Belfast Comparative Study Visit

The Belfast field trip forms a core component of the Comparative Studies module within LCAPS at Liverpool John Moores University. Established in 2021, it brings together students from policing, investigations, and forensic programmes to explore how policing is shaped by social, political, and historical context.

The visit is designed to move beyond classroom-based learning, providing students with the opportunity to engage directly with environments that have played a significant role in shaping contemporary policing practice. By examining the differences between policing in Northern Ireland and mainland UK, students are encouraged to develop a more nuanced and critical understanding of the profession.

Experience

Throughout the visit, students are exposed to a range of experiences that highlight the complexities of policing in Northern Ireland. Key themes include public order policing, community engagement, mental health, and the routine arming of police officers—issues that are closely linked to the region’s historical and political landscape.

Students participate in structured activities such as the Belfast Troubles Walking Tour, visits to the Museum of Derry, and engagement with the RUC Gardens of Remembrance. These experiences are supported by expert input from both academic and practitioner perspectives, allowing students to connect historical context with contemporary policing challenges.

The trip also provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary learning, bringing together students from different programmes. In recent years, participation has expanded to include counter terrorism and professional policing cohorts, further enriching the learning experience.

Impact

The Belfast visit plays a direct role in supporting academic assessment, with students required to produce comparative reports based on their experiences. This encourages them to critically reflect on what they have observed and to consider how policing practices are influenced by wider societal factors.

Student feedback has been consistently positive, with many highlighting the value of experiencing policing in a different context. Beyond academic outcomes, the visit supports the development of confidence, communication skills, and professional awareness.

It also facilitates the formation of strong peer networks, with students often maintaining connections beyond the duration of the trip. These shared experiences contribute to both personal and professional development.

Future

LCAPS continues to build on the success of the Belfast field trip, with plans to further strengthen existing partnerships and develop new opportunities for engagement. This includes exploring links with additional institutions and organisations, such as the Ulster Museum, to enhance the academic depth of the experience.

There is also scope to expand access to a wider range of students, ensuring that more cohorts can benefit from this form of applied, comparative learning. The Belfast visit remains a central part of LCAPS’ commitment to delivering real-world, experience-led education.