Postgraduate

Postgraduate study image

Studying a postgraduate qualification can improve your knowledge and skills, enhance your CPD, and help develop you career prospects. The Open University has a variety of OU Postgraduate Qualifications that can suit your professional interests and match your available study time. These range from Postgraduate Certificates, Diplomas and Masters Degree Qualifications.

OU Postgraduate Qualifications

The OU offers three types of Postgraduate qualifications: a Postgraduate Certificate, a Postgraduate Diploma and a Masters Degree. The flexible structure for these qualifications enables you to study for a Certificate, then count it towards a Diploma and stop there, or carry on towards a Masters. Each award is a valuable qualification in its own right, and will help you take your career to the next level.

A selection of OU Postgraduate Certificates that are appropriate to the police are shown below:

Postgraduate Certificate

Postgraduate Diploma

Masters Degree

Postgraduate Certificates (PGCert)	Mode: Part-time Time: 1 Year Credits: 60 A Postgraduate Certificate is the first step on the way to a Masters Degree. Although it is a valuable qualification in its own right, it is an ideal qualification for professional and career development.
Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip)	Mode: Part-time Time: 1 Year Credits: 120 A Postgraduate Diploma can deepen your academic, technical knowledge and skills, providing a boost to your professional career. This widely recognised qualification is equivalent to two thirds of a Masters Degree.
Masters Degree (MA/MSc/MBA)	Mode: Part-time Time: 3 Years Credits:180 A Masters Degree is a universal, internationally respected qualification that can enhance your career prospects. Obtaining a Masters Qualification provides the necessary progression route to a PhD Research Degree.

Postgraduate Certificates (PGCert)

Mode: Part-time
Time: 1 Year
Credits: 60

A Postgraduate Certificate is the first step on the way to a Masters Degree. Although it is a valuable qualification in its own right, it is an ideal qualification for professional and career development.

Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip)

Mode: Part-time
Time: 1 Year
Credits: 120

A Postgraduate Diploma can deepen your academic, technical knowledge and skills, providing a boost to your professional career. This widely recognised qualification is equivalent to two thirds of a Masters Degree.

Masters Degree (MA/MSc/MBA)

Mode: Part-time
Time: 3 Years
Credits:180

A Masters Degree is a universal, internationally respected qualification that can enhance your career prospects. Obtaining a Masters Qualification provides the necessary progression route to a PhD Research Degree.

News

What does the next decade of evidence-based policing look like? Join us for the CPRL Engagement Day on 21 January 2026

This event provides a collaborative and welcoming environment for shared practice, reflection, and strategic direction-setting. Together, we will explore how our partnership can drive forward the next generation of research, innovation, and professional learning across UK policing.

27th October 2025