Online Advanced Policing Practice MSc

Ethical Leadership 

This module lays the foundation for leadership development within professional policing by equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and frameworks essential for effective practice. It explores key leadership theories and their application to real-world policing challenges, including command structures (Bronze, Silver, Gold), strategic tools like the National Decision Model (NDM) and THRIVE, and the influence of ethical, inclusive leadership on public confidence and organisational culture. You will critically examine decision-making under pressure, multi-agency collaboration, and the role of leaders in coaching, mentoring, and officer wellbeing. The module also fosters personal reflection on leadership identity and values, while developing core academic and professional skills such as critical thinking, evidence-based decision making, and effective communication to support ongoing development throughout the MSc programme. 

Debates in Contemporary Policing  

This module takes a critical look at the key debates shaping contemporary policing in the UK. You’ll examine themes such as professionalisation, Code of Ethics, transparency, accountability, and policing culture, as well as exploring different models and approaches to policing in practice. 

In the second half of the module, the focus shifts to emerging criminological trends. Topics include crime mapping, hate crime, crimes of atrocity, victimology in the digital age, and environmental crime. Content is regularly refreshed to ensure you're engaging with the latest issues and debates. 

Through the assessment strategy, you’ll apply criminological theory to real-world challenges, developing evidence-based insights and practical solutions that can inform and strengthen professional practice.  

Research Methods - Evidence-Based Policing 

This module introduces the core research methods underpinning evidence-based policing. It equips you with the knowledge and skills required to design and conduct qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research. The module begins with key foundations such as research design, engagement with academic literature, and research philosophies, before exploring specific methodologies including Randomised Control Trials, interviews, surveys, systematic reviews and meta-analysis. 

This module introduces the core research methods that underpin evidence-based policing. You’ll build the knowledge and skills needed to design and carry out qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research. 

The module begins by exploring key foundations, such as research, design, engagement with academic literature and research philosophies, before moving on to specific methodologies including Randomised Control Trials, interviews, surveys, systematic reviews and meta-analysis. 

By the end of the module, you’ll be prepared to apply robust research approaches to real-world policing challenges and to design studies that can inform and strengthen professional practice. 

Postgraduate Major Project 

This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake an independent research project underpinned by the principles of Evidence-Based Policing. Working in collaboration with academic supervisors and, where appropriate, police force partners, you will conduct either primary or secondary research on a topic of relevance to the wider Criminal Justice System. In most cases, this project will extend from the research proposal developed during the Research Methods and Evidence-Based Policing module. 

The module is designed to develop and demonstrate advanced skills in research design, project management, critical analysis, and academic writing. You will be expected to formulate significant and original research questions, engage critically with appropriate methodologies and theoretical frameworks, and construct well-reasoned arguments based on complex or potentially contradictory evidence. 

Through this work, you will deepen your specialist knowledge, refine your ability to interpret and challenge existing literature, and, where appropriate, contribute new insights or perspectives to the field. The module also supports the development of clear, structured, and coherent academic writing, suitable for professional and academic audiences. 

You must have successfully completed 120 credits of taught modules before undertaking this module. 

This module gives you the opportunity to design and deliver an independent research project, guided by the principles of Evidence-Based Policing. Working closely with your academic supervisor and, where appropriate, in collaboration with police force partners, you’ll investigate a topic that has relevance to the wider Criminal Justice System. In most cases, your project will build on the research proposal you developed in the Research Methods and Evidence-Based Policing module. 

You’ll strengthen advanced skills in research design, project management, critical analysis and academic writing. As part of this, you’ll be expected to frame significant original research questions, apply appropriate methodologies and theoretical frameworks, and develop arguments that respond to complex or even conflicting evidence. 

Through the process, you’ll refine your ability to interpret, evaluate and challenge existing literature, while also deepening your specialist knowledge. Where possible, your project may generate new perspectives or insights that contribute to the field. The module also supports the development of clear, structured writing suitable for both professional and academic audiences. 

Optional modules 
You’ll be required to complete one optional module. 

Terrorism and Counter Terrorism Theory 

In this module, you’ll build a strong theoretical foundation in terrorism and counter-terrorism. You’ll explore both global and UK specific models, looking at tactics, recruitment, financing and the links between organised crime and terrorism. 

You’ll examine the evolving role of UK policing with national and international counter-terrorism efforts and analyse threats from groups and movements including Islamic fundamentalism, right-wing extremism, the incel/manosphere, and environmental terrorism. 

Through real-world case studies of proscribed groups, you’ll compare different ideologies, identifying both similarities and differences, while developing the critical insight needed to understand and respond to today’s complex security challenges. 

Transnational and Organised Crime 

This module examines the history and current landscape of transnational and organised crime, covering areas such as drug and human trafficking, digital crime, organised networks and terrorism. You’ll trace its origins in piracy and smuggling before analysing the complex international criminal challenges facing the UK and the wider world today. 

Throughout the module, you’ll engage critically with evidence-based policing approaches and explore the importance of international and multi-agency cooperation in tackling these issues. 

Vulnerability and Safeguarding in the Digital Space 

This module explores the evolving risks children face in online spaces, from exposure to harmful content and bullying to exploitation through gaming, social media and messaging platforms. Drawing on the latest research, it highlights the urgent need for proactive strategies that address both safety and privacy concerns. 

You’ll examine current evidence, identify gaps in knowledge and critically analyse how the UK and international communities are responding to these challenges. The module also introduces the ‘Safety by Design’ approach, which focuses on creating safer digital environments for children and supporting the work of policing and education professionals.

Modules are subject to change and availability.