Course overview
Advance your specialist knowledge and professional capability.
Develop leadership and investigative insight across serious offending, intelligence, terrorism, cybercrime and the global criminal-justice system.
Course overview
This flexible online MA is designed for professionals and graduates committed to preventing and responding to serious and violent crime. It connects leadership with offender psychology, investigations, intelligence, terrorism, hate crime and cybercrime, culminating in an independent research project.
Study options
The course is delivered fully online through Arden's digital learning environment, with flexible access to learning materials and scheduled academic support.
Professional focus
Teaching and assessment connect postgraduate theory with current professional practice, applied problem-solving and independent research.
Curriculum
Review the complete master's module structure.
01Master's modules
180 credits
180 credits
Master's modules
180 credits
- Reflective Practice and Leadership20 credits
- The Criminal Justice System and Globalisation20 credits
- The Psychology of Serious Offending20 credits
- Managing Intelligence and Investigations20 credits
- Terrorism, Extremism and Hate20 credits
- Cybercrime and the Dark Web20 credits
- Independent Research Project60 credits
Module availability and content may change as part of the provider’s ongoing academic review.
Assessment
Practical ways to show what you know.
Reports
Business pitches
Senior-level strategic briefing documents
Independent research project
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Academic and professional entry
- A UK honours degree at 2:2 or above, or an accepted equivalent.
- Applicants without the standard degree normally require three years of relevant criminal-justice-sector experience; other cases may be reviewed individually.
English language
- IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 90, or an accepted equivalent.
- Previous study completed in English may be accepted with suitable evidence of the medium of instruction.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
Arden states that quoted fees relate to the intake on which the student enrols, not the application date.
Promotional awards and offers are subject to Arden's terms and conditions and may change or expire.
Students who require a visa to study in the UK may be charged the fee associated with their home country.
Funding your study
Eligible students may be able to use postgraduate Student Finance funding. The exact loan amount and personal eligibility should be confirmed before enrolment.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
Develop advanced specialist and transferable professional skills.
Apply Level 7 learning to current workplace challenges.
Complete an independent postgraduate project or equivalent capstone assessment.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Career directions
- Police leadership
- Criminal intelligence
- Investigation management
- Probation and prisons
- Crime prevention
- Criminal-justice policy
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
Can I study this course online?
Yes. Arden currently lists an online route for this course.
Is UK-campus study available?
No UK-campus route is currently listed for this course.
When can I start?
The current application options list October 2026. Availability should be confirmed before application.
Who awards the degree?
The degree is awarded by Arden University.