About Countering Organised Crime MA in Coventry University

This course aims to provide a critical overview of international organised crime and the strategies employed to combat it. Uniquely, the course is split between a traditional academic setting in Coventry and study in the field alongside counter-crime practitioners in Sicily, Italy.

MA Countering Organised Crime seeks to immerse students in a community of practice formed from partnerships built between the course team and practitioners of international security. The course aims to provide students with not only an academic understanding of countering organised crime, but also a practical understanding of how these theories are applied in the ‘real world’. These experiences and ideas are essential for anyone wishing to develop a career in this expanding sector.

Why Coventry University?

An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.

Course information

The course provides students with not only an academic understanding of countering organised crime, but also a practical understanding of how these theories are applied in the ‘real world’. These experiences and ideas are essential for anyone wishing to develop a career in this expanding sector.

Uniquely, this course dedicates half of its taught content (three modules) to international study trips (included within the fee). Students will have the opportunity to study organised crime in situ in Sicily, southern Italy and Vienna (UNODC), learning directly from police officers, prosecutors, and civil society activists fighting these criminal networks.

Career prospects

Our students come to us from a variety of national and international academic and professional backgrounds.

Our mix of ‘professional’ (e.g. Police, army, intelligence, local government, security, law, media, and more) and ‘traditional’ students creates an interactive, engaging and dynamic classroom experience. This broad mix of academic skills is complimented by ‘professional’ students in real working conditions of security and counter organised crime policy and practice.  This diverse mix of backgrounds can lead to intense and engaging class discussions.

The MA Countering organised crime and Modern Slavery will help to prepare students for a range of roles beyond on the MA.  Employment opportunities for this course may include careers in security, policing, intelligence and justice professions, non-government organisations, international organisations, media, local authorities, charities, specialist think tanks, government departments and market intelligence.

Where our graduates work

Our graduates started, or progressed existing, careers within governance (e.g. International Centre for Asset Recovery, the United Nations, the National Crime Agency, Police Forces, and Defence and Security Offices in their respective countries, intelligence services, Media, and others).  Some graduates have opened their own consultancy companies, others have gone to work for think tanks, and others have gone on to undertake PhD research.

EU and overseas applicants will be considered if they possess equivalent qualifications from other national educational systems and a proficient knowledge of English (normally the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, IELTS or equivalent at point 6.5 or above).

The Recruitment and Admissions Office has a detailed table of these “equivalences” for these qualifications and these will be consulted by the Admissions Tutor to determine the suitability of EU and overseas applicants.

Non-standard applications will be considered. Admission will be considered if the applicant can demonstrate non-academic knowledge of the subject area and the potential to complete the course successfully.

Students will need to ensure they meet immigration regulations enabling them to travel on the fieldtrips to Italy.

English as a Foreign Language: This course requires IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5. Pre-sessional English is available if required.

Our International Student Hub offers information on entry requirements for your country, as well as contact details for agents and representatives should you need more advice.

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