Comments about International Policing: Peace Support Operations MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma - At the institution - Stirling - Stirling - Stirling - Scotland
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Objectives
This distance learning programme is based on a collaborative learning model, which relies on participants being able to communicate with both tutors and peers. The core modules will enable students: to understand the context of international conflict and cooperation; to relate the pre-course training to the demands of the post-conflict situations; to assess the interplay of social, ethnic and religious forces in the local communities in post-conflict scenarios; to develop interpersonal skills for working with others in culturally, socially and economically different contexts.
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Entry requirements
Entrance Requirements The normal admission requirement is at least eight years of relevant UK experience, acceptance on an overseas mission approved by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and completion of pre-deployment training. Admission to postgraduate study without a first degree will be accepted in view of the professional standing of candidates.
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Academic title
International Policing: Peace Support Operations MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
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Course description
Structure and Content
The programme provides a part-time, distance learning route to a Postgraduate Certificate in International Policing. Additionally, it is designed to provide access to study for a Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s programme. While the programme draws on pre-deployment training and experience gained during deployment on peace support operations, it addresses issues of general relevance to policing duties.
The Certificate comprises four modules, two core and two optional:
International Conflict and Cooperation: This module addresses the changing situation of international and local dynamics of conflict, offering expert analysis on the parties operating in the post conflict context, their socio-economic conditions, political demands and institutional networking. In addition, it offers analysis of the social and political context in which post-Cold War and post-9/11 conflicts have been unfolding.
Community Portraits: This module is designed to allow you to reflect and compare your prior expectations of the community setting in which you are placed with your experience in situ. The module explores notions of community and the networks in which a sense of community is embodied. The communities explored will include either those consisting of professional colleagues (the community of work) or a local community. The module will make use of collaborative learning techniques with the aim of forming a learning community. The substantive learning will relate to the awareness of community dynamics and differences.
Optional Modules:
Managing Health and Well-being: This module aims to give participants a critical understanding of the relationship between biological, psychological and social factors in promoting health and well-being. By drawing on physiological and psychological evidence to develop understanding of how mind and body interact, you will be able to manage your own and other people’s health and well-being in relation to the demanding or stressful circumstances which can be experienced in international policing. The module also aims to raise awareness of potential sources of stress for self and others and to enhance practical stress management skills by identifying individual and external resources which can be used to reduce and/or cope with stress.
Leading and Leadership in a Policing Context: This module will complement existing elements of the programme by reflecting the developing responsibilities of police acting in a managerial role when deployed in a potentially unstable context. The module recognises and examines the current debates taking place around the relevance/importance of leadership in policing generally and in the policing of an unstable situation specifically. This module follows the pattern of those developed for similar postgraduate certificate programmes i.e. requiring you to reflect critically on your professional practice and consider how the theories discussed impact on your work and work context.
Managing People and Managing for Change: The aim of the programme is to develop the skills and the underlying knowledge required to enable managers in the public sector to manage their people more effectively in the context of an everchanging environment of policing. Students who complete the programme should be able to understand the main concepts and ideas in the management of people, understand the legal framework and the limitations on management action and to have developed the management skills required to solve problems in the management of people.
Delivery and Assessment
Two modules will be delivered each semester, each over an eight-week period. There will be flexibility for the student to vary the pace of study and to extend the period of study. A core module will be followed by an optional module. Those wishing to take an alternative optional module will undertake the module when it is sequenced for delivery. Not all students will follow the sequence identified above. The precise sequence will be determined by the student’s intake point.
Assessment will be based on coursework. Grading and assessment will be in accordance with the University of Stirling’s regulations and procedures monitored by an external examiner appointed by the University of Stirling in consultation with the Scottish Police College. Each module will include the equivalent of an assignment of up to 4,000 words.
Career Opportunities
The Postgraduate Certificate draws upon the experience of UK police officers taking part in overseas peace support missions and provides candidates with an accredited continuing professional development opportunity. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and ACPOS (Scotland) both acknowledge the contribution that the programme offers to the professional development of police officers and police support staff from the United Kingdom who have volunteered for such important duties overseas.
