PhD in Policing Studies

Program Overview

Liverpool John Moores University offers a PhD in Policing Studies, focusing on developing professional policing practices. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary methodologies and research expertise in areas like transnational policing, organized crime, and counter-terrorism. Students benefit from supervision from industry experts and access to advanced facilities, including a crime scene investigation suite and forensics resources. The program prepares graduates for careers in policing, academia, and other fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

LJMU's School of Justice Studies is at the forefront of developing new research in policing, criminal justice, security and related fields. The Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies has significant expertise in the Policing sector and can thus provide supervision in a wide range of topics. The Centre is particularly interested in interdisciplinary methodologies. The suite of Policing Studies qualifications are focused on developing the professionalisation agenda for policing and work with the professional body, the College of Policing, as well as local policing organisations to ensure the relevance, credibility, and currency of its courses.

Assessment:

The PhD requires:

• Competence in conducting an independent enquiry
• Competence in the use of appropriate research methods and techniques
• An original, personal contribution to the understanding of a problem, the advancement of knowledge or the generation of new ideas

Teaching:

• You will be allocated up to three supervisors and a Lead Supervisor who will work with you throughout your studies, provide you with appropriate levels of support and guidance.
• The Centre will provide workshops, skills development opportunities and unique masterclass events, which bring frontline policing and security professionals to the University to discuss their experiences with students.

Careers:

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of its postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. The applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context. Some postgraduate research students are already in full-time employment when they begin their studies, whilst others are recent graduates looking to extend their research capabilities and subject expertise. A good proportion of students return to their existing roles with enhanced career prospects, others move on to further study or take up teaching roles in universities and other educational establishments. A postgraduate research qualification enables you to take charge of your career path by demonstrating your contribution to an area of knowledge. It enhances your self-confidence and showcases your ability to work independently and ‘go it alone’.

Other:

• The Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies has significant expertise in the Policing sector and can thus provide supervision in a wide range of topics.
• The Centre is particularly interested in interdisciplinary methodologies.
• The suite of Policing Studies qualifications are focused on developing the professionalisation agenda for policing and work with the professional body, the College of Policing, as well as local policing organisations to ensure the relevance, credibility, and currency of its courses.
• Our particular areas of strength include:
• Transnational and public order policing
• Serious organised crime
• Victimology and domestic violence
• Terrorism and counter-terrorism
• Intelligence-led policing
• Human trafficking
• Specific research-related training needs are identified on an individual basis.
You can study topics such as:
• Advanced Presentation Skills
• Applying for Ethical Approval
• Poster Presentation/Design
• Postgraduate Employability Skills
• Project Management
• Writing Skills including Creative Planning for Writing your Thesis
• Surviving the Viva
• Speed Reading
• Based within the John Foster Building, in the Mount Pleasant Campus, the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies School features well-equipped IT Suites, a light-filled Student Common Room and dedicated postgraduate study areas.
The Centre has a dedicated crime scene investigation suite, interview rooms and students have access to a range of forensics facilities based in the University's Byrom Street campus.