MSc Policing & Security Transformation

The module aims to help you develop a critical appreciation of the external and internal challenges facing police and security leaders of varying levels through in-depth study of important problem areas of their work and how it is responding to change. It also assists you in developing an understanding of these issues through different theoretical lenses and allows you to develop a range of skills, knowledge and aptitude to be able to respond to many of these changes in a proactive manner. Considering the current policing and security climate, the topic of public trust forms a key part of the content of this module. We explore the theoretical foundations and factors influencing public trust and confidence, the role of agencies in fostering trust, as well as key strategies and tools for building and maintaining trust in diverse and ‘difficult’ to reach communities.

This module examines the benefits, challenges and pragmatic aspects of collaborative working in and across law enforcement, community safety and security settings. You will learn about the significance of collaborative working and work on creating best practice arrangements.

This module will enable and encourage you to implement academic, practical, and reflective learning in your professional project, which will include work based learning in your own organisation (or alternatively if you are looking to diversify your career). The module aims to give you the opportunity to apply learning 'in action' , allowing you to be part of evidence-based problem solving.

The module aims to help you understand the vital role good quality project planning, research, and data management systems play in effective decision making and outcomes in policing and security. It aims to expose you to effective use but also misuse of data and impact on your work. Alongside, the module aims to develop an understanding of key skill and knowledge areas in contemporary and future data management. This is achieved through gaining a sound understanding of industry relevant software (e.g. NVivo, R, SPSS) and the utility of AI for data and research management. Completing this module will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to proceed onto your Major Project module in Year 2.

The module aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the evolving landscape and future operating environment of policing and security in the 21st century. You will identify and critically analyse and evaluate the risks, threats and opportunities posed by technological advancements, societal changes, and global developments that shape the future of policing and security practices. You will learn and apply a futures toolkit and techniques, to be able to plan for a range of future scenarios in policing and the security sector.

During this module, you will build upon your data, research and project management skills from earlier modules and draw upon your professional experiences, to identify and produce your own, unique piece of research. You will conduct your own original research, on a topic of your choosing, and learn how to communicate findings in varied formats effectively so that they can impact change in an organisation.