MSc
Security Management
Informed by the latest thinking in the security sector
Course Overview
Why take this course?
Security management has become an increasingly important issue in organisations, with many now employing specialists to protect their people, assets, information and reputation from risks such as crime, fraud, accidents and protesters. This course is therefore designed to meet this increased need for enhanced professionalism.
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?
- Develop your knowledge and skills to meet new guidelines and regulations
- Improve your career prospects for employment or promotion
What opportunities might it lead to?
Who should attend the course?
- Graduates seeking a specialist qualification to secure a job in security
- Security and fraud risk professionals holding a good honours degree
- Policy-makers with a responsibility for security with a good honours degree
How do I apply?
Complete the University's online application form (not a UCAS form)
The course is designed in such a way that you can pace yourself and spread it over a long period. Support, advice and help were always at hand from the lecturers and other students.
Will Smith, MSc Security Management student
Key Facts
- Duration
- 1 year full time, 2 or 3 years distance learning
- Entry
A good honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 or equivalent. Campus-based applicants require a minimum score of 6.0 in all individual components. Distance learning applicants require a minimum score of 6.0 in reading and writing components.- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £4,500, 2 year route - distance learning students: £2,000 p/a*, 3 year route - distance learning students: £1,330 p/a*.
International full-time students: £10,500, 2 year route - distance learning students: £2,000 p/a*, 3 year route - distance learning students: £1,330 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- mark.button@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 3923 - Department
- Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Course:
MSc Security Management
Academic staff and former students from the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies talk about their experience of studying for a Master's degree in Security Management and of professionalising the security industry.
Structure & Teaching
- Security Management (Campus Block Teaching)
- Crisis Management and Governance (Campus Block Teaching)
- Research Methods and Research Management (Campus Teaching and Distance Learning)
- 15,000-word Dissertation
- One option from:
- Cybercrime, Security and Risk Management (Campus Block Teaching)
- Investigation and Psychology (Campus Teaching and Distance Learning)
- Countering Fraud and Corruption in the Public and Private Sectors (Campus Teaching and Distance Learning)
- White Collar Crime (Campus Teaching)
- Organisational Risk and the Environment (Campus Block Teaching)
- Policing and Police Reform (Campus Teaching)
- Managing Justice and Security Organisations (Distance Learning)
Please note that all options are subject to minimum student numbers and may not all be available. In addition, the course structure may vary from year to year. However, course content and learning opportunities will not be diminished by this.
Teaching and Assessment
Full-time campus-based
This course is delivered on campus via lectures, seminars and the latest e-resources. Some of the core units are shared with distance learning students over intensive teaching blocks.
Part-time (distance learning and block teaching)
This mode is delivered by a combination of campus-based intensive teaching, distance learning and the latest e-resources. You will need to attend on campus for the teaching of the following core units:
- Security Management
- Crisis Management and Governance
- Cybercrime, Security and Risk Management (optional unit)
Academic support
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.
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.
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 online course discussions areas (Graduate Common Room), student peer support and library support services in specific discussion rooms.
How are you assessed?
Assessment will be based upon a range of written assignments including essays, reports, a presentation, a dissertation proposal and a dissertation of 15,000 words.
Tutor's view
Professor Mark Button
Security Management
The course has been designed with the help of professionals and introduces you to the diversity of security management as well as some of the latest cutting-edge ideas and research to enhance your employability.
Facilities & Features
ICJS
One of the UK's leading centres for research and course provision in criminology, criminal justice and police studies
Meeting Professional Needs
A course designed to meet the needs of security professionals
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.
Meeting Professional Needs
Designed with input from security professionals and delivered in partnership with Portsmouth Business School, this course prepares you for employment in the diverse security management sector. You will explore the latest cutting-edge ideas and research in security, improving your core transferable skills in security management, crisis management and governance, with options covering fraud, investigation, cybercrime and organisational risk.
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.
Portsmouth provided the environment necessary for me to develop and succeed. The support I received from the tutors and lecturers was invaluable. I relied heavily on the extensive catalogue of books and journals available in the library. The staff in the library were always accommodating, helpful and generous with their time.
David Davey, MSc Security Management student
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
Risks and new regulation have increased the needs for enhanced professionalism in the field. This course is designed to help those working in the field to gain the relevant skills and knowledge to meet these needs. It may also be followed by those wishing to enter employment in this sector.
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.