Police Leadership, Strategy and Organisation

Police leaders today have to operate in a transparent, ethical and highly accountable arena - where their decisions are often scrutinised by politicians, the media and the general public. The Policing vision 2025 outlines the plan for professionalising policing over the next ten years, and acknowledges the social and political challenges our forces face. Our MSc in Police Leadership, Strategy and Organisation aims to meet the professional development of current and future leaders as well as providing a provision for individuals with high potential and capacity to shape the future of the profession. 

Meeting 21st century priorities

This exciting course offers a unique combination of the latest business and management thinking, criminology and social sciences - all applied to the complex challenges of contemporary policing. It has been launched at a time of calls for greater public accountability, the growing importance of community partnerships and, in some quarters, a crisis of confidence in the integrity of police services.

Our MSc goes well beyond traditional public sector skills and generic leadership programmes. It gives you an in-depth knowledge of the critical issues surrounding police accountability, independence, policing effectiveness, performance and organisational transformation. It will stretch and inspire you to take your leadership skills to the highest professional standards.

Powerful networks

You’ll benefit from the wisdom of some of the most influential figures in policing today. We pride ourselves on a superb network of contacts, from chief constables and crime commissioners, to the representatives from national policing organisations such as Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, the College of Policing, the Chartered Management Institute and representatives of the private sector. They have played a key role in the design of our course to ensure it matches the needs of the profession today.

These strong partnerships mean we can offer an outstanding visiting speaker programme, enabling you to discuss issues - in complete confidence - with leaders in the field. We also host regular events with organisations such as the Society of Evidence-based Policing and the British Society of Criminology.

A truly global outlook

Our approach provides a unique bridge between policing in the UK and the rest of the world. While other police leadership courses focus primarily on the UK and USA, our MSc boasts a broader international perspective and you’ll find yourself sharing insights and experience with senior police officers from around the world.

Teaching Team

You can be confident in our quality of teaching as we have an experienced team of academics that have over 250 years combined experience in the criminal justice sector. They’ll give you a fresh perspective on real world policing alongside relevant academic theories.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Teaching and learning

The course combines highly stimulating lectures, engaging seminar group discussions, practical sessions in our courtrooms and interviewing suite, and guided student-centred and independent learning activities. Our emphasis throughout is on developing your leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills. We offer small class sizes and a supportive environment where learning can be tailored to suit your own professional experience and aspirations.

Tackling real-world problems

This course is highly vocational and problem-focused, with each module centred on real and simulated police strategy and organisational challenges. Our aim is to help you develop as an effective manager in complex, unpredictable environments.

You can bring in, share and test your own responses to challenges in a confidential setting. As part of your studies, you can also undertake bespoke projects negotiated with your employer which will benefit your own organisation.

Action research

As evidence-based policy and practice is taking on greater significance within the profession, we also place great emphasis on action research. You’ll be equipped with the tools and techniques to undertake high level research which will generate new insights and add to the body of knowledge in the field of contemporary policing. You will also address how to obtain and use data in a responsible and ethical manner.

Assessment

Assessment is through 100% coursework. Our assessment strategy is flexible to reflect the diverse backgrounds and learning styles of our students.

Formative assessments may include quizzes, debates, case study evaluation, role-play, group work and presentations, as well as enquiry based learning and problem-based learning activities. Summative assessments may include essays, group presentations, live debate sessions, reflective learning logs, management reports, business case evaluations, and the presentation of a strategy or market analysis.

At the Masters level, you will produce a dissertation as part of the Independent Studies module which showcases your ability to articulate and debate theoretical perspectives in relation to research findings.

Our teaching team

Dr Richard Stapleford (Programme Leader)

Professor Kate Moss

Manjit Thandi

Dr Craig Hughes

Dr David Hicks

You'll normally need an appropriate undergraduate degree 2:2 or above. We'll also accept students with significant experience through work or voluntary engagement in the justice sector or those who are professionally qualified to work in the justice sector at a graduate stage or above. If English is not your first language, you will also need IELTS 6.5 with 5.5 in each skills area.

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

At a time when recruitment to senior roles in the police is changing, this MSc provides an excellent professional development route. For ambitious police professionals - in the UK and overseas - the qualification will not only showcase their knowledge and abilities but also help with progression. It provides a vital next step for those who have developed general business and leadership skills but need to operate in a higher profile context.

The course will also act as an important stepping stone for middle or senior managers in other sectors who are keen to move into police leadership. In addition, it will help graduates in subjects such as criminology or business to build an impressive CV and prepare for managerial roles in policing, security or related fields.

Ongoing careers support

Our Careers and Employment Service will provide you with help, guidance and support from day one of your course - and for up to three years after you’ve completed your studies. You’ll also benefit from our Personal Development Planning (PDP) scheme which enables you to reflect on your learning and develop your career ambitions.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

† Additional information about your studies

January start is available for home students only

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

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