Course overview

All applicants should apply as soon as possible to reserve a place and ensure adequate preparations are made for the start of your studies. The latest we can receive an 'on time' application (with all associated documentation)is: 6 September 2013 (16 August 2013 for non-EU students). Applications received after this date may be processed, but your course induction and start to studies may well be disrupted.

This part-time distance learning course has been specifically designed for police officers and those in related occupations in any country with an interest in developing their knowledge and skills in policing, policy and management, either to enhance their current role or to prepare them for advancement. It has been designed to be compatible with relevant occupational standards for the police and/or security organisations/services. The course examines strategy and tactics around core policing in the context, for example, of policing diverse communities; policing policy and police leadership in the context of police governance and partnerships; and organisational and resource management in the context of operational delivery. You will have the opportunity to apply the application of learning to your own organisation as well as considering the application of leadership and management principles in other criminal justice and security organisations.

Whilst not rank or role specific, this degree has been specifically designed for those working in a supervisory, management or leadership role in the police, or aspiring to that role, and those working in the development of operational policy and/or strategy. It will also be relevant to people working in other justice and/or security organisations.

Course content

The available modes of study are

• Part-time by distance learning from any location world-wide (two or three year study schedule)

Units of Study

• Policing Communities (30 credits)
• Police Leadership:  Policing, Policy and Partnerships (30 credits)
• Managing Justice and Security Organisations (30 credits)
• Research Methods and Research Management (30 credits)
• 15,000 word Dissertation (60 credits)

Please note that the course structure may vary from year to year; course content and learning opportunities will not be diminished by this.

Unit descriptions

Policing Communities (30 credits)

This unit examines the contextual background to policing, including diversity and human rights, policing models and communities and community engagement.

Following that you will critically examine some of the key vocational and professional themes critical to the delivery of effective policing within that context, drawing on evidence from the UK and abroad and exploring, for example, public order policing, critical incident management, counter terrorism, police use of firearms, policing and intelligence, and international and transnational crime and policing.

Police Leadership: Policing, Policy and Partnerships (30 credits)

Modern policing operates in a complex environment of partnerships, governance, ethics and rights. Together with the challenges of the changing nature of criminality in the modern age, this creates an intricate setting within which police leaders have to navigate. This unit examines the key policy and organisational frameworks and contexts within the police and security arena, which are critical to the delivery of effective policy development and policy implementation in the twenty-first century policing environment.

Having developed an understanding of that environment, you will then develop a critical understanding of the policy process and the principles of leadership in a police and/or security organisational setting, with a view to developing your executive skills and awareness of how to manage and lead effectively in the modern policing context.

Managing Justice and Security Organisations (30 credits)

You will consider the challenge, knowledge, dilemmas and business skills of organisational and resource management in the rapidly changing police and security environment. A critical appreciation of relevant management schools of thought (theory and practice) will be developed.

You will then develop a critical appreciation of the application, in a police/security organisation environment, of relevant theories and techniques. This will include, for example, management theory, financial planning, HRM and people management, resource management and performance management. The decision-making, planning and problem-solving process will also be considered in the context of effective change management in the police and security environment.

Teaching and assessment

Assessment is based upon a range of written assignments including essays, case study, a literature review and research proposal focussed on your chosen project, and finally a 15,000 word dissertation. 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 area of your dissertation.

Student support

All ICJS distance learning students are supported in the initial stages by the extended Induction Programme (online and face-to-face). 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.

All ICJS campus-based students will be assigned a personal tutor, responsible for pastoral support and guidance, and have access to wider University support services including careers, financial advice, housing, counselling etc. via a dedicated Student Services Centre.

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 support areas of the course discussions areas (Graduate Common Room, etc) and student peer support and Library support services in 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 and abilities that supports a diverse range of career development opportunities in this field.

A significant number of our students are drawn from police officers and police staff seeking to further their career development in managerial roles in police and related organisations, or who aspire to such roles. As such, this degree is particularly valuable for those seeking continuing professional development in policing or related organisations and professions. A number of students have also found this course of study useful in developing their professional portfolio as a means of securing employment in a policing or security related organisations.

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 course leader is Dr Bob Golding, lately Assistant Chief Constable and now a senior associate lecturer with ICJS.

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

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MSc Policing, Policy and Leadership 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