MPA
Policing
Develop your skills as a leader in policing organisations
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This 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, including their management and the changing external context, as well as the political context in which they operate.
This degree is modelled on the successful MPA degree delivered in support of the Metropolitan Police Emerging Leaders Programme, which has been running since 2010.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Apply knowledge and understanding of the theories of public administration and public sector management to complex issues, both systematically and creatively
- Enhance your lifelong learning skills and personal development so you are able to work with self-direction and originality
- Examine the issues involved in policing communities within the criminal justice context, including an understanding of operational skills and how they impact on communities
- Understand the policy process, strategic management and leading effective change, as well as the application of leadership in effective policing
What opportunities might it lead to?
Given the broad range of issues considered and the skills acquired throughout this degree, you will graduate with a portfolio of knowledge, skills and abilities that supports your continuing professional development and prepares you for advancement, or lateral development, giving you the potential to reach senior positions within your organisation.
To say that I have enjoyed the course would be a significant understatement. It's right up there on the list of best things in my life, which is not to suggest for one moment that I found it easy. With my other colleagues who have stayed the course, we have found the last year, in particular, to have been ridiculously challenging, which is probably what made it so good!
Nick Aldworth, MPA Policing student 2013
Key Facts
- Duration
- 2 years part time distance learning
- Entry
Entry to this route of the MPA is restricted to Police Service employees and any other criminal justice professionals who meet the selection criteria. Please contact the department for further details.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 or equivalent with no component less than 6.0.- Fees
Please contact the academic department for further details regarding funding for this course.
- Contact
- bob.golding@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 3982 - Department
- Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Structure & Teaching
The course is studied part-time by distance learning from any location worldwide.
You will study the following units:
- Policing Communities
- Managing Justice and Security Organisations
- Comparative Public Policy and Administration
- Strategic Public Management and Leading Effective Change
- Dissertation
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
Academic support will be delivered by the relevant academic unit coordinators and the course leader via the internet, telephone and email. All students have access to the formal and informal areas of the online course discussion areas (Graduate Common Room), student peer support and library support services in the specific discussion rooms.
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 your course leader for the duration of your studies.
How are you assessed?
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 also have an academic supervisor once you have identified the your dissertation/project subject.
Facilities & Features
ICJS
One of the UK's leading centres for research and course provision in criminology, criminal justice and police studies
Professional Links
Links with the criminal justice sector: local, national and international
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
ICJS
The Institute of Criminal Justice Studies was founded in 1992 and has since grown to comprise 50 academic staff and more than 1,800 students. Now an internationally-renowned focal point for the multidisciplinary study of crime and criminal justice processes, it draws together expertise in criminological analysis, applied psychology, police governance and management, victimology, penology, risk and security.
Professional Links
Our extensive experience and close professional relationships with the police service and criminal justice agencies ensure that our courses reflect the changing needs of the profession. You may benefit from these links by hearing guest speakers, listening to leading-edge research and being helped to find professional work placements.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
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 such roles. It will also be relevant to people working in other justice and/or security organisations at a similar level. It is consistent with and complementary to the higher potential development schemes (e.g. emerging leaders programme) that are available in some police forces as part of their talent management strategy.
Career planning
One of the benefits of studying at Portsmouth is the support that we provide to our Master's and Research Degrees students in career planning. Our careers and recruitment service – Purple Door – can assist you in career research and finding employment opportunities. Help is also available if you wish to find a part-time job while studying your degree. We offer our postgraduate students and alumni one-to-one appointments with a careers adviser, or an online service for those not able to travel back to the University. Our alumni can call on our career services for five years after graduation.
In addition, regular employability events offer you the chance to meet employers, find out about different career sectors and improve your applications or CV. The Graduate Summer Programme provides a range of guidance and employability seminars and workshops.