Study Policing, Law Enforcement and Security MSc

Course Highlights

In todays rapidly evolving world, the need for effective policing, law enforcement and security measures has never been greater. As society faces new and complex challenges, the MSc in Policing, Law Enforcement and Security at the University of Chester prepares professionals to safeguard our communities and uphold justice.

The course demonstrates how theoretical knowledge gained during your studies is incorporated into strategies and applied in practice in law enforcement. You'll gain a deeper knowledge and critical appreciation/understanding of how policing and law enforcement prevent and address crime.

You will study topics such as transnational crime, human trafficking and cross-border law enforcement cooperation, which are priority areas for policing, law enforcement and security organisations, and you'll gain the practical skills to undertake risk assessments. You'll also look at culture, accountability and social justice issues, with a focus on improving policing practices, reducing systemic inequalities and fostering trust within communities, providing you with a critical appraisal of professional and ethical issues in policing and law enforcement.

With extensive practitioner experience on the academic teaching team and guest sessions with serving practitioners from specialist law enforcement agencies, including the police service and the National Crime Agency, you can expect research-informed teaching which is brought to life by referring to real-world scenarios.

This course will equip you with the knowledge, systematic understanding and critical awareness of using policing/criminological research to design and implement evidence-based policing practices to shape reform and innovation. You will develop a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods appropriate to postgraduate research in policing, law enforcement and security. As part of the course, you will design/conduct/report on an independent piece of research, enabling you to showcase the professional and transferable skills you have obtained/advanced throughout the course, and which can be put to use during further professional training in the policing and law enforcement sector or elsewhere. On completion of the course, you may choose to undertake doctoral research or progress to a research career.

Course Modules

Learning Structure

Teaching

• The majority of teaching is in small groups in lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Assessment

• There is a wide range of assessments designed to help you consolidate your learning and develop key skills, so you will be equipped for a variety of careers.
• Assessments include coursework, research portfolio, presentations and a research dissertation.
• The use of authentic assessments include the risk management plan and professional discussion, multi-agency plan/strategy and an intelligence plan.

Entry Requirements

• 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant (such as criminology, criminal justice, law, psychology or other social science subject) discipline with CGPA 2.75 or 60% of marks (or above) from recognised institution.

  CGPA 2.50 is acceptable of the following universities:

  1. North South University (NSU)
  2. BRAC University
  3. Independent University Bangladesh (IUB)
  4. American International University Bangladesh (AIUB)
  5. Asian University for Women (AUW)
  6. Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP)
• A 2:2 or above honours degree in a relevant (such as criminology, criminal justice, law, psychology or other social science subject) discipline.
• If you have a professional background in policing, law enforcement and security, are able to apply.

English Language Requirements

Documentary Evidence List

• Academic Transcripts
• Degree Certificate
• English Test (IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE/ Duolingo - UKVI accepted)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• 2 Recommendation Letters (LORs)
• Updated CV/ Resume
• Research Proposal (for Research/ PhD)
• Work Experience Certificates (if study gap)
• Passport Copy

Study Gaps

For applicants with an academic or professional gap of up to 5 years, admission is generally considered acceptable. If the gap exceeds this period, applications may still be successful but will typically be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To strengthen your profile, it is important to:

• Provide a clear explanation of how you spent the gap period (e.g., employment, further learning, personal responsibilities).
• Emphasize the skills and experiences you developed during this time that are relevant to the program.
• Demonstrate that your academic qualifications continue to meet the course entry requirements.