Criminal Intelligence

Entry year:: 2024/25
Start date:: September
Study mode:: Part-time, Distance learning
Course duration:: 2 years
Campus:: Mount Pleasant

Course modules

Discover the building blocks of your programme

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Core modules

Intelligence Sharing and Cooperation
10 credits

This module comprises 18 hours of total delivery, focusing on intelligence sharing and cooperation. It covers legislative provisions, intelligence failure cases, international intelligence organizations, ethics in intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism. Students participate in three hours of weekly online presentations for each topic and can contact module and program leads as necessary.

Intelligence Analysis
20 credits

This module explores the concept of intelligence and its practical applications in various sectors, emphasizing its role in crime prevention and security. It covers the intelligence process, information sources, case studies, and the function of intelligence analysts, with a focus on law enforcement, government agencies, and the private sector.

Contemporary Issues in Crime, Safety and Security
20 credits

This module introduces students to evolving paradigms in criminology, focusing on safety and security at local and global levels. It encourages critical analysis of security provision in various settings and the impact of securitization on contemporary threats and regulations. The course covers key theories, policies, ethical and legal considerations, and emerging security trends.

History of Intelligence: Success and Failures
20 credits

This module complements Intelligence Analysis and International Security Studies, offering students a comprehensive view of intelligence in various contexts. It explores historical examples of intelligence failures and successes, encouraging critical thinking about intelligence gathering, security, and use in both public and private sectors.

Security Management Dissertation
60 credits

This module enables students to conduct independent research in security management on a topic of their choice (subject to approval). The dissertation should include original research and is supervised individually. It showcases the knowledge and skills gained during the course.

Intelligence Collection, Interviewing & Analysis
20 credits

This module explores methods for securing vital information to address threats to public safety and communities, emphasizing ethical and legal intelligence elicitation. The program delves into governance, legislation, and cognitive theories related to these techniques, considering privacy vs. security and operational effectiveness through real-world examples. Students will develop a critical understanding of intelligence elicitation methods, ethics, and limitations.

Intelligence Theories and Applications
20 credits

This module introduces standard intelligence theories and their global applications, covering topics like information systems, data governance, and their roles in intelligence analysis. It also examines criminal behavior theories and the use of displacement practices in intelligence processes to impact criminal networks.

Research Methods
10 credits

Career paths

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

Fees and funding

Entry requirements

You will need:

Qualification requirements

Alternative qualifications considered

Applications will be especially welcomed from those who have at least one of the following: • A relevant first degree (such as a degree in criminology, social or political sciences) • Specific experience related to crime and security (such as police or military work ) • Relevant professional qualifications In some circumstances applicants who do not possess the standard entry qualifications may be permitted to enrol on the MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert , at the discretion of the course leader. Applications are welcomed from overseas students, and all applicants are considered on individual merit, without regard to gender, marital status, disability, race, ethnic origin, religion or social background. The course will be taught in English, and for those applicants whose native language is not English, evidence of proficiency in the English language will be required. The MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert in Intelligence is tailored specifically for ‘in-service’ intelligence professionals and those aspiring to work in this field. As outlined above applicants are required to possess an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (which is defined broadly to take into account the potential breath of interests of the students) but can include, criminology, police studies, criminal justice, security studies in a criminal justice or related social sciences discipline.

International requirements

Other international requirements

Applicants are required to have achieved an IELTs score a minimum of a 6.5 or equivalent English language qualifications.

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

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