Case Study

Previously, I studied an undergraduate degree in BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS at the University of Sunderland and kept up to date with what courses were available. I joined Northumbria Police shortly after graduating and eventually moved into a role which involved working on university campuses which reignited my interest in studying. I gained a promotion to sergeant and later learned about a bursary scheme operating between Northumbria Police and the College of Policing which would part-fund a masters degree. I began looking into local options and found that Sunderland offered a MSc in Leadership in Criminal Justice and Policing. I especially liked that the course was pitched towards professionals in this field and there were a range of modules available to choose from that sounded very interesting. I had considered distance learning but I really wanted to learn in person and the course allowed me to study somewhere local. The alumni discount, together with the bursary, also meant that it was financially viable.

I knew postgraduate study was right for me as having formerly studied my undergraduate in an entirely different field, I wanted to be able to focus my postgraduate study on a more specialist and focused area relevant to my career. I knew that there would be greater expectations than undergraduate study and liked the idea of delving deeper into leadership theory, together with criminology.

Before starting, I was concerned about balancing full-time study with full-time work, especially when working shifts. However, Northumbria Police were exceptionally supportive and were flexible when lectures clashed with work, allowing me the time to attend lectures. I did also worry that I would struggle to get back into the swing of studying, as I remember that it took time to get used to reading academic material. I used the University’s online access to journals to build up my confidence again and this helped when it came to academic writing.

I chose this course because, as well as being local, it was clearly focused in my area of business. As a leader within policing, I really liked the idea of developing my understanding of leadership theory whilst learning about the underlying concepts of criminology, vulnerability and international policing which are all very relevant to my role.

The benefits I’ve seen from studying include having a greater depth of understanding around leadership theory has helped me to implement strategies with my teams that help them flourish. Alongside operational experience, my studies have developed my approach to leadership meaning I can better plan how to handle situations in the workplace.

Since graduating, I have moved into a new role in a really challenging area of policing. I’ve passed a legal knowledge exam, been accepted into a Detective Sergeant programme and I’m working towards my next promotion. My degree has also helped me as I’ve found that I’ve been able to build teams that are truly invested in delivering outstanding service to the public. One of the greatest benefits of the degree was studying with people from all walks of life; I met other professionals who work in criminal justice, those with lived experience of the criminal justice system and those who had recently graduated from their undergrad degrees before moving straight onto the MSc. I found that each person had unique perspectives; having been immersed in policing for over 12 years, it’s important to listen to diverse voices to avoid being stuck in an echo-chamber.

If you’re considering postgraduate study, I would recommend taking the time to find a course that fits an area that you’re interested in. It’s a lot of work to reach the standards expected on postgraduate study so tackling an area that sparks your curiosity is important. That being said, approach your course with an open mind and explore study that challenges what you thought you knew!"

Published 14 April 2025