Professional Doctorate in Doctor of Policing, Security and Criminal Justice

About this course

LJMU's Prof. Doc. in Policing, Security and Criminal Justice enables practitioners and early career academics to reach the highest level of academic attainment.

• An ideal programme of further study for serving or recently retired practitioners
• Write a thesis on an original topic of your choosing, making a contribution to knowledge and professional practice
• Select supervisory experience from scholars right across the university, ensuring first class support and fulfilment 
• Reflect on how practice and academia can combine and develop new insight and knowledge
• Learn from experienced professionals, practitioners and academics ​

The Professional Doctorate in Policing, Security and Criminal Justice will appeal to a wide variety of professionals who want to share their professional practice and expertise with fellow students. The doctorate will enable you to contribute to the development of your discipline (be that Policing Studies, Security Studies, Criminology or Criminal Justice) and professional practice in your area. 

You will join a cohort of students with similar motivations and a range of research interests and will contribute your original research and knowledge to this fast-moving field. This collaborative approach will create a collegiate environment, making the pursuit of your doctorate and the production of your thesis a far from solitary experience.

As security and policing challenges evolve, experienced practitioners much be in touch with the latest research in their area of expertise and feel confident in challenging those who set themselves up as experts in these areas. This qualification will empower you to reach the required level of knowledge and expertise.

On graduation, you will be able to disseminate the results of your research with a view to contributing to the debate or influencing policy and practice. The course aims to enhance the development of reflective practice through discussion and networking with others who may be working in different sectors of criminal justice, security and the policing sector.

At the end of your course you will feel confident enough to make an original contribution to the status of police studies, security studies and criminology as a discipline, through the advancement of your knowledge and professional practice.

Course modules

Discover the building blocks of your programme

Your programme is made up of a number of core modules which are part of the course framework. Some programmes also have optional modules that can be selected to enhance your learning in certain areas and many feature a dissertation, extended report or research project to demonstrate your advanced learning.

Core Modules

• Planning and Research in Policing, Security and Criminal Justice 
• Thesis in Policing, Security and Criminal Justice 
• Reflection in Policing, Security and Criminal Justice