Awards
Target Award
Award Description:Master of Science - MS
Alternative Exit
Programme Offerings
Full-Time
F2F-SEP
Part-Time
F2F-SEP
Educational Aims of the Course
The overall aim of the programme is to develop the research, problem solving and critical thinking skills of students who are policing, security or criminal justice professionals or who have an interest in these fields. The programme examines the nexus of law, policy and practice and seeks to embed critical engagement with, understanding of, and application of research activity at the core of decision-making in these areas. This will be achieved by developing a student's ability to identify and critique sources of research data; by developing a student's research skills set so that they can advance their ability to design, conduct and deliver good quality research; and is underpinned by the ambition to encourage students to think innovatively and critically about the approaches taken to crime control, community justice and public safety that are embedded in policy and practice. The specific aims are to: 1 – Develop a student’s critical appreciation and understanding of the impact evidence-informed policy has, and continues to have, on practice development within the broad areas of policing, security and criminal justice 2 - Develop a student’s understanding of the emerging challenges relating to cyber-crime, system security and the influence of these challenges on the development of investigatory and policing policy and practice. 3 - Enable students to develop an advanced and critical knowledge of the key ontological, epistemological and methodological issues that impact upon research into policing and criminal justice practice. The curriculum will allow students to generate a critical appreciation of diverse approaches to conducting research, methods of data collection and analysis to advance their appreciation of the logistical, political and ethical issues related to the operation of good quality social research 4 – With support to provide students with the knowledge and skills to design, conduct and deliver a research project focused on an area of interest. The programme develops a student’s ability to plan and implement an agenda for research, to critically reflect on policy and practice developments that have taken place in the subject area, to document and reflect upon the challenges of conducting such research, and by its conclusion produce critical commentary on how an understanding of practice may meaningfully be developed 5- Enable students through reflexive awareness to synthesise the knowledge and understanding gained through study to develop their personal practice and identify how their work fits within a policing context and with the wider social world
Learning Outcomes
1.
Demonstrate a critical awareness of the impact and influence evidence-informed policy has, and continues to have, on professional practice in policing, security, community safety and criminal justice policy
2.
Apply major theories and concepts to the study of policing
3.
In the context of cyber-crime independently engage with the subject literature, analyse and assess it to support critical and normative judgements on policing issues and theories with relevant evidence and structured argument
4.
Identify a range of research strategies and methods and reflexively assess the merits of each
5.
Demonstrate the skills necessary to plan, conduct and report a research project
6.
Undertake and present scholarly work
7.
Understand the ethical implications of policing enquiry and show sensitivity to values and interests - to identify and take account of normative and moral positions
8.
Recognise the relevance of the study of policing to social, public and civic policy
9.
Demonstrate systematic and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of cyber security concepts,
principles and theories
10.
Deploy appropriate methods and tools creatively for the protection of a complex networked system.
11.
Show sensitivity to diversity issues and competing interests in policing, security, community safety and criminal justice practice
12.
Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the influences and drivers of policy and practice change in the broad areas of policing, security, community safety and criminal justice policy
13.
Demonstrate the capacity to work independently and with others to professional standards, and display higher skill levels in the subject areas particularly in relation to the specific computing skills needed when investigation cyber-crime
14.
Select effective information collection methods and use the most appropriate analytical tools
15.
Articulate arguments and conclusions based on evidence and that are subject to a well- developed critical appraisal and imaginative judgement
16.
Present information in various formats and for different audiences
17.
Self-manage learning, utilising time-management and effective planning strategies
18.
Collaborate and co-operate in working with others to investigate questions or issues relating to policing, community safety and criminal justice
19.
Prioritise time to work to strict deadlines
20.
Communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms
21.
Use ICT to access contemporary sources of information
22.
Apply numerical skills to cases involving a quantitative dimension
23.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the research designs, methodological choices, and validity of sources of empirical research and good/best practice guidance that seek to analyse and measure the performance of policing, security, community safety and criminal justice interventions within the context of cyber-crime
24.
Show how the boundaries of knowledge are extended through the production of a research-informed critical commentary that advances innovative practice development or serves to enhance the understanding of the need to develop greater efficiencies and enhanced performance in professional practice
25.
Have developed reflexive thinking skills and to recognise the importance of reflection in the development of personal and professional practice
26.
Be critically aware of current and emerging principles and practices of cyber security technologies.
27.
Have widened and deepened conceptual and practical knowledge and skills in the areas of cyber security
and its applications.
28.
Have been exposed to and applied a range of tools and techniques currently being used in the development
of secure complex networked applications/systems.
29.
Use problem solving skills - show imagination and flexibility in seeking solutions to problems
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Acquisition of 1 - 8 is through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical sessions with a combination of staff-led and student centred techniques. The former includes both formal and interactive lectures and workshops that are delivered through traditional and technology enhanced methods. Emphasis is placed on a student’s independent investigation and critical application of existing knowledge while presenting ideas, joining discussions or reflecting on their studies. In the latter tutorials, workshops and private enquiry based study are used. The programme incorporates work-based learning in a range of modules which utilise up to date case materials with guest speakers drawn in when relevant and appropriate. Assessment methods are specified in each module handbook. Modules will be assessed through coursework (assignments of varying lengths). All forms of assessment will require students to demonstrate an advanced level of relevant knowledge and understanding of the stated learning outcomes. Skills 1 - 10 are taught through lectures and developed through tutorial work throughout the course Intellectual skills are assessed across all modules while the variety of assessments (including essays and critical practice reflection) across the programme ensures that these skills are assessed in different appropriate ways. Formative assessment is used to develop knowledge, understanding and skills while summative assessment is used to assess the learner’s success in achieving the learning outcomes. Practical skills are developed throughout the programme. Coursework will generally and specifically seek to develop transferable practical skills. Workshops and coursework preparation will require a degree of personal responsibility, effective communication, and successful time management These skills are assessed across all modules while the variety of assessments across the programme ensures that these skills are assessed in different appropriate ways. Formative assessment is used to develop knowledge, understanding and skills while summative assessment is used to assess the learner’s success in achieving the learning outcomes Key skills are developed throughout the programme in a variety of forms. Specifically through a combination of research related coursework, guided independent study and projects, examinations, group work and presentations. Transferable skills are an essential part of the activities throughout the programme. In particular the programme seeks to develop a student's ability to engage with and analyse sources of quantitative and qualitative research data. Key skills are assessed as part of coursework, projects and written examinations
Programme Structure
Programme Structure Description
Completion of 60 taught credits provides Postgraduate Certificate in Policing and Cybercrime (must include 7101PS) Completion of 120 taught credits provides Postgraduate Diploma in Policing and Cybercrime Completion of 180 credits award: MSc Policing and Cybercrime 7120PS (Dissertation) will be led by the module leader from the Policing Studies team … For more content click the Read More button below.
Structure
Level 7
Entry Requirements
Alternative qualifications considered
Other international requirements
HECoS Code(s)
(CAH11-01) computing