Course summary

This is for you if... you have, or aspire to have, responsibility for crime prevention, risk and security within your organisation. The increasing professionalisation of the security industry has meant that both existing security professionals and those seeking entry into the profession view a postgraduate degree as essential to their career ambitions. The course will not only enable you to develop your academic knowledge of crime, risk and security management, but it will also strengthen your professional skills and abilities. This distance learning degree will provide you with a thorough knowledge of security and crime risk analysis and management. You will develop an understanding of a range of theoretical models that explain why and how people commit crime, how to analyse and assess risk, and how to manage security. You will gain a thorough grounding in theory and practice of security and risk management. The course will equip you with the skills to engage in informed debate about major issues in security and risk management and to design, conduct and critically appraise research and develop new approaches to problem solving which can be applied in practice. You will also benefit from regular supported learning events – including an online Induction, an introduction to academic skills, and real time webinars with your Personal Tutor. You will also be invited to attend two online Study Schools, delivered by academics from the School of Criminology and wider University, that will allow you to develop your study skills and ability to conduct research. Study schools are held during Module 1 - Exploring and Understanding Risk and Security, and again at the start of your dissertation. Attendance is encouraged but optional and there is no additional cost involved. The course will be of immense professional value if you are working within a security context, either in the private or public sector and want to further your career. Our MSc will support your professional work experience with an academic qualification which will enhance your CV and be used as evidence to demonstrate to your current or potential employer your skills and abilities. Our links to the security industry – free Security Institute Membership: Our Department has long-establishment links to the security industry. We offer free membership to The Security Institute to all our distance learning students for the duration of their studies. The Security Institute is the UK's largest membership body for security professionals and there are several benefits of membership including: access to the Security Institute Mentoring Programme, the opportunity to participate in the Security Institute CPD Scheme and access to the Research Directorate Knowledge Centre.