Degree/Diplome Study

[hippy]

You can do a Foundation Course in Security Management with Leicster.. They run into each other nicely..

I, however, did a BA in Criminology & Sociology.. Very interesting
Oh, as an aside I also took an NVQ, level 4 in investigations.. Probably not so relevant for you though.

[jordo18]

I am currently on the Foundation course in Security & Risk Management at Leicester Uni, it can be done over 2,3, or 4 years and can lead on to further courses should you wish, i think it costs about £2400 but can be paid in installments. A good course which covers many areas in the security industry.

[hippy]

Jordo, do you intend to continue on to the MSC? I would recomend it..

[jordo18]

Hippy, possibly but i think i would have to do the BA in Security & Risk before going on to the MSc, i finish the Foundation in October this year and think i may take a break from studying before carrying on possibly early next year. Would like to progress as much as possible in the Security Industry and hopefully these courses will help a great deal.

[hippy]

I should think they will. My BA is criminology & sociology which ran nicely into the subject matter of the MSc...

And at the end of the day having MSc after your name does impress CEOs etc... Good luck!

[liberator]

Quote:

Originally Posted by protegimus22 All, I am seriously contemplating doing some form of study (security industry related) with a view to gaining a formal qualification that will help me, in the future, get onto the management ladder. I have an abundance of practical experience, especially in the CP environment and am willing to continue putting in the 'hard yards' while I study. I know this is a long termgoal but, it pays to plan ahead! I would welcome any views and advice from the abundance of talent on this site. Regards protegimus22

I enrolled for a lot of courses at the Easingwold Defence College, and they turned me down because It was going to cost me the earth.... After a few meetings with them they advised me to take a course at Leeds University (and these peeps know their stuff, they train the mod/emergency services/governments etc in all manner of courses relating to security and contingency/emergency planning.

It might be worth emailing them directly for more information.. I suppose it depends if you want to focus on a specific sector of security, or like myself want to try and cover everything and anything.

Some courses do run quite cheaply (£100's) and can really augment your CP skills and knowledge. It seems that they have now removed their list of courses from their website, but check back in the future or call for a prospectus.

The website is Emergency Planning College - Home

This college really helps build a foundation for more than just emergency planning.

[Rosie]

I am with Hippy on the Leicester MSc. I went straight into it in 2002 and finally finished in 2006 having taken breaks on the way due to work commitments. I am not UK resident but would definitely advise attending the study weekends. They gave needed direction and it was good to see that others had the same problems and experiences. Leicester is more well known as it was one of the first. I am not plugging this particular course, if anything you have even more choice now which is a bonus. To my mind any academic qualification from a UK institution is to be respected. I did find it hard to get into studying after such a long period.

It is not rocket science, just needs the commitment. It is pricey but the reputation is there. I work for an non-UK company and am well aware of the eyebrows it raises as it is well known. I had to go through an international recruitment selection for my current post and have no doubt that the MSc was the critical factor as it complimented the practical experience. Being ex-RMP was no benefit at all as the style of writing was completely different; moral of the story is that if you are willing it is possible and I have a number of former colleagues who have done it, none of whom were native English speakers.

Only one comment on the ASIS CPP, the leaning towards the US law is not always relevant. I recently did the ASIS PSP and found it very informative and value for money. Gives a good basis in physical security that is relevant as well as a good springboard for the CPP if it is to be followed. A qualification in physical security and survey is of use to any CPO. I would encourage anybody to try and get some form of formal qualification to match the practical experience. As a recruiter I see too many cases of guys who probably have a mountain of practical experience but fail a paper sift for the sake of formal qualification. It also gives credibility to anything you produce. Take the chance when it is possible, otherwise it may be regretted later. In my opinion, the qualifications get you in the door, the experience keeps you there. Good luck.

p.s If anybody is interested in the ASIS PSP and decides to do it I have some useful study notes that may help, no problems with sharing them.