About NPUC

The Norwegian Police University College is the central educational institution for the police service in Norway. The Norwegian Police University College was founded in 1992 and was accredited as University College on 18 June 2004, but the first organised training of policemen in Norway started already  in 1889.

The College’s director has overall responsibility for, and management of, the operation of the College.

The Norwegian Police University College is under the auspices of the Norwegian National Police Directorate and is responsible for providing basic training for work in the Norwegian Police Service and further professional development training to those already employed in the service.

Police training

The basic training for police officers is a three-year university college education aimed at providing a broad practical and theoretical foundation. This education leads to a bachelor’s degree. Its objective is to develop an understanding of all aspects of the role and duties of the police in our society – hereunder their preventive, controlling and enforcing aspects – and to provide the necessary knowledge and skills, as well as sound attitudes as regards professional ethics.

The first and third years of the study programme is taken at the College, while the second is a year of practice, in which the students are divided into groups at training units in police districts around the country. During certain periods of their education, the students are given training in practical policing assignments at the College’s own teaching centres in Stavern (JKØ) and Kongsvinger.

Post graduate Studies

The Norwegian Police University College has a comprehensive further education programme. The primary target group are police force employees. By being offered courses of long or short duration, the participants will be able to maintain, train and update their knowledge and skills, at the same time as they are given an opportunity for specialised professional training. The College offers a broad range of qualifying further education courses. The key areas of professional concentration are policing tasks, crime investigation and prevention, prosecution and administrative responsibilities, in addition to leadership.

The Police University College offers a Master’s degree in Police Science. The programme emphasises an analytical approach to policing.

Research

The Norwegian Police University College undertakes research and development activities and ensures a transfer of professional expertise within its fields.