Partner Details

Informa Connect

Awards

Target Award

Award Description:Master of Science - MS
Alternative Exit
Recruitable Target
Recruitable Target
Alternative Exit

Programme Offerings

Part-Time

DL-INF-JAN
DL-INF-SEP

Educational Aims of the Course

These courses aim to provide students with a critical view of the use and management of covert investigation and specialist intelligence within the context of national security, counter-terrorism, and serious organised crime. It will explore investigative and intelligence development activity used by intelligence agencies, law enforcement, criminal justice partners and private agencies. It will explore the cross-cutting considerations for operational ethics in decision making and, using real life case studies, the application of sensitive capabilities.. During the programme, students will use reflection and critical analysis to understand and develop their own area of expertise within the fields of covert investigation, specialist intelligence and the underpinning covert capabilities. To place these in context, the courses aim to provide an analysis of important intelligence and security events and issues of the late 20th and 21st century and place this within a practical basis for the use of covert investigation and specialist intelligence. An exploration of the history and development of covert investigation and specialist intelligence, informed by both its success and failure nationally and internationally will help the student contextualise the importance of the disciplines and the varying degrees of impact on operational activity. An examination of the capabilities will provide the student with a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses tactics when applied in a given set of operational circumstances. In particular, the student will focus on understanding and applying covert techniques, intelligence and analytical thinking to practical problems by looking at current and emerging security problems as well as evaluating potential solutions to these issues. These courses are taught by distance learning and aim to connect a diverse body of domestic and international students across time zones, to share knowledge and develop expertise in the fields. The courses key aims are: • To provide part-time and full-time distance learning programmes in Covert Investigation and Specialist Intelligence for full-time employees or for those seeking a career in covert investigation or specialist intelligence. • To enable students to make an original contribution to the discipline of Covert Investigation and Specialist Intelligence studies and the advancement of professional security practice. • To produce competent, informed reflectively and ethically competent students who have a developed academic understanding the key issues within Covert Investigation and Specialist Intelligence Studies and the theories which underpin the discipline. • To enable students to connect the conceptual basis of the disciplines to some of the practical issues facing the national, regional and international security system.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Demonstrate a critical awareness of the impact and influence policy has, and continues to have, on professional practice in covert investigation and specialist intelligence within the context of, national security, law enforcement and counter-terrorism.
2.
Articulate arguments and conclusions based on evidence and that are subject to a well- developed critical appraisal and imaginative judgement.
3.
In a timely fashion, present and communicate information, in both verbal and written forms and in various formats for different audiences.
4.
Collaborate and co-operate in working with others to investigate questions or issues relating to covert investigation and specialist intelligence studies, including policing studies, security studies and international relations.
5.
Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the influences and drivers of policy and practice change in the broad areas of covert investigation and specialist intelligence.
6.
Apply major theories and concepts to the study of covert investigation and specialist intelligence studies.
7.
Demonstrate the skills necessary to plan, conduct and report a research project by independently engaging with the subject literature, analyse or and assess it to support critical and normative judgements within security studies and theories with relevant evidence and structured argument.
8.
Identify a range of research strategies and methods and reflexively assess the merits of each.
9.
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 covert investigation and specialist intelligence and by doing so, show imagination and flexibility in seeking solutions to problems.
10.
Understand and show sensitivity to diversity issues and competing interests in covert investigation and specialist intelligence to identify and take account of normative and moral positions.
11.
Recognise the relevance of the study of covert investigation and specialist intelligence.
12.
Using ICT to identify, access and select effective information collection methods and use the most appropriate analytical tools including the application of numerical skills to cases involving a quantitative dimension.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated. On the course, there is an especial emphasis on a sound grasp of the relevant academic literature, including substantial use of key scholarly journals, legislative provision, case law and Government strategic policy in the field of security studies, law, intelligence and analysis, counter-terrorism and criminal justice studies. The assessment strategy also concentrates on how theory relates to and enhances good practice. This is assessed through a variety of summative and formative assessments including online tests, essays, presentations and, for the MSc, a dissertation. A range of learning strategies and a variety of modes of interactive delivery conducive to on-line distance learning will be utilised throughout the programme and delivered by the LJMU VLE Canvas or Informa Connects learning platform, including an introductory lecture and a range of on-line activities; e.g. presentations, workbooks, podcasts, blogs, forums both tutor-led synchronous (which can be recorded) and asynchronous, Skype tutorials in addition to utilising suitable OER (open educational resources),such as ‘You Tube’ videos, supported by digital key readings. Knowledge and understanding is assessed via summative assessment methods suitable for on-line distance-learning, such as formal and reflective essays, and full-scale individual report. A range of periodic formative study skills and knowledge checks will be completed by the students on-line which feedback will be given in order to enable on-going development via reflective practice and aimed at research and compilation of the summative assessment tasks. Target Award Learning Outcomes 1 – 12 are taught through on-line lectures and developed via on-line forums, knowledge checks, targeted learning documents and appropriate formative tasks designed for on-line learning. These skills are assessed across all modules while the variety of assessments across the programme ensures that these skills are assessed in different ways and in a mode suitable for on-line distance-learning. Formative assessment is used to develop knowledge, understanding and skills, while summative assessment is used to assess the student’s success in achieving the learning outcomes.

Opportunities for work related learning

If the students are able to work in Liverpool and are not already employed in policing, opportunities are available for students to work as Special Constables within the Merseyside Police and the British Transport Police. It is envisaged that many of those undertaking this course will already be employed within Criminal Justice institutions or security related agencies.

Programme Structure

Programme Structure Description

The exit award of Postgraduate Certificate will be given to students who have completed the core modules 7208PS, 7209PS and 7214PS. The exit award of Postgraduate Diploma will be given to students who have completed the core modules 7208PS, 7209PS, 7214PS, 7218PS and any 50 credits from the optional modules. … For more content click the Read More button below.

Entry Requirements

NVQ
Other international requirements

HECoS Code(s)

(CAH15-01) sociology, social policy and anthropology