120 participants will start the two-year programme in July 2020 and will study for a master's in Applied Custodial Leadership, whilst working on the front line alongside Prison Officers across the country.

Professor Margaret A House, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said:

"We are delighted to be working with Unlocked to develop the next generation of leaders within the criminal justice system, particularly at such a challenging time for the Prison Service.

"Our MSc in Applied Custodial Leadership has been designed by Dr Danielle McDermott and Claire Vilarrubi who, between them, have over 20 years' experience working in the Prison Service.

"We are looking forward to welcoming the first cohort of Unlocked postgraduate students to our campus in July 2020. I encourage anyone wanting a career where you can truly make a difference to apply."

Since Unlocked was launched in 2016, over 10,000 students and graduates have registered their interest in the programme and 250 new Prison Officers have been placed in some of England's most challenging prisons.

Natasha Porter, CEO of Unlocked Graduates, said:

"The academic element of our scheme is critical to attracting top graduates and raising the status of the too-often under-valued role of prison officer. We wanted to build on the successes of our first graduating cohort but were particularly keen to further integrate the master's course with frontline practice. We were very impressed by Leeds Trinity's bid which was highly competitive and we're looking forward to working with them in the coming years.

"They will be building on an incredibly strong foundation. We are already a successful, award-winning programme and by July, two cohorts will have graduated from the programme, benefitting from the first-generation Unlocked master's that will continue to be provided by the University of Suffolk for all our current officers through to 2021."

The application deadline for the Unlocked Graduates 2020 programme remains open until 31 January. Graduates with an undergraduate degree in any subject can apply for the programme.