University of Huddersfield and Gannon University sign MoU
Pictured: Prof Monty Adkins signs the MoU
The University of Huddersfield and Gannon University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaborative opportunities in cutting-edge research and transnational education initiatives.
This MoU will drive the global expansion of Huddersfield’s Investigative Psychology and Professional Doctoral Academy (PDA) programmes, creating new opportunities for international collaboration and practitioner-led research.
Originally established at the University of Surrey in the 1990s, the MSc in Investigative Psychology was developed following the pioneering contributions of Professor David Canter to UK law enforcement. It remains a highly structured programme focused on the role psychologists play in supporting investigative processes, and is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as a recognised MSc in Forensic Psychology — reflecting its high standards and professional relevance. Notably, it was also the first BPS-accredited blended learning programme of its kind, offering flexible delivery without compromising academic or professional quality.
For the past 15 years, the University of Huddersfield has been home to the MSc in Investigative Psychology, producing nearly 1,000 graduates during this time.
Interest in collaborating with Gannon University, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, has grown from the ongoing partnership between Dr Ben Baughman, Professor Maria Ioannou and Professor John Synnott, Director and Deputy Director of the MSc programme respectively.
Gannon University brings established expertise in Criminal Justice and Applied Intelligence programmes for U.S. law enforcement, and there is growing demand in the U.S. for advanced training in Investigative Psychology.
MoU will support further doctoral candidates
In addition to joint MSc delivery, the MoU outlines ambitions to support the development of “pracademic” doctoral candidates, following the model of Huddersfield’s PDA, led by Professor Synnott.
The PDA is recognised as the UK’s largest and only dedicated doctoral training centre for senior serving police officers, and the agreement paves the way for co-supervising doctoral candidates from U.S. law enforcement agencies alongside their UK counterparts.
“A large proportion of our students travel from overseas to study with us, drawn by the reputation and real-world impact of our work in Investigative Psychology,” says Professor Synnott.
“Gannon University allows us to bring this science to a whole new audience, building on its established strengths and extensive partnerships within the U.S. law enforcement and criminal justice community. Importantly, our ambition extends beyond MSc students. I am looking to welcome Doctoral Candidates from U.S. law enforcement agencies, in partnership with Gannon, to work alongside their UK counterparts. Together, they will jointly develop research with direct relevance to national security within our first-of-its-kind Professional Doctoral Academy.”
The agreement marks the beginning of working towards a strategic partnership to foster academic exchange, joint research, and shared educational programmes. It reflects both universities’ commitment to building high-impact international collaborations that advance academic excellence while extending the global reach and practical impact of their work.
This digital MOU signing ceremony marked another first for both universities and brought together senior leaders from each institution.
Representing the University of Huddersfield’s Senior Leadership Team were Prof Monty Adkins and Prof John Murray, Pro Vice-Chancellors for Research and for Teaching and Learning, respectively, along with Mr Karl Abbey, Head of International Recruitment. Representing Gannon University’s Senior Leadership were Dr Sarah Ewing (Provost and Vice President for Student Experience), Dr Julia Mack (Associate Dean for Curriculum and Student Affairs), and Dr Lori Lindley (Dean of the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences).
Professor Adkins said, “We are focused on building long-term, meaningful partnerships with key institutions that foster the exchange of ideas among researchers, postgraduate students, and academic staff.
“Our approach is about combining practical experience with academic expertise to enhance skills — whether in policing, engineering, or other disciplines — in ways that genuinely improve lives and professional practice. This collaboration with Gannon University is exactly the kind of impactful, lasting work we aim to develop across the University.”
Karl Abbey, Head of International Recruitment, added, “This partnership with Gannon University brings together two universities with a shared mission of developing global citizens with the skills and knowledge to positively benefit their communities and the world. It is this shared ethos which makes this partnership a wonderful fit for Huddersfield in supporting broader strategic objectives for internationalisation and the reach and impact of our world-class learning and research.”
Dr Sarah Ewing, Provost and Vice President for Student Experience, Gannon University, said, “Our partnership with the University of Huddersfield reflects our shared vision to prepare students as global citizens through transformative educational experiences. Guided by our Catholic tradition, we emphasize values-based learning that fosters leadership, inclusion, and social responsibility — building a global community committed to creating a better world.”
Finally, the importance of developing this partnership, and the wealth of opportunities it presents for both institutions, was underscored by those directly involved in bringing it to life.
“I am extremely proud of this new partnership with the University of Huddersfield, it represents a transformative moment for American law enforcement education, bringing world-class Investigative Psychology training to practitioners across the United States for the first time through an accredited American institution,” said Dr Baughman.
World-class evidence-based training
“Having completed my own PhD at Huddersfield under Professor David Canter, the founder of the discipline, I’ve seen how this area of science can transform investigations. As a former detective, hostage negotiator, and crime analyst with the Raleigh Police Department, I know the critical value of evidence-based approaches to criminal profiling, geographical analysis, and advanced investigative techniques.
“This partnership will give U.S. practitioners access to the same world-class, evidence-based training, through both Masters and PhDs, that has shaped UK policing for decades — without relocating abroad. By combining Gannon’s expertise in Applied Intelligence with Huddersfield’s leadership in Investigative Psychology, we will bridge research and operational needs to strengthen investigative practice and enhance public safety in the United States.”