SINGAPORE - Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a degree programme on criminology and security with University of Liverpool and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).

At the launch this afternoon, Second Minister for Home Affairs S Iswaran said the ministry is dedicated to the upgrading of safety and security professionals in Singapore.

He added that the SIT’s partnership with the University of Liverpool, a leading British research university at the forefront of criminology research, will add to the diversity of Singapore’s education landscape and open a new academic pathway for personnel in the safety and security sector.

Mr Iswaran said: “From MHA’s perspective, with the advent of this programme, our officers now have another avenue to further enhance their professional competencies so as to take on higher responsibilities upon graduation. MHA is committed to investing in our Home Team officers, to allow them to acquire the requisite skills and competencies for their career advancement.”

He expressed confidence that the degree programme would help support the growth of Singapore as a safety and security hub, by raising the level of professionalism of the industry, and helping to meet the demand for trained personnel.

At the ceremony, Mr Iswaran also presented the sponsorship to the programme to the first batch of 32 officers.

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security programme has been described as an integrated and well-rounded learning experience for its students.

The three-year full-time degree course covers key topics in criminology and security, including criminology theories and research methods.

It includes modules on understanding crime, justice and punishment.

Some modules on terrorism and radicalism will also be adapted to the Southeast Asian context. CHANNEL NEWSASIA