus three years police service. A similar interpretation is to be extended to members of the Australian Federal Police and other law enforcement or associated organisations whose initial training duration is similar to that of Victoria Police. These admission requirements should be regarded as minimal.