Course summary

Do you want to lead, influence and improve policing and criminal justice in a complex world? Whether you are starting out or seeking to advance your career, our master’s degree will equip you with the knowledge, skills and professional confidence to make a real impact. This course is ideal if you want to build a career in policing, criminal justice, public protection, security, investigation, policy, or leadership within the public and third sectors. It also offers a strong foundation for those considering doctoral study or senior professional roles. Our MSc in Policing and Criminal Justice Leadership is a professionally focused postgraduate degree that is suitable for graduates from any academic background as well as for practitioners working across policing, criminal justice and related public services. Through a powerful blend of academic insight and professional experience in policing and criminal justice leadership, our teaching team aims to prepare you to respond effectively to the complex, high-risk and rapidly changing environment in which modern policing and justice organisations operate. This MSc is designed to enhance your career prospects and leadership potential across a wide range of functions. By the time you graduate, you will be able to critically analyse challenging problems, evaluate evidence, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and apply professional, ethical and legal reasoning to real-world decision-making. These transferable skills are in high demand across policing, criminal justice, government and related professional fields. What's covered in this course? The course explores the theory, policy and practice that shape policing and criminal justice in contemporary society. You will examine how crime, harm and risk are understood and managed, how decisions are made in high-pressure operational environments, and how leadership influences organisational performance, legitimacy, and public trust and confidence. You will study key areas, including professional policing, criminal justice policy, criminology, safeguarding and public protection, leadership and management, inclusion and equality, and the ethical and legal dimensions of modern policing. As part of your studies, you will focus particularly on the use of evidence and data in decision-making, including the ethical development and application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Our course incorporates an international perspective, recognising that crime and justice are increasingly global in nature. You will explore how organised crime, terrorism, cybercrime and transnational policing shape contemporary law enforcement and justice systems, preparing you to think beyond domestic boundaries when analysing crime and security. You’ll also benefit from a flexible blend of optional modules that complement the core material and allow you to tailor your learning to your professional interests and career ambitions. Professional Placement option This course offers an optional professional placement. This allows you to spend 20 weeks with an employer, following completion of your taught modules, and is a great way to enhance your employability. The experience you gain through your placement will allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. If you choose the placement option, you will be responsible for finding and securing a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you do not secure a suitable placement, you will automatically be transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.