Master of Policing Practices

The Master of Policing Practices programme equips the student with the skills and competencies to formulate, design, conduct and complete a research project in the field of law enforcement. 

The Master of Policing Practices is an advanced, research-driven programme designed to deepen students’ understanding of contemporary policing and leadership challenges by focusing on the development of the self as a police leader, the organisations they lead, and the factors that drive safe, effective, and accountable policing. The programme develops strategic thinking, leadership capability, critical analysis, and an understanding of organisational culture and conduct across diverse policing contexts, including operational command, crime prevention and investigation, community and social policing, cybercrime and technology-enabled policing, and public safety governance. 

The programme aims to produce graduates who can contribute meaningfully to policing practice, organisational development, policy formulation, and scholarly knowledge production, equipping them with critical thinking skills, ethical awareness, and practical experience necessary to navigate complex challenges in today’s dynamic policing and law enforcement environments. Through advanced engagement with policing theory, practice, and research, graduates are prepared to exercise informed leadership, address complex organisational and operational challenges, and contribute to safe, just, and accountable policing and law enforcement practice.

What is Distance Learning?

THE ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR THE MASTER OF MANAGEMENT ARE:

• a relevant postgraduate diploma; OR

• Bachelor Honours degree in the field of policing / criminal justice

OPTION 1
Direct admission to the Master of Policing Practices for the completion of the Full Research Dissertation, if the student has achieved at least 65% for Research in the relevant/cognate NQF8 qualification.

OPTION 2
Admission to the Master of Policing Practices via the completion of two Literature Reviews in Year 1, semester 1, followed by the proposal in semester 2 and the full Dissertation in year 2, if the student has achieved at least 55% for Research in their NQF8 qualification.

* Students that have completed a non-cognate NQF8 qualification, and meet the research requirement, will be considered for admission to Option 2.

If you do not meet the above research requirements, CLICK HERE for information about our Bridging Programme in Dissertation Success.

(Intensive exposure to the various disciplines of management of at least five modules is required)

* Should an applicant apply with a postgraduate diploma on NQF level 8 (minimum 120 credits), please note that he/she must also have a B-degree.

* A student who did not complete Research Methodology as a module at NQF Level 8 previously will be required to take the Research Methodology bridging module in the first semester of registration

To find out more about alternate access routes at STADIO, please click HERE

The Master of Policing will improve your performance of management practices in the context of today’s rapidly changing environment. By enhancing your management capabilities, the Master of Policing degree will position you to successfully advance your career in the field of Policing and Law Enforcement.