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.

If you have an academic/professional background in policing, law enforcement and security, or in a related subject (such as criminology, criminal justice, law, psychology or other social science subject), this course will give you the opportunity to further your studies and research topics of contemporary interest. 

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.

Job Prospects
The MSc has been designed following consultation with policing, law enforcement and security agencies, so that the content delivers the key knowledge requirements of professionals currently working in that field. The course will provide you with an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the complexities of policing, law enforcement and security in contemporary society.

While studying our MSc in Policing, Law Enforcement and Security, you will develop skills that are in high demand with employers across all sectors. You will be equipped with substantial knowledge and understanding of theoretical and methodological approaches to contemporary policing, law enforcement and security. Furthermore, you will possess excellent transferable skills, which are developed through all modules, and, in particular, within the research methods module.

Career paths identified include roles within policing, the Youth Offending Service, Prison and Probation Service, the National Crime Agency, and the Civil Service, but the knowledge, abilities and skills developed throughout the course will prove valuable in a wide range of central and local government areas. Additionally, you can choose to further your studies and undertake a PhD.