Overview

The Policing MSc at UCL is an innovative and multidisciplinary programme that prepares students to tackle the complexities of contemporary policing. Recognised as the 9th best university globally (QS World University Rankings 2026), UCL offers a unique environment for students to engage with leading experts in the field. The course is co-designed with professionals from law enforcement and intelligence agencies, ensuring that the curriculum is relevant and responsive to current challenges in policing.

UCL's Security and Crime Science Department is the first of its kind dedicated to crime reduction. The programme leverages strong partnerships with over 60 industry and public sector organisations, providing students with invaluable networking opportunities. The Bloomsbury campus, rich in cultural and educational resources, enhances the learning experience.

Syllabus

The programme consists of five compulsory modules and three optional modules, culminating in a dissertation. The compulsory modules include:

Security and Crime Science
Models of Policing for Crime Reduction
Police and the Public
Ethical Policing
Research Methods for Crime Science
Security and Crime Science Dissertation

Optional modules may include:

Management Skills for Police Leaders
Perspectives on Organised Crime
Investigation and Detection
Cybercrime
Applied Data Science

Careers

Graduates of the Policing MSc are well-prepared for diverse careers in law enforcement and security sectors. Alumni have secured positions in organisations such as Sussex Police, the Singapore Government, and the Thai Police. The programme equips students with the analytical skills needed for roles in data science, risk management, and policy-making, enabling them to contribute significantly to crime prevention and public safety initiatives.

Students will gain expertise in statistical analysis, research design, and evidence-based approaches, essential for effective policing and security roles. The emphasis on real-world applications ensures that graduates can adapt their skills to various contexts, making them valuable assets in any organisation focused on crime and security.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Law enforcement

Security industry

Related companies

Government policy advisory roles

Strategic advisors to government and security agencies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-26 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-08-28 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Criminal Justice View 111 other Masters in Criminal Justice in United Kingdom

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A first or second-class Bachelor’s degree from a UK university in an appropriate subject, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard from a recognised higher education institution.

A small number of programmes require the GMAT or GRE General Test.
For some taught programmes, applicants whose qualifications are of a lower standard may be admitted if they can demonstrate an appropriate academic background and experience in the relevant field.
Applicants may be required to pass a qualifying examination, or pass a qualifying year of a Graduate Diploma, before being registered in to the corresponding Master’s programme.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

39200 GBP / year

≈ 39200 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

19300 GBP / year

≈ 19300 GBP / year

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Policing.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Policing

About

About

Overview

Syllabus

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

London

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners