Postgraduate Certificate in Law Enforcement, Security and Intelligence (by distance learning)

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The PG Certificate in Law Enforcement Security and Intelligence (by distance learning) launched in September 2018 by the University of Buckingham’s Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS). This programme supplements our range of taught Masters and research programmes by offering, for the first time, a distance-learning option of study. The programme will be a unique new opportunity for current or aspiring security professionals who wish to enhance their careers by developing their strategic awareness of the core issues in the field.

Why Buckingham?

This programme will build on BUCSIS’s existing reputation as a premier global provider of high-quality academic education in issues concerning the study of contemporary security and intelligence. The BUCSIS teaching team offer a strong and unique blend of academic and security-practitioner experience, which has been brought to bear on the delivery of a range of successful Postgraduate taught and research programmes since our foundation ten years ago. The University of Buckingham prides itself on its teaching quality, scoring gold in the first Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment in 2017; and consistently scoring first nationally in the National Student Satisfaction survey.

Who is it for?

This programme will be particularly suitable for existing and aspiring security professionals, both in the UK and overseas, who are keen to develop their educational portfolio but are not in a position to attend a traditionally taught course based at the university. The programme is designed to deliver a high-level educational programme for those wishing to climb the ladder towards senior management, where a big-picture understanding of the core strategic issues will be critical. The distance-learning delivery allows for the programme to be fitted flexibly around a job and other commitments.

What does it deliver?

The programme comprises two modules of ten weeks each, covering: Law Enforcement Intelligence Practice and Policy; and Security Threats and Challenges in the Law Enforcement Environment. These run respectively from September – December, and January – March. The programme is delivered using an online Virtual Learning Environment, through which multimedia resources are accessed. Assessment is constituted by a number of written assignments, including essays on big-picture issues; and short policy-paper exercises. Tutor support is provided throughout, and there are opportunities to attend workshops and symposia in person at the university for those who are able to do so.

The minimum entry level required for this course is as follows:

• a first or second-class honours degree from a recognised university or,
• a recognised professional qualification with relevant work experience

Informal queries about the programme are encouraged and can be made to the Programme Director, Professor Julian Richards (Tel: 01280 814080, or email: julian.richards@buckingham.ac.uk).

Mature students

Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.

International students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.

English levels

If English is not your first language, please check our undergraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.

Selection process

Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or get in touch via our contact form.

Student Contract for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.

What does it deliver?

The programme comprises two modules of ten weeks each, covering: Law Enforcement Intelligence Practice and Policy; and Security Threats and Challenges in the Law Enforcement Environment. These run respectively from September – December, and January – March. The programme is delivered using an online Virtual Learning Environment, through which multimedia resources are accessed. Assessment is constituted by a number of written assignments, including essays on big-picture issues; and short policy-paper exercises. Tutor support is provided throughout, and there are opportunities to attend workshops and symposia in person at the university for those who are able to do so.

Teaching is accessed through the delivery of a number of audio-visual resources delivered via the Virtual Learning Environment. These include a mixture of short lectures, documents and resources which can be accessed online by the students. Assessment is via a number of written assignments, submitted online. Each student will be assigned a personal tutor with whom online contact, advice and assistance with assignments can be accessed throughout the programme. In addition to online contact, students can also take advantage of optional physical workshops at the university for those who are able to attend.

Module A: Law Enforcement Intelligence Practice and Policy

Includes:

• Intelligence systems and processes
• Strategic and tactical considerations
• Organised Crime Mapping
• Big Data and Social Media analysis
• Political considerations

Module B: Security Threats and Challenges in the Law Enforcement Environment

Includes:

• Law Enforcement and the State
• Assessing national security
• Cyber threats
• Terrorism and counter-terrorism
• Public order policing

Graduate employment

Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.

A number of our graduates from Security and Intelligence Studies programmes have gone on to secure high-level jobs in security policy roles in government and companies, and in security think-tanks.

The tuition fees quoted are for the degree (e.g. if you start a degree at Buckingham in January 2018, you will pay the same termly fee for the duration of your degree – you will not be affected by the price increase in September 2018). Fees are normally paid in termly instalments.

Postgraduate first-class scholarship

A first-class scholarship is available to both home and international students studying a taught postgraduate degree at the University. The scholarship will reduce tuition fees by 33%. The scholarship will be automatically awarded to applicants who already have a first class honours degree that is recognised to UK standard.

Details of other scholarships can be found on our main Bursaries and Scholarships page. You should make an application to study at the University and receive an offer letter confirming our acceptance of your application before applying for a scholarship.

You may also find it useful to visit our External Funding page.

Due to the mode of study on this course you will not normally need a room in University accommodation during your degree.

However, if you require short-term accommodation in Buckingham we would be happy to provide a list of local bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation. Alternatively, please contact our Accommodation Office for advice.

Apply directly

You can apply directly using our online application form – all you need to do is click the ‘apply’ button at the bottom of this page.