MSc Policing

What you will study

During the course, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed for senior roles in policing and criminal justice. You will learn how to use research to improve policing practice, explore ethical and leadership challenges, and apply what you learn to real-life situations. The flexible structure allows you to focus on topics that suit your career and interests.

Modules

• Advanced Research Methods (Core): You will learn how to plan and carry out research using different methods. You will build confidence in collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to inform decisions and improve practice. 
• Contemporary Crime and Justice (Core): You will explore key issues in modern crime and justice, including social, political, and technological influences on policing and criminal justice today.
• Research Project (Core): You will complete an independent research project on a policing topic of your choice, applying research and problem-solving skills to produce a detailed piece of work.
• Negotiated Learning (Option): You will choose an area of policing or justice that interests you most and design your own learning plan, supported by expert guidance. 
• Evidence-Based Policing and Innovation (Option): You will discover how to use evidence and research to test, evaluate, and improve policing practice and develop innovative solutions to real challenges. 
• Trauma, Vulnerability and Wellbeing (Option): You will examine the impact of trauma and vulnerability on both victims and police professionals. The module explores how wellbeing, resilience, and trauma-informed approaches support effective and compassionate policing.
• Police Leadership, Ethics and Decision-Making (Option): You will explore leadership in policing, focusing on ethical behaviour, professionalism, and making sound decisions in complex and high-pressure environments.

Teaching & Assessment

You will learn through a combination of online lectures, interactive seminars, guided readings, and practical activities that relate theory to real-world policing. Teaching is designed to be flexible, allowing you to balance study with work or personal commitments. You will typically spend around 10–12 hours per week on taught content, with a further 15–20 hours dedicated to independent study, research, and assessment preparation. 

All modules are led by experienced lecturers with professional policing and academic expertise. You will take part in discussions, case studies, and problem-based learning, which encourage critical thinking and the practical application of knowledge.

Assessment is designed to test your understanding, analysis, and ability to apply learning to practice. You will be assessed through written assignments, reflective portfolios, presentations, and research projects. There are no traditional written exams. Instead, assessments are varied to support different learning styles and focus on developing skills relevant to senior roles in policing and criminal justice.

TEACHING AND LEARNING 

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. 

Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available. 

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference. 

Career prospects

Our dedicated Careers and Employability team is committed to helping you achieve your professional goals. They provide personalised advice, useful resources, and extracurricular employability events to prepare you for the job market.

Graduates of this course can pursue careers in: 

• Senior Police Officer
• Police Staff Manager or Analyst
• Intelligence or Counter-Terrorism Officer
• Policy or Strategy Advisor (Home Office or Police Authority)
• Criminal Justice Researcher or Analyst
• Lecturer or Trainer in Policing and Criminology
• Community Safety or Crime Prevention Manager
• Probation or Rehabilitation Services Manager
• Security and Risk Consultant
• International Policing or Law Enforcement Advisor

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our postgraduate fees.

International

This course is open to international students, for information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.