MA Evidence Informed Practice | Part-time (PG Cert, PG Dip)

LJMU's Evidence-Informed Practice PgDip is designed for in-service criminal justice professionals who want to develop research skills. Develop your research skills enabling you to generate research findings that contribute to the development of criminal justice policy and practice Study over 2 years Learn via LJMU-based study days, online learning and independent study Undertake practice-relevant research to stimulate work-related learning for your employer Follow this hybrid programme developed as a result of the successful delivery of the Police Knowledge Fund Project in partnership with Merseyside Police, the Home Office, College of Policing and HEFCE Winner! Law School of the Year (Educate North Awards 2026) The programme will enhance your awareness of, and engagement with, research and (good/best) practice-informed evidence in the development of operational criminal justice practice.

Building on the momentum of the successfully delivered Police Knowledge Fund, which developed participants' research skills and communication of often complex and sensitive findings, the programme draws on the fantastic wealth of interdisciplinary collaborations within the Faculty. The Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies has the capacity to source expertise beyond the immediate spheres of criminal justice and policing. Calling on partners specialising in STEM and Quantitative Social Sciences disciplines, the Centre will draw on their capacity to better understand and develop understandings of new and future challenges for criminal justice and offender management policies to engage with.

Through the work-based research module you will be supported in constructing individual research projects that have a clear focus on positively impacting your own professional practice. They will outline manifest policy change or enhance a critical understanding of the challenges to creating greater efficiencies and enhanced performance in service provision. Applicants will need a clear ambition to develop, and commit to the development of, a work-based research project designed to positively impact the operational practice of criminal justice.