Who is the policing master’s degree suitable for?
A policing master’s degree would benefit a variety of job roles related to policing, criminal justice and related academic fields. Examples include:
- All Police Officer roles and ranks
- Intelligence Analysts
- Research/Academia
- Police Support Staff
- Special Constables
- Police Community Support Officers
- Border Force Officers
- Prison Officers
Here are five key reasons why an online policing master’s degree could be right for you:
1. A policing master’s can help advance your career
One of the most compelling reasons to study a policing master’s degree is its potential to support career progression. At postgraduate level, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of strategic decision-making, ethical leadership and professional practice, all of which are increasingly important for promotion and progression.
Whether you’re aiming for senior operational roles, specialist units or leadership positions, a master’s qualification demonstrates commitment to professional development and the ability to operate at a strategic level. For many professionals, it also provides recognised continuing professional development (CPD) that can strengthen promotion applications and professional credibility.
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2. A policing master’s deepens your knowledge and expertise
A policing master’s degree encourages you to engage critically with contemporary issues in policing, criminal justice and public protection, grounding your learning in evidence-based research.
Through ARU’s MSc Advanced Policing Practice, you’ll explore current debates, ethical challenges and policy developments affecting modern policing, helping you contextualise your operational experience within wider academic and professional frameworks. This deeper level of understanding allows you to approach complex problems with confidence, insight and a broader professional perspective.
3. A policing master’s prepares you for a broad range of roles
Studying a policing master’s doesn’t limit you to a single career path. Instead, it prepares you for a wide range of roles both within and beyond traditional policing structures.
Graduates often progress into areas such as specialist policing, intelligence and analysis, safeguarding, counter-terrorism, policy development, training, consultancy or research-focused roles. The transferable skills gained through postgraduate study also support career mobility across the wider criminal justice sector, public services and related professional environments.
4. A policing master’s develops research, critical thinking and leadership skills
An online policing master’s degree places strong emphasis on advanced skills development, including key transferable skills. You’ll strengthen your ability to analyse complex information, evaluate evidence and apply research to real-world professional challenges.
Work based research projects and applied assessments help you develop independent thinking, problem-solving and leadership capabilities. These skills are essential for professionals expected to influence practice, shape policy or lead teams in high-pressure environments. A policing master’s equips you not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to challenge assumptions and drive informed change.
ARU’s online MSc Advanced Policing Practice programme includes a major work based research project, allowing you to investigate an area of policing practice relevant to your professional interests. This research-led approach helps build confidence in evidence-based decision-making, ethical leadership and professional influence.
5. Flexibility through online learning
Flexibility is often the deciding factor for professionals considering postgraduate study. Online learning allows you to study a policing master’s degree alongside work, shift patterns and personal commitments.
Distance learning programmes are designed to be accessible from anywhere and at anytime, with online resources, virtual learning environments and academic support available throughout your studies. This flexible approach means you can progress your education without stepping away from your career, making an online policing master’s a realistic and sustainable option especially for shift working professionals.
