MSc
Policing, Policy and Leadership
Develop leadership skills for police and security sector bodies
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This course has been specifically designed for police officers and those in related occupations with an interest in securing or enhancing a role that requires knowledge and skills in policing, policy and management. You may apply your learning to your own organisation as part of the programme, which meets relevant occupational standards for the police and/or security organisations/services.
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.
What will I experience?
On this course you will examine:
- 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
- Organisational and resource management in the context of operational delivery
What opportunities might it lead to?
Given the broad range of issues considered and the skills acquired throughout the degree, you will 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. Others have also found this course useful in developing their professional portfolio as a means of securing employment in policing or security-related organisations.
How do I apply?
Complete the University's online application form (not a UCAS form)
The various workshops and seminars I attend in line with my course have awakened my knowledge much more than I ever imagined.
Marvin Adim Nwaefulu, law and criminology student 2013
Key Facts
- Duration
- 2 years part time distance learning, 3 years part time distance learning
- Entry
A second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Exceptionally, applicants with strong relevant criminal justice experience will be considered.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 in Reading and Writing components.- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: distance learning - 2 year route: £2,000 p/a*, distance learning - 3 year route: £1,330 p/a*.
International students: distance learning - 2 year route: £2,000 p/a*, distance learning - 3 year route: £1,330 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- bob.golding@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 3982 - Department
- Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Structure & Teaching
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.
Teaching and Assessment
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 your course leader for the duration of your studies.
All ICJS campus-based students will be assigned a personal tutor, responsible for pastoral support and guidance, and have access to University support services including careers, financial advice, housing and counselling etc.
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 support areas of the course discussions areas (Graduate Common Room), student peer support and library support services in specific discussion rooms.
How are you assessed?
Assessment is based upon a range of written assignments including essays, case study, a literature review and research proposal focused 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 your dissertation subject area.
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
Distance Learning
Pioneering distance learning programmes for professionals
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 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.
Distance Learning
Our distinctive approach to supported distance learning, robust procedures for the accreditation of prior learning and modular award framework not only help facilitate access to higher education but also offer flexible and transferable platforms for life-long learning.
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 a supervisory, management or leadership role in the police, or aspiring to that role, as well as those working in the development of operational policy and/or strategy. 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.
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.