Policing, Law Enforcement and Security MSc
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Course Summary
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the need for effective policing, law enforcement, and security measures has never been greater. As societies face new and complex challenges, the MSc in Policing, Law Enforcement, and Security at the University of Chester stands at the forefront, preparing professionals to safeguard our communities and uphold justice. This course is designed for students with an academic/professional background in policing, law enforcement and security or related subjects who wish to pursue further study and research into topics of contemporary interest. Those completing this MSc will have become competent and independent minded, and be able to use these skills in the law enforcement sector or elsewhere.
This course incorporates and addresses the subjects that are a significant threat and challenge to contemporary society and are priority areas for policing, law enforcement and security organisations.
We draw on the extensive practitioner experience of the academic teaching team supplemented by serving practitioners from specialist law enforcement agencies, including the Police Service, National Crime Agency and the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, in order to provide a unique and complementary learning environment. Our lecturers bring their subject to life by referring to real-world scenarios.
Classes are held on Wednesday of each week, thereby allowing you to plan your attendance in advance and minimising any disruption to family and professional life.
What you'll Study
You will study six core modules over the course and on successful completion of a dissertation you will be awarded the MSc in Policing, Law Enforcement and Security – a highly rewarding and valuable qualification.
MODULES
- Risk Management and Vulnerability (20 Credits) Core
- Research Methods (20 Credits) Core
- Dissertation (60 Credits) Core
- Intelligence and Covert Policing Management (20 Credits) Core
- Serious Organised Crime (20 Credits) Core
- Leading and Managing Multi-Agency Partnerships (20 Credits) Core
- Culture, Values and Ethics (20 Credits) Core
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If, during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.
Steph Worrell
Senior Lecturer, Programme Leader Policing, Law Enforcement and Security MSc
Mike Parsons
Lecturer in Policing
Guy Hindle
Lecturer
Paul Beauchamp
Lecturer
Our course is taught using lectures, seminars, workshops and presentations, and these will be supplemented by private study. We deliver the course over one day each week over three short semesters of six weeks, with an induction in September.
The teaching hours will normally be six hours per week, depending on whether you choose to study the course on a full-time or part-time basis.
Entry Requirements
2:2 honours degree
Applicants need a minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent in policing, law enforcement and security related subject. Credit exemption may be given for certified or experiential learning taken during the previous five years.
2:2 honours degree
Applicants need a minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent in policing, law enforcement and security related subject. Credit exemption may be given for certified or experiential learning taken during the previous five years.
English Language Requirements
For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.
City centre location
On-site library
Social spaces
Fees and Funding
£8,775for a full-time course (2025/26)
Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page. Here you will also find information about part-time fees and project/placement year fees.
£15,000for a full-time course (2025/26)
The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £15,000.
Please note: For MSc programmes where a placement or project year is undertaken there will be an additional charge of £2,750 for the placement/project year (due at the start of the second year of the course).
The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.
For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.
Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.
Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.
Your future 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 graduates with an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the complexities of Policing, Law Enforcement and Security in contemporary society.
Careers service
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs .