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MSc
Safeguarding: Leading Safer Organisations

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Key Information

Start Date

September 2025

Typical Offer

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Part-time

3 years

Academic Year

Course Overview

The safeguarding of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm, protects them from neglect, abuse, or harm. The MSc Safeguarding: Leading Safer Organisations is aimed at leaders in medium-to-large organisations in the third sector who interact with this demographic as a business.

The programme aims to help leaders develop and implement the skills needed to introduce safe practices and cultures that seek to protect those who are at risk, as well as equip businesses with the processes to protect against allegations, should they occur.

The University of Lincoln has developed this course in collaboration with a range of key organisations including the Church of England, the Methodist Church of Great Britain, The Princes Trust, Save the Children, ActionAid International, and Lincolnshire County Council.

Why Choose Lincoln

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How You Study

This part-time Master's programme will be delivered through a mix of blended learning online with facilitated discussions between students and academic members of staff, as well as larger groups.

After an initial one-day online induction, online sessions will be delivered for half a day per week during the academic year. All learning is online and will take place in the form of practical, evidence-based application of concepts in the workplace, with academic support throughout.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Leadership and Safeguarding in an Organisational Context 2025-26HEP9008MLevel 72025-26This module seeks to build on students' understanding of safeguarding concepts. The focus is to consider organisational contexts and leadership and aims to help senior leaders develop a systematic understanding and knowledge of safeguarding processes as applied to their leadership approach and their organisation.CoreSafeguarding for Senior Leaders 2025-26HEP9009MLevel 72025-26This module explores key safeguarding concepts including ethics, policies and processes for children, young people and at risk adults in order to understand the impact on people who are affected by them.CoreApproaches to Research 2026-27HEP9010MLevel 72026-27This module gives students an opportunity to critically evaluate knowledge, evidence, and research in relation to safeguarding practice. It will help students develop an informed understanding of research, with a particular focus on the causations of vulnerability and into the efficacy of various interventions and services. Additionally, it aims to equip students with the theoretical, generic, and specialist methods and skills to carry out research and thus prepare them to undertake a guided, independent, research study based on safeguarding practice, should they progress to the dissertation phase.CoreCreating Safer Organisations and Teams 2026-27HEP9011MLevel 72026-27This module seeks to help senior leaders develop a systematic understanding and knowledge of the importance of effective team working and understand how effective teamwork can enhance safeguarding processes.CoreSupporting People Affected by Safeguarding 2026-27HEP9012MLevel 72026-27This module aims to help senior leaders develop a systematic understanding and knowledge of the impact on people affected by safeguarding concerns, and aid their understanding of how to create an organisational support mechanism. The module will consider power structures and will focus on anti-oppressive approaches and empowerment of minoritised communities.CoreEvidencing ongoing professional development 2026-27HEA9449MLevel 72026-27Continuing Professional Development is a core activity for all working in health and care services. Development activities can take many forms outside of formal higher education programmes. Reflect on and re-evaluate developmental activities undertaken in your career to date and apply personal development planning to work out the next steps in your progression with this individually focused module.OptionalNational, Global and International Context of Safeguarding for Senior Leaders 2026-27HEP9013MLevel 72026-27Students can learn how to develop a systematic understanding and knowledge of safeguarding processes as applied to their leadership approach and their organisational context with a focus on international and global contexts.OptionalProtecting Children and Adults at Risk of Abuse in Faith-based organisations 2026-27HEP9014MLevel 72026-27Students can consider and address the unique circumstances of faith-based organisations with regard to safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk.OptionalSafeguarding: The Media and Public Relations 2026-27HEP9015MLevel 72026-27This module aims to develop senior leaders understanding and knowledge of media responses, in the event of a safeguarding concern the organisation is able to adopt an appropriate strategy or response.OptionalSafeguarding Dissertation 2027-28HEP9016MLevel 72027-28The dissertation module is the final module of the programme and builds on learning from all of the other modules. This module specifically aims to build on the earlier Approaches to Research module and provides students with the opportunity to deliver their research plan. Further research knowledge and support will be provided through teaching and supervision. Dissemination will also be promoted through the assessment tasks.Core

              What You Need to Know

              We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

              How you are assessed

              A range of assessment approaches will be used during the course. All assessments are designed to be relevant to you within your workplace and it is planned learning will be enhanced by learner blogs (audio, video, and written), group work and learner led formative assessments to culminate in summative essays and presentations.

              Career Development

              Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. Postgraduate students at the University of Lincoln benefit from inspirational teaching combined with high-quality facilities and learning spaces, great industry links, and unique research opportunities, all of which are designed to help you stand out from the crowd and make the most of your time with us. 

              Why Postgraduate Study?

              How to Apply

              Postgraduate Application Support

              Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

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              Entry Requirements 2025-26

              Entry Requirements

              You should have or be about to complete a recognised undergraduate with honours or postgraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) from an accredited college, institution, or university, equivalent to or higher than a UK Bachelor honours degree qualification.

              Or, if you do not hold a recognised degree or hold an ordinary degree, you will be able to demonstrate extensive experience of leading complex organisations. The course team will discuss any learning needs you may have to enter this level of study.

              English language requirements

              If English isn't your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept IELTS 6.5 or an equivalent qualification.

              If you do not have an English language qualification we will also consider applications with the following on a case by case basis:
              - A degree qualification taught in English
              - Evidence that you work in a company where English is the first language.

              Interviews

              Eligible applicants will be required to participate in an interview with the programme team. During the interview, you will have the opportunity to discuss the rationale for applying for the course and also mention any learning requirements you might have.

              Depending on applicants' individual needs, interviews can be conducted online or in person at the University's Brayford Pool Campus. 

              Academic Contact

              If you would like to find out more about this course you can contact the programme lead:

              Sarah Lepley

              slepley@lincoln.ac.uk

              Course Fees

              You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

              Course Fees

              The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

              Funding Your Study

              Postgraduate Funding Options

              Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

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              Academic Contact

              For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

              Sarah Lepley
              slepley@lincoln.ac.uk

              Postgraduate Events

              To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

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              PG Cert Safeguarding: Leading Safer Organisations

              The University also offers a PG Cert Safeguarding: Leading Safer Organisations for those who may be interested.

              The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.