1.0 Rationale

Human society faces new and increasing threats from different dimensions ranging from terrorism to vandalism. This is mainly due to serious security lapses and increasingly sophisticated organised criminals. As a result, most security, defence and law-enforcement agencies (both home and abroad) and organisations embodying key security functions require a paradigm shift in training that impart new skills and knowledge to enable security personnel to deal with contemporary security challenges. Rapid internally and externally induced changes spurred by globalization in security sector require new approach to security management which in turn demand appropriate training on a wide range of issues; such as managing risks, securing institutional assets and buildings; information and data protection. It is in this context therefore, that the department presents the Master of Arts in Security Management. The course is intended to meet the national need of guaranteed security by training resource persons capable of taking up leadership in security management systems within government, corporate sector, and private security agencies. Security is an important component of national development and a necessity for realization of national goals. The course provides theoretical and practical strategies that addresses national security needs. The Master of Arts in Security Management holds appeal for employers across broad range of areas: industries, institutions and stands apart currently available programmes as it is more focused, theory-intensive and practical. This degree is therefore ideal for strengthening the skills of employees and creating appropriate personnel.

2.0 Programme Objectives

The aim of this programme is to produce qualified personnel required for effective prevention of security lapses, control and management of security organisations and systems in modern society. The objectives of the course are: -

1. To advance the undergraduate foundations courses in criminology and security studies.
2. To equip graduates from various backgrounds with knowledge and skills required by the security organizations and governments.
3. To produce scholars who are able to apply their knowledge and skills in security management, consultancies, teaching and research.

3.0 Programme Learning Outcomes

The post graduates will be able to use acquired knowledge and skills to:-

1. Undertake further studies
2. Provide required security management knowledge and skills in various organizations
3. To undertake research and teaching in security management
4. Provide security management and consultancies in various organizations
5. To be able to develop relevant security management policies.

4.0 Admission Requirements

Egerton University admission rules shall apply; admission shall also be open to holders of a first degree in Police Science, Military Science, Criminology, Security studies or related discipline, with at least second class honours (Upper Division) or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution or holder first degree in any relevant discipline with an initial training course in Police Science, Military Science, Criminology, Security Studies or related discipline, with at least second class honours (Lower Division) or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. Applicants who fail to meet the minimum admission requirements specified above may be required to appear for an interview by the department (either oral or written) to determine their eligibility.

5.0 Course Structure and Durationof Study

The Master of Arts in Security Management programme shall extend for a period of at least four (4) semesters but not more than six (6) semesters for full-time students. Students taking the programme on a part-time basis shall extend for a period of at least five (5) semesters but should complete in a period not exceeding eight (8) semesters. Students may be allowed to defer their studies for only one academic year on valid reason(s) communicated in writing to and accepted by the University senate. The Master of Arts degree in Security Management will be offered through coursework, examination and thesis or coursework, examination and project. The programme shall consist of a minimum of thirty credit factors of course work for those taking the Thesis option and those taking the project option will take nine more credit factors in second year. The course code is denoted by four capital letters namely; SECU standing for Master of Arts in Security Management, followed by three digits. The first digit 7 shall represent the year of graduate study while 1st digit shall represent level of study. The second digit (0) represents compulsory courses and the third represent elective courses.

6.0 Examination Regulations

All examinations for this programme shall be conducted in accordance with examination regulations as stipulated in the Egerton University Statute No. 39 of 2013.

7.0 Grading System

The grading of examinations for this programme shall be conducted in accordance with Egerton University Statute No. 39 of 2013.

8.0 Graduation Requirements

To graduate a student shall be required to take and pass ALL scheduled courses within the stipulated period.

9.0 Degree Classification

Degree classification shall be in accordance with Egerton University Statue 39 of 2013.

11.0 Examination Schedule

The examination schedule for all courses is provided regularly by the Directorate of Examination and Timetabling at the beginning of each semester.