Security and Terrorism
This programme analyses the phenomena of terrorism and political violence as perpetrated by both state and non-state actors, drawing on various disciplines within the Social Sciences. Students will explore the theoretical, methodological, and ethical debates relating to the study of state and non-state violence, and will consider their implications for various international actors and policy-makers. Students will have input from research-active staff with considerable expertise in the fields of International Relations, Sociology and Criminology. Students will assess the measures taken by states and international organisations to deter terrorism, and the relationships between terrorism and counter-terror measures. Students will be asked to critique the various theoretical and methodological approaches deployed by social scientists to study these phenomena. The following questions will be explored: How are we to understand terrorism in contemporary society? How does terrorism differ from other forms of political violence? What is the impact of terrorism on civil liberties? Are there differences between the Global North and the Global South in relation to the use of political violence? How do the social sciences differ in their approaches to terrorism and political violence? The course will also consider the actual risk posed by international terrorism and whether or not the threat is enhanced by the fears and anxieties generated by a risk-averse culture.
Programme Structure
Full-time students complete the MA in Security and Terrorism over twelve months. Study is divided between taught modules, which last for one term each, and dissertation work. For full-time students, a total of six modules must be taken over the first two terms. Supervised dissertation work, on a relevant agreed subject, is then undertaken during the remainder of the academic year.
The MA can be taken on a part-time basis, typically over two years but flexible arrangements are also possible. When taking it over two years, part-time students choose three modules in each academic year, and write a supervised dissertation thereafter.
The programme is also offered in a 120 ECTS format – comprising nine taught modules plus a dissertation over 18 months – and as a Postgraduate Diploma – comprising six taught modules only – worth 120 Kent credits [60 ECTS]. Both the 120 ECTS version and the Diploma can also be taken on a part-time basis.
Autumn term
3 modules of 20 credits each
Recommended
Optional
Spring term
3 modules of 20 credits each
Required
Teaching
Teaching on this programme is based on weekly two-hour sessions given by full time members of staff who have internationally expertise in their fields amd are informed by the latest research and scholarship. This may be in the format of a lecture and seminar, or two extended seminars and workshops. Assessment is mainly by coursework, typically one long essay or two essays of different lengths, and a seminar presentation, supplemented in some modules by an examination. The dissertation is a supervised 14,000 work piece of individual research.
Career Options
Student completing this course will have gained the knowledge and understanding to embrace a wide range of careers such as policy and governance, international organisations and NGO's, and the professions as well as further postgrduate study by research.
Fees
Details of tuition fees are available on the finance website
Admissions
We admit a small number of highly qualified candidates in each academic year. Early applications, i.e. by the end of March, are strongly encouraged. Please check the information on how to apply for further details on entry requirements and instructions on submitting your application online.
Further Information
For more information about this programme and any queries you might have, please contact our Recruitment and Marketing Officer, Roxanne Gotch. You can also visit our campus and meet our teaching staff by attending the University’s Open Days held in February and December. Alternatively, you can meet our representatives at one of the educational events we regularly attend around the world.