Doctor of Policing and Security

What is this course about?

CSU's Doctor of Policing and Security is a coursework doctorate designed for law enforcement and other government security personnel. It provides the opportunity for personal development and the in-depth exploratory study of a professional area of practice.

About the course

The purpose of the course is to provide a coursework doctorate designed to suit the individual educational and professional development requirements of law enforcement and other government security personnel.

The course will provide practitioners the opportunity to develop research in their own area of expertise and experience which will also add to the body of knowledge in the area of law enforcement and security.

Course outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of a wide range of research methods
• design research using these research methods
• develop and write a research proposal, ethics approval application, literature review,
  description of research methodology and timelines for a major research dissertation
• demonstrate an understanding of, and analyse, a range of current and emerging issues in
  policing and security
• analyse and evaluate a range of Australian and international case studies in policing and
  security
• demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the utility of a range of theoretical and
  practical approaches to best practice in policing and security
• analyse differences and similarities that exist in best practice within law enforcement and
  other government security roles
• analyse a range of approaches for implementing change to achieve best practice in
  policing and security
• demonstrate an understanding of the research and preparation of a research dissertation
  including a review of relevant literature, thorough research and advanced analysis
• conduct research and reflect on policing problems

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Admission requirements

Applicants must hold either a Master degree by research; a four-year Honours degree (First class or Second Class (Division 1)); or a Master degree by coursework that required the completion of a thesis in which the applicant demonstrated exceptional ability in conducting their research project. Students who hold a Master degree by coursework may also apply, but acceptance will be based on their ability to demonstrate that they have the scholastic aptitude to undertake research at doctoral level and may require them to undergo a probationary period of up to three years before being approved to commence their research.

Applicants will be professional people who have a background in law enforcement (which includes compliance and regulatory work), or government, military or private security services.

Enrolment requires approval by the Dean on the advice of the Course Coordinator.

Applicants can only be considered for recognition of prior learning for specific subjects after the presentation of a documented case that shows that such learning equates to doctoral level study.

Additional admission requirements

Applicants must submit a full professional curriculum vitae (CV) with their application. The CV should include complete details about the applicant's career. It should also provide a list of all university level education and post-secondary training completed. This information is required in order to assess the applicant's professional eligibility for the course.

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1 and Session 2