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Made for complex situations.
Recognised by professionals worldwide.

Crowded Places and Public Safety Management MSc/PGCert

Our 100% online Crowded Places and Public Safety Management MSc/postgraduate certificate (PGCert) course delivered by Coventry University Online is designed to support the development of skills management and leadership roles at large-scale events.

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Intake of interest
  • September 2025
  • 3 intakes per year (Sep, Jan, May)
Study options
  • 100% online study
  • Part-time
Duration
  • 2 years part-time

Why choose us

Coventry University has been awarded 5 QS Stars Overall by QS Stars University Ratings for areas including teaching, employability, global engagement and research. We were also ranked the 9th Modern University in the UK by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Awards and rankings

Just a few of Coventry University's many accolades.

5 Stars

QS Stars
for Teaching and Employability

QS Stars University Ratings

QS 5 stars logo

Ranked 9th

Modern University in the UK

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

The Sunday Times logo

Ranked 4th

for Overall Satisfaction

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2025

PTES logo

Who is this course for?

Our online Crowded Places and Public Safety Management MSc course is ideal for those with a background in a non-crowd-safety subject and are looking to transition into the field of project and security management.

Whether you're aiming to develop your leadership potential in emergencies or want to improve your communication in the public safety field, our professional-supported crowded places and public safety course offers the knowledge and tools you need to thrive in a diverse world.

Person in a high-visibility vest working at a desk with a computer displaying diagrams, holding documents, with industrial machinery visible through a window behind them.

Our courses are ideal for those who:

  • currently work in a non-public safety leadership role
  • are looking to start a career in public safety
  • are looking to work closely with crowd management practices.

Careers and opportunities

Whether you are looking to step into a leadership role, choose a specialisation, or expand your professional portfolio, this course could be the right fit for you. Possible career paths:

Emergency services

Venue and stadia management

The uniformed services

Private security

Live events

Transport and retail services

Security and safety sector

Multi-lateral organisations

National and local government

Risk and resilience consultancies

Research and further study

 

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields. Coventry University’s career and employability team can help support your search for employment in the UK or overseas by tapping our alumni network, industrial contacts, and individual advice (subject to availability).

Course overview

Our online Crowded Places and Public Safety Management course could provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need to expand your career and build connections in the security sector.

Some of the highlights of our 100% online course can be found below.

  • This MSc degree will cover the complete cycle of crowd safety risk management, from planning and assessing risks in crowded places to creating management and business continuity plans.
  • You will also learn to develop communication plans for public safety, harnessing approaches to leadership, information sharing, and collaborating with emergency responders during crises.
  • PGCert modules focus on evolving methods in crowd science and technology, risk management, leadership in complex situations, and emergency management.

Why study this course

Our course is designed to provide the depth and rigour required for development, reflection and networking in this sector.

  • This course explores crowd safety, covering prevention, planning, and response to crowded place emergencies. You’ll analyse technical data, best practices in emergency planning, and crisis management to develop a well-rounded understanding of the field.
  • You’ll study behavioural theory and leadership at both the organisational and individual levels, while developing the interpersonal skills needed to deliver training initiatives and manage diverse teams effectively.
  • Our current teaching team has practical experience in crowd safety management and related fields, including emergency planning for mass gatherings, risk mapping, evacuation frameworks, command and control design, and managing simulated emergency exercises.

Want to study your degree on campus? Learn more about our on-campus-taught Crowded Places and Public Safety Management MSc and PGCert here.

To apply to study this course 100% online, click below (UK and International students).

Apply now

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited1 by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2025-26 intake. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost. Further details can be found under the modules and on the Professional Development module page. Please visit the CMI website for full details on the CMI accreditation.

Chartered Management Institute logo

What you will study

If you are studying for the Crowded Places and Public Safety Management PGCert, you will complete the following modules totalling 60 credits:

  • Emergency Planning and Preparedness – 15 credits
  • Managing Crowded Places – 15 credits
  • Public Safety and Security – 15 credits
  • Critical Incident Leadership – 15 credits

If you are studying for the Crowded Places and Public Safety Management MSc, you will complete all compulsory modules listed below, plus a Professional Working Paper.

Crowded Places and Public Safety Management MSc/PGCert

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

Entry requirements

UK and International

To get started with this online postgraduate course, applicants should have a 2:2 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Applicants with a lower class of degree and/or professional experience only will be individually considered and will usually be interviewed prior to being offered a place on the course.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component area. If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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How you will learn

Study 100% online and get the same qualification, along with many of the same benefits and support as a campus student. Some of the benefits include access to highly experienced academics, career advisors, writing tutors and wellbeing services.

  • Our 100% online courses offer the same top-quality modules as on-campus.
  • Your learning activities are available on-demand through our innovative social learning platform, so that you can learn at the best time and location for you.
  • Enjoy 24/7 access to electronic resources, including thousands of books, e-journals and newspapers.
  • Receive guidance from a tutor who will lead live sessions (recorded for those unable to attend) to support and add depth to your learning.
  • The tutor will be available for further support through email and the learning platform.

Assessment

Your chosen Coventry University Online degree will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

reports

proposals and business cases

presentations

projects

coursework

individual assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our degrees are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Teaching contact hours

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As a part-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits for a master’s degree and 60 credits for a PGCert.

A typical 15-credit module requires a total of 150 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study. It is typical to study two modules/30 credits per semester.

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your typical taught modules, you can expect around two-and-a half teaching hours per module each week (a 90-minute lecture and a 60-minute tutorial). You will also have the option to attend sessions including time with an Associate Lecturer or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. If you're studying for a master’s, teaching hours may reduce as you progress through your Dissertation and Chartered Management Institute module, but you can expect to spend more time on independent study.

Taught sessions are recorded for those who cannot attend at the time of broadcast. They are generally held on weekdays between 09:00 and 18:00 GMT.

Guided and independent study:

Students will have access to an experienced team of tutors and lecturers who will support their studies. Each module will have dedicated online content to support the learning.

You will study and work through the structured teaching and learning materials on our online learning platform, with materials designed to promote an active approach to learning.

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics using your own research in our online library, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies.

Fees and funding

Course fee: MSc: £10,000 (180 credits) | PGCert: £3,333.33 (60 credits)

Our tuition fees are calculated for the entire duration of the programme. You also have the option to pay fees by credit hour, rather than making a full upfront payment. A variety of payment options exist including instalments through the duration of the programme.

How to apply

To apply to study this course 100% online, click below. The application process is quick but you will need documentation including previous qualifications and experience.

Apply now

For further support or more information about your course, get in touch with us today.

Enquire with us