MERSEYSIDE police officers are being sent to university to turn them into leaders in their field.

Liverpool Hope University is behind a unique masters degree course which has been jointly devised by Merseyside Police.

It is hoped the two to three year Masters of Science in Police Leadership will ensure serving officers identified as having leadership qualities can meet their potential and get senior roles, such as superintendent level, within the force.

But the course is also aimed at administrative staff, whose roles range from personnel to data analysis, to climb the ladder within the constabulary.

So far, 23 staff have enrolled on the one day a week course. Topics covered include managing strategic change and effectively working as a team and adapting to cultural changes.

Backing the course, Merseyside’s Acting Chief Constable, Bernard Lawson, said: “Not only do courses such as this enable the force to provide learning opportunities to keen and dedicated staff members, but also enhances the skills of the people who are providing a service.”