University of Staffordshire

As I approach retirement in July after 30 years of policing, I find myself reflecting not only on my career, but on one of the most significant personal milestones of my final years in service: completing my Master’s in Leadership of Policing with Staffordshire University.

Undertaking a part-time, remote postgraduate degree at this stage in my life was not something I ever imagined I would do. Had I not attended a seminar where one of the course leads gave an overview of the programme, I doubt I would have enrolled at all. That single session changed the trajectory of my final professional chapter. The clarity, honesty and insight offered made the programme feel accessible rather than intimidating, and the encouragement I received gave me the confidence to take the leap.

Returning to formal study after many years away from academia was daunting. At times I experienced real imposter syndrome and questioned whether I belonged on a master’s programme. Balancing full-time work, personal commitments and academic deadlines was challenging, and there were moments when I found it tough. Yet those difficult periods were also where the growth happened. Each assignment, each piece of feedback and each online discussion gradually built my confidence and reminded me that I was capable.

One of the defining strengths of the programme has been the enthusiasm and encouragement of the course leads. They are genuinely invested in their students’ development. Their passion for leadership, ethical practice and reflective professionalism shines through in every session. Feedback has consistently been constructive and developmental, which reignited my desire to learn and to fully engage. I have felt valued not just as a student, but as a practitioner with lived experience.

The programme has offered far more than a formal qualification. After three decades in policing, it would have been easy to rely solely on experience. Instead, this degree has challenged me to question assumptions, engage with research and critically analyse leadership theory in the context of modern policing. Studying remotely while still operational has allowed me to apply theory directly to practice, strengthening both my leadership and my self-awareness.

The flexibility of the part-time remote model has been crucial. Without it, undertaking postgraduate study would not have been realistic. The weekly online sessions have provided structure and consistency, and discussions have been enriched by the diverse backgrounds of fellow officers.

If I were to suggest one enhancement, it would be the introduction of more facilitated informal peer connection. While the formal sessions are excellent, there is limited structured space for casual engagement. A short, optional online check-in focused on peer support and connection might further strengthen the experience, particularly for those managing self-doubt in a remote environment.

Completing this Master’s has been a true highlight of my professional life. It represents courage to step outside my comfort zone, resilience to push through doubt, and fulfilment in achieving something deeply personal. I retire proud of my policing career, but also proud that I leave with a contemporary, research-informed qualification. I am incredibly glad I chose this path, and even more glad that I walked it with Staffordshire University!