Police Leadership, Strategy and Organisation MSc

The course is made up of three stages - Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc. There may be the option of a practical placement, subject to numbers and security clearance.

You’ll study the below core modules:

You’ll examine the complex political, legal, financial and operational challenges of working with local and national government and the community as stakeholders. This module explores the relationship with democratic and regulatory bodies as well as the strategies that secure police independence, the rule of law and due process in a society which aims to reflect liberal values such as representation, civil liberties, free expression and accountability. There is also a focus on business, political and economic measures for practical engagement with oversight authorities, the courts and government.

You’ll consider the changes needed for reorientation of policing organisations to meet 21st century priorities, including the move towards community partnerships and proactive problem-solving. This module addresses the role of the police as facilitators, leaders and enablers, with a broader look at strategic planning, policy development and organisational transparency, including political accountability through Police and Crime Commissioners. You’ll look at logistical issues of resourcing and deployment, with personnel, training and development placed within the context of best practice in strategic human resources. You’ll also explore issues centred on ICT systems and data.

This module will equip you with the practical techniques to engage in postgraduate academic research and in real-world studies which support organisational analysis and improvement.

You’ll study the below core modules:

You’ll develop advanced skills in multi-agency and inter-agency working and explore the situation of policing within the network of social, private sector and public organisations. You will also consider the tools required to build, develop and maximise partner relationships in addressing criminal activity. Public sector interactions and the challenges of inter-agency working, data sharing and organisational culture will be explored, together with contractual considerations through the use of case studies. In addition, this module enables you to examine the role of the media as partners in crime prevention and public engagement and the opportunities now presented through social media.

You’ll handle and critique live research case studies conducted in the field, examining and exploring the emerging findings and results so that you can identify what works within the policing arena. This module directly supports the police professionalisation agenda and acknowledges that police leaders, along with other public sector providers, are increasingly being asked to account for their utilisation of resources. The critical importance of research, monitoring and evaluation frameworks in operational decision-making will be examined in depth.

You can then choose one of the following optional modules:

Presenting a comprehensive analysis of various criminal justice systems throughout the world to explore which policing, investigation, deterrents and correction methods are most ‘effective.’

Focusing on how practitioners carry out investigations, including intelligence and evidence gathering, at a time when important scientific and technological developments have had a considerable impact on practice.

Treatment of vulnerable victims and witnesses has changed greatly over the past 20 years. This module follows an investigation through to trial, with case studies outlining potential pitfalls and solutions. Topics include identifying and protecting vulnerable victims and witnesses, pre-interview contact, multi-agency working, interviewing and pre-trial preparation.

You will explore the process and context of criminal investigation, the underlying theories and the factors that influence approaches to it. This module delivers a real insight into how to question suspects and obtain a reliable account.

An opportunity to critically analyse the impact of police investigative practices on serious and complex crime such as homicide, with particular focus on the investigative interviewing of suspects.

Explores the necessary police business skills relevant to contemporary policing and fiscal accountability. It will develop a systematic understanding of the ways in which policing is, and can be, delivered through a myriad of resourcing interpretations, particularly in a time of austerity and requirement to demonstrate best value.

Providing insight towards how to develop digital intelligence as a standardised tool. It will offer reflection on contemporary crime and victimisation, deconstruct the problem of 'cybercrime' into pre-existing categories of harm, and apply criminology and victimology insights to policy and practice.

Offering critical insight on how to develop financial intelligence as a standardised tool. It will focus on the context of the effective and ethical development, control and sharing of information, intelligence and evidence to support investigations.

A platform that will assist you to systemically and critically assess any form of criminality or victimisation, identifying opportunities for integrated approaches utilising financial and digital information, intelligence and evidence.

You’ll propose a realistic research issue within the context of policing, criminology or the criminal justice sector. You’ll then plan its execution, demonstrating a critical awareness of relevant literature and theories. You’ll be supervised by an Independent Studies Supervisor who can assist you during each stage of the process from selecting your topic and researching the context to presenting your findings.