International Law Enforcement MSc; PGCert; Professional Diploma in
About this course
International law enforcement operates within an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Crime too is complex and is in constant flux, changing in type, scale, spread and impact. Traditional borders and boundaries are increasingly irrelevant, and law enforcement organisations respond by locating their efforts within an international frame of reference, and with a workforce that demonstrates high-quality, specialist law enforcement education.
This course will see you develop conceptual and critical insights into contemporary issues in the theory, policy and practice of law enforcement, and apply your learning to your own jurisdictions.
You'll explore local, regional and international perspectives on a range of law enforcement issues and provides you with the multi-disciplinary knowledge, understanding and skills in law enforcement within an international context.
This course is specifically designed for those working in, or seeking to work in a career in law enforcement.
The Centre for International Law Enforcement draws on NTU’s internationally recognised and long-established expertise in crime analysis, prevention, enforcement and justice.
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100% student satisfaction
100% of our students on the course are satisfied with the quality of the course (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024).
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100% of students on the course
recommend studying at NTU (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024).
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Learn from the experts
at a university rated TEF ‘Gold’ for teaching and learning.
The flexible design of the course means you can achieve a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or full Masters (MSc).
What you’ll study
This course aims to develop an advanced understanding of investigation and intelligence, as well as a sound theoretical and practical understanding of the contextual, ethical and justice issues related to law enforcement.
It will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a leader in the field of law enforcement and to drive continual improvement in law enforcement policy and practice in your jurisdiction.
You'll work alongside academics and external organisations to develop specialist knowledge and skills, and you may have the chance to apply these during your studies through real-world case examples.
- PGCert International Law Enforcement
- PGDip International Law Enforcement
- MSc International Law Enforcement
Core modules
Intelligence, Surveillance and Investigation
Develop an advanced and applied understanding in these core areas of law enforcement, drawing on theoretical and practical insights.
Transnational Organised and Corporate Crime
Explore crimes of an international nature and critically evaluate the international policy and legal responses to crime.
Leadership and Management in Law Enforcement
Learn how to effectively manage people, organisations, finances and change based on cutting-edge research in these areas.
Core modules
Intelligence, Surveillance and Investigation
Develop an advanced and applied understanding in these core areas of law enforcement, drawing on theoretical and practical insights.
Transnational Organised and Corporate Crime
Explore crimes of an international nature and critically evaluate the international policy and legal responses to crime.
Leadership and Management in Law Enforcement
Learn how to effectively manage people, organisations, finances and change based on cutting-edge research in these areas.
Research Methods
This module will see you learn about the different approaches to research, including issues such as ethics, accessing or gathering data, data analysis and how to draw valid conclusions from your data.
You will also choose two of the following optional modules:
- Crime, Community and Neighbourhood
- Crime Prevention
- Principles of Fraud Investigation
- Evidence Based Policing
* The number of places available on some optional modules may be limited. These will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who are unable to select their first choice will be offered an alternative from the remaining optional modules.
Core modules
Intelligence, Surveillance and Investigation
Develop an advanced and applied understanding in these core areas of law enforcement, drawing on theoretical and practical insights.
Transnational Organised and Corporate Crime
Explore crimes of an international nature and critically evaluate the international policy and legal responses to crime.
Leadership and Management in Law Enforcement
Learn how to effectively manage people, organisations, finances and change based on cutting-edge research in these areas.
Research Methods
This module will see you learn about the different approaches to research, including issues such as ethics, accessing or gathering data, data analysis and how to draw valid conclusions from your data.
Capstone Project
During this module, you'll be paired with an academic supervisor who will help you complete research that generates new evidence and insight on a topic of your choice
You will also choose two of the following optional modules:
- Crime, Community and Neighbourhood
- Crime Prevention
- Principles of Fraud Investigation
- Evidence Based Policing
* The number of places available on some optional modules may be limited. These will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who are unable to select their first choice will be offered an alternative from the remaining optional modules.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
Q&A - MSc International Law Enforcement
How you're taught
Teaching methods will include, lecturers, group workshops, problem-based learning, guided independent study and a Capstone Project.
Assessment methods
Assessment on the course involve written assessments, report writing, presentations and group work. All modules will have at least one formative assessment, which will not count towards your final grade, these assessments will give you the opportunity to get feedback to help improve your work.
To encourage and facilitate independent learning the course will take full advantage of NTU's online workspace (NOW).
An active research environment
Teaching on this course is drawn from our research active staff, who specialise in the areas of policing, law enforcement and the management of fraud investigation. Their research feeds directly into the course, meaning you'll learn and evaluate cutting-edge work in this field, as well as train you to produce your own research.
We are proud to count a number of leading authorities from international law enforcement policy and practice as our partners.
In-sessional English language support
In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes.
Contact hours
Each module you undertake on this course consists of 35 hours of teaching in week-long blocks. All modules are delivered 100% in person, with the exception of Research Methods which is 100% online, and the Capstone Project which is 50% face-to-face, and 50% online.
Careers and employability
The industry-focused nature of this course will ensure that you stand out from the crowd when it comes to job applications and pursuing your future career. You'll benefit from our strong links with the criminal justice sector both nationally and internationally and course content being influenced by consultants and specialists in the field.
This course is suitable for those who currently work in the criminal justice field or law enforcement organisations. It's also suitable for those looking to enhance their career opportunities and if you're seeking employment in criminal justice agencies operating at international, central, regional and local government levels, such as the Home Office, and local government. Graduates may go on to pursue a range of professional careers in criminal justice related work in either the statutory, commercial or community voluntary sectors.
As a graduate from this course, you'll have gained a strong understanding of key themes and issues in this field as well as many transferable skills employers seek, such as complex writing, developing and implementing a research project, and the ability to present in-depth ideas. You will also have been helped and encouraged to articulate those skills in relation to particular occupations that you may be interested in pursuing.
Upon successful completion of this course, you may be able to apply for membership of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFC), Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and/or Academy of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) depending upon completion of the relevant choices of modules. It will also gives you the opportunity to progress into PhD study.
Employability team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. Find out more about the service.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Chaucer and Newton buildings, at the centre of our vibrant City Campus. As well as a range of classrooms and lecture theatres, the facilities including a mock prison cell, banks of open-access PCs, social spaces for either quiet study or busy group work.
NTU’s City Campus has everything you’ll need to stay busy between lectures. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s our stylish Students’ Union building and two-storey, 100-station gym; a whole host of cafés, bars, restaurants and food outlets for every taste; our much-loved Global Lounge; performance and rehearsal spaces for musicians; and much, much more!
Take a few steps off campus and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure. Enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
UK students
Applying with prior qualifications
You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (normally 2.2 or above). If you hold a first degree but it doesn't meet the entry requirements above, please refer to the information below.
Applying with non-standard entry qualifications/experience
Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. You will be required to demonstrate how your experiences and knowledge would enable you to study this course at Masters-level in your Personal Statement.
No references are required when applying for this course.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 2.2 honours degree or equivalent qualification. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
