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International Law Enforcement MSc / PGCert; PGDip

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

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.

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.

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.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Katherine Reid

“The course has been fantastic! I have really enjoyed all the modules offered and the content taught.”

Justine Dremaine

The support that I have received from the tutors and course leaders on my course has been exceptional. They have always been understanding and offered extra support where needed.

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.

Staff Profiles

Mr Phil Rudkin - Principal Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Phil was a Police Officer for nearly 15 years with Leicestershire Police working in a variety of roles both front line and the training of new recruits in Law and…

James Hunter - Principal Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

James Hunter

Andy Newton - Professor

School of Social Sciences

Andy Newton Staff Page NTU Nottingham Trent University Policing Criminology Crime

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

As a Social Sciences student you will have easy access to the fantastic facilities in the Chaucer and Taylor buildings including:

  • Lecture theatres and teaching classrooms;
  • Open access PCs and secure wireless points;
  • Study areas and social spaces;
  • Chaucer cafe serving drinks and light snacks;
  • Our School of Social Sciences reception, providing you with easy access to our helpful and friendly support staff.

IT resources

Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across our City Campus, with PCs providing access to Microsoft Office, email, web browsing, networked file storage and high-speed online printing services, with a free printing allowance for each student.

Resource rooms are available 24 hours a day.

Books and library resources

Our state-of-the-art Boots library will give you access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within the built environment. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our electronic resources, journals and books.

Within the library there is a liaison librarian who has specialist subject knowledge and can offer detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources, and also with areas such as Harvard referencing and research skills.

Entry requirements

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.

NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.

All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

Applying with prior qualifications

  • You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (normally a 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.

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Fees for September 2024

Study routeHome (UK students)
Full-time£8,600
Part-time
£4,300 (for Year One*)

*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Funding your studies

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.

There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies, and from the University.

There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which is paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies, We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Please take a look at our postgraduate fees and funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494

Fees for September 2024

Study routeInternational / EU students
Full-time£17,500
Part-time£8,750 (for Year One*)

*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

How to apply

All applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.

All applications welcome

We welcome applications from prospective students with a range of qualifications and experience, and all are assessed on an individual basis. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria can still be considered providing they have relevant experience to compliment any qualifications. All applicants will need to apply through our NTU Applicant Portal.

If you're applying without prior qualifications, you'll need to submit comprehensive details of your achievements with evidence to substantiate your claim (any documentation can be uploaded to the My Documents section of the Applicant Portal). This type of application will be considered with respect to the University’s provision for ‘accreditation for prior experiential learning’. Decisions regarding the accreditation of prior learning are a matter of academic judgement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Open days

The School of Social Sciences holds open events throughout the year. Come along and learn more about our courses, speak to programme leaders and find out about studying with the School.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or support, you can call our Admissions Team on +44 (0)115 848 4200, or contact us at Ask NTU.

Good luck with your application!

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.