Overview
The MSc Policing and Security Transformation is specifically designed for working professionals in the policing and security industries. The course is delivered over six study weekends per year as well as online lectures, allowing you to complete this master’s course part-time over two years and balance work, life, and your studies.
The course takes a unique approach and is designed with a clear focus on transformation to support your progression or diversification aspirations - ideal given the current landscape of policing and security, which increasingly focuses on accredited learning and qualifications. Whether you would like to work towards career progression or you would like to diversify into different areas/sectors, this course will enable you to gain the necessary applied knowledge.
You will study key topics including leadership, organisational change, public trust, ‘futures’ of the industries such as impact of AI, collaborative working and data management. You will also have the opportunity to apply your learning in a work-based learning module. The dissertation module enables to you dig deep into a specialist area you are truly passionate about. Throughout the course you will be guided by highly qualified academics and experts within the field.
Our research centre, Canterbury Centre for Policing Research, will enable you to always be up to date with current research, as well as providing networking opportunities. The course is designed with your professional background in mind and a feedback loop between your organisation and CCCU can be established to inform feedback choices.
Why study MSc Policing & Security Transformation at CCCU?
- At CCCU, we have over 25 years of policing education experience and are embedded within a multidisciplinary strategy of security studies.
- The course will cover areas such as cover public trust, data management, transformation planning, the impact of AI and facilitates you exploring a topic you are truly passionate about as part of a large dissertation.
- This course is specifically designed for busy, working professionals, and is delivered over six study weekend per year with supplementary evening online lectures.
- You will participate in applied simulated decision-making exercises in our immersive Hydra Suite.
- Become part of a School with its own research centre – The Canterbury Centre for Policing Research.
As a serving officer, it was important to me that the postgraduate journey I embark on is one which is suitable for a working professional. This course allowed me to explore areas of policing which were new to me and gain a fresh perspective on contemporary issues relating to security. The course team were immensely supportive and understanding throughout.
Dan, Policing postgraduate alumni
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:2 in a HEA Undergraduate degree or have been awarded a Postgraduate degree.
Candidates who do not meet the above criteria will be reviewed on a case by case basis and will be required to demonstrate they have relevant professional experience (e.g. in areas including, or such as policing or security) for a minimum of at least three years relevant professional experience AND relevant CPD will be considered on a ‘case by case’ basis and may be required to attend an interview.
CCCU IELTS for Standard PGT courses apply.
CCCU Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process apply.
Module information
Core/optional modules
*Modules subject to approval
How you’ll learn
Each academic year is divided into three trimesters. You will study one or two modules per trimester. You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, work-based learning, and practical workshops. You will typically have around 30 contact hours per module. These will be delivered in compressed chunks. Within, you will attend two study-weekends (Friday afternoon and Saturday) in Canterbury and online lectures. You will also complete a work-based learning module or placement where you can apply gained and developing knowledge in real life.
Seminars in smaller groups will enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures. In addition, you will meet with your Personal Academic Tutor, who will be able to assist you with any queries or problems that you may have. They will also be able to signpost you to any of the University services should you need them.
When not attending lectures, seminars, workshops or other timetabled sessions you will continue learning through self-study. We will provide at least 20 hours of guided independent learning per module. Beyond, it is expected that for each hour of guided learning, you spend approximately three to four hours learning independently. Typically, this involves reading journal articles and books, undertaking research in the library, working on projects, and preparing for assessments, workshops and seminars.
Your Module Leader will direct you towards specific readings and/or activities to complete before sessions.
The Dissertation in your final year will require you to choose a topic related to policing and/or security and conduct independent research. You will work under the supervision of a member of the academic team who will guide you through the dissertation process. You will meet with your supervisor regularly.
On average, each module will require: 30 hours of your attendance at taught sessions, 20 hours of guided independent learning (e.g. preparation for taught sessions by completing readings and specified activities), and 150 hours of independent learning (e.g. completing assessments).
The team consists of highly qualified academics. All our team members hold postgraduate and teaching qualifications and are research active. Many of them are pracademics, meaning that they also have operational experience in policing and / or security services. They have experience in delivering research-informed teaching. We will often invite guest lecturers to deliver a lecture, seminar, or workshop who are experts in their field of policing or security. This allows you to have direct contact with other professionals working in the field, building your professional networks and opening opportunities for further professional development.
The course team employs a variety of learning and teaching strategies which include immersive environments, such as Hydra or VR facilities. Regular drop-in sessions with the course team are scheduled throughout the course, and social time is also embedded into the schedule of the study weekends to ensure that you will learn in a comfortable and inclusive environment.
Dr Katarina MozovaCourse Director
How you’ll be assessed
The MSc Policing and Security Transformation assessments are designed to be appropriate to postgraduate study as well develop skills relevant to the your professional practice and further enhance your employability for career advancement or change. In addition to the essays which develop academic style, a number of the written assessments take a form of reports, reflecting the need for focused and concise approached coupled with analysis that’s a key for effective communication in the sector.
Similarly, you will be asked to submit portfolios which include elements enhancing professional skills such as designing a training plan and reflective writing. In line with general movements in policing and security which focus on collaboration, you will also engage in a group assignment. The course team is mindful of the need to effectively communicate in a number of different ways and that is why the assessment strategy also utilises different digital assignments (e.g. a podcast or a blog post).
You will also be assessed via practical exercises (e.g. using industry relevant software). The Applied Research Project itself is assessed via a digital assignment and a dissertation which is aimed at developing your ability to design, execute, and present an independent empirical project enhancing industry specific policy and practice.
Modules integrate study skills and use formative seminar tasks to help you plan and prepare their assessments. Module leaders and Personal Academic Tutors can provide feedback on assignment plans and sample draft work in addition to the summative feedback after submission. The course assessment strategy is 100% course work – in other words, there are no exams.
Your future career
Whilst we appreciate that you are undertaking this course as a currently working professional, we are still placing much focus on career prospects. We understand that you might want to progress further within your current organisation (e.g. into a more specialist or senior role) or diversify beyond your current organisation and explore a completely new career pathway.
You may consider careers with public services, such as: police services, National Crime Agency (NCA), Security Service (MI5), Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS), HM Prison & Probation Service, UK Border Agency, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
You may also consider careers in private security, such as: G4S, Serco, Securitas, Mitie, or as investigators and security personnel in other companies. And also consider careers in the military, such as Royal Military Police, Defence Serious Crime Unit (DSCU).
You may also wish to take your education even further and embark on further postgraduate study via a PhD.
We designed this course specifically for busy working professionals looking to progress their careers further or diversify within and beyond their current organisation. Our employability team, alongside the course team, can support you in learning more about your options. The course allows you to become equipped with the knowledge and skills which are truly reflective of contemporary issues in policing and security.
Dr Katarina MozovaCourse Director
Fees
Tuition fees for this course
| UK | Overseas | |
| Part-time | £4,775 | £7,750 |
20% Alumni Discount
We offer alumni discounts on CCCU Postgraduate Taught, PGCE Primary and Secondary, and Master's by Research courses for eligible students.
Find out if you're eligible for the discount.
Important Information on Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for all courses which last more than one academic year are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.
There will be an annual inflationary increase in tuition fees for this course where the course lasts more than one academic year. For further information read the Tuition fee statements and continuing fee information.
Industry links
The School has a number of existing relationships with key policing and security organisations both in the UK and beyond. The course is able to draw from these for their extensive pool of guest speakers who are passionate about contributing to the development and further education of their peers. This, coupled with the course team’s own diverse academic and professional backgrounds, and the diversity of the cohort itself, drawing from different organisations within the sector, provides the students with ample opportunities for networking. The course places a strong emphasis on research and evidence-based knowledge in informing teaching, and in addition to the formal curriculum, the students are encouraged to engaged with the rich programme of extracurricular activities offered via the Canterbury Centre of Policing Research and the wider School and University research events.