Course overview

This part time distance learning course is specifically designed for police officers and those in related occupations in any country seeking to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding at an advanced/ strategic level of policing organisations, their management and the changing external context, including the political context, in which they operate. It aims to develop the ability to apply knowledge and understanding of the theories of public sector and policing management to complex issues, including strategic management and leading effective change, both systematically and creatively, to improve practice. It also aims to promote the enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development.

Whilst not rank or role specific, this degree has been specifically designed for those working in middle and senior management or leadership roles in the police, or aspiring to that role. It will also be relevant to people working in other justice and/or security organizations at a similar level. It is consistent with and complementary to higher potential development schemes (e.g. emerging leaders programme) available in some police forces as part of a talent management strategy.

The programme provides students with an opportunities to study a range of subjects and will facilitate them the opportunity to design, research and write a substantial piece of academic written work.

Course content

The specific programme aims are

• To develop students’ advanced understanding of public sector organisations, their management and the changing external context, including the political context, in which they operate;
• Preparation for and / or development of a career in public administration/ public sector management by developing skills at a professional level or as preparation for research or further study in the area; 
• Develop the ability to apply knowledge and understanding of the theories of public administration and public sector management to complex issues, both systematically and creatively, to improve practice;
• Enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development so as to be able to work with self-direction and originality and to contribute to the field of public administration and to society at large.
• To examine the issues involved in policing communities and groups within the criminal justice context, including an understanding of operational skills and how they impact on communities;
• To develop students’ understanding of the policy process, strategic management and leading effective change, and the application of leadership in effective policing 
• To provide opportunities for students to study a range of criminal justice, management and police science subjects. 

The course is studied part-time by distance learning from any location world-wide (two year study schedule)

Units of Study

• Policing Communities (30 credits)
• Managing Justice and Security Organisations (30 credits)
• Comparative Public Policy and Administration (30 credits)
• Strategic Public Management and Leading Effective Change (30 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits) 1,500 Proposal and 13,500 Dissertation/Project

Please note that the course structure may vary from year to year to reflect contemporary developments, however, course content and learning opportunities will not be diminished by this. 

Teaching and assessment

Assessment is based upon a range or written assignments including essays, reports, literature reviews and a dissertation/ extended project. For each assignment full academic support is provided by an academic subject expert and you will be provided with academic supervisor once you have identified the subject of your dissertation/project.

Student Support

All distance learning students are supported in the initial stages by the extended Induction Programme. Immediately following induction, an “engagement officer” proactively ensures any  issues are resolved rapidly, and thereafter personal support is provided by their Course Leader for the duration of their studies. 

Academic support will be delivered by the relevant academic Unit Coordinators and the Course Leader. This will take the form of online, telephone and email. All students have access to the formal and informal areas of the course discussion areas (Graduate Common Room, etc) and student peer support and Library support services in the specific discussion rooms.

Career prospects

Given the broad range of issues considered and the skills acquired throughout the degree programme, our students graduate with a portfolio of knowledge, skills and abilities that supports their continuing professional development and preparation for advancement, or lateral development, and who have potential to reach senior positions within their organization.

Facilities and features

You will have access to a full range of online materials and University facilities. These include access to online library facilities. Each unit will be supported by an academic unit coordinator.

The joint course leaders are Dr Bob Golding, lately Assistant Chief Constable and now a senior associate lecturer with ICJS; and Dr Gary Barrett from the School of Social Historical and Literary Studies, lately senior professional executive in a (non- police) public sector organization. This approach to the course development and its delivery is intended to bring a broader perspective to the course without compromising the distinct public sector focus and needs of students. As such, the course draws on the expertise and facilities of two of the University’s leading Departments.

You will also have the option to attend a study school each year.

Academic Skills Development

Relevant Unit Coordinators will act proactively, for example in contacting those students whose performance appears to indicate that they would benefit from study support. A marker referral system is also in place to identify specific academic skills gaps and their resolution via additional skills support.

The library

The library is renowned for its high quality, responsive and customised support to students studying at a distance or seeking to research criminal justice projects at a distance. A range of library services for distance learning students are provided to supplement the broad range of online academic resources (e-journals and e-books, etc) available to all. 

• Library service for distance learning students 
• Criminology subject resources

Further support

• Academic Skills Unit 
• Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MPA Policing are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Tel: +44 (023) 9284 3982
Email: bob.golding@port.ac.uk