Terrorism and Security

This module will provide you with an understanding of the issue of terrorism and a comprehension of some of the problems for democratic states and international organisations (EU, UN, NATO) in responding to this threat. You will acquire the analytical tools to systematically assess the phenomenon of terrorism, its increasingly international character, and varying national and international responses to the problem.

This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to Security Studies. The module focuses on the main approaches and methods used by experts in the field to conduct research and analyse major security issues both military and non-military. The module provides an overview of the major issues of the field, which can include military security, human security, New Wars, interstate/intra-state conflict, environmental security, food security, cyber security, etc.

On this module, you will be provided with a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the issues raised by recent and current practices in security, intelligence, terrorism and counter-terrorism. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of research and analytical techniques applicable to the examination current conceptual and practical developments in security, intelligence, terrorism and counter-terrorism.

This module offers you the chance to develop a critical understanding of the scope and nature of terrorism as it relates to the Middle East. You will develop the ability to differentiate between varying forms of terrorism in relation to the political and societal context from which they originate and the differing domestic, regional and international responses they provoke.

On this module you will gain a comprehensive understanding and critical awareness of the major debates and discussions that have taken place within Strategic Studies and Security Studies over the last three decades. This includes an understanding of the differences and points of overlap in the academic disciplines of Terrorism Studies and Security Studies, a critical awareness of the different areas of interest and methodologies prevalent in Strategic Studies and Security Studies, and an advanced understanding of the way case studies are used to test theories and advance knowledge in these fields.

Please note that the above list may be subject to change as the availability of optional modules varies each year.

This module uses newly available primary documents, where you will be given the chance to examine the British government’s response to terrorism, espionage and subversion from the formation of Scotland Yard’s Special ‘Irish’ Branch in 1883, set up to combat Fenian terrorism, to the present-day counter-terror activities of the British Security Service (MI5) and police. In addition, the module explores how the British state has altered to meet individual threats, with sessions devoted to the Official Secrets Act, vetting and anti-terror legislation, looking at their impact on British political life and culture.

On this module, you will be led through discussions and analyses of many of the major terrorist and counter-terrorist campaigns seen in Europe since 1945. The module has a comparative element, and will provide students with an advanced understanding and critical awareness of the current state of scholarship on this field of study.

As the Cold War ended, optimism for more peaceful and secure world was dampened by the prevalence of widespread political violence, most commonly in the form of civil war. On this module, you will be focusing on civil and war and be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the study of conflict and development, examining the core debates within the field. You will learn how to analyse, the root causes, dynamics and consequences or armed conflict, with an understanding of how conflict interacts with development and prosperity.

This module is conducted in collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence. You will be a part of a team of students working with a wider network of actors (MoD problem sponsors, industry mentors, policy advisors, academic advisors) to find solutions to real-life problems within national security and defence sector. In the end of the module, you will present your teams solution to the sponsors.

If you pass the taught component of the course you may then proceed to the 14,000 word dissertation, which is worth 60 credits. Those not wishing to continue onto the dissertation project can be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma if leaving the course at this stage.

You may replace the dissertation with the 60 credit Terrorism and Security Practicum, subject to the Programme Leader’s approval. This involves a work placement in an organisation, business or government department where terrorism and security concerns are dealt with on an ongoing basis. You will submit a 6,000 word research paper.

This module will provide you with an understanding of the issue of terrorism and a comprehension of some of the problems for democratic states and international organisations (EU, UN, NATO) in responding to this threat. You will acquire the analytical tools to systematically assess the phenomenon of terrorism, its increasingly international character, and varying national and international responses to the problem.

This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to Security Studies. The module focuses on the main approaches and methods used by experts in the field to conduct research and analyse major security issues both military and non-military. The module provides an overview of the major issues of the field, which can include military security, human security, New Wars, interstate/intra-state conflict, environmental security, food security, cyber security, etc.

This module offers you the chance to develop a critical understanding of the scope and nature of terrorism as it relates to the Middle East. You will develop the ability to differentiate between varying forms of terrorism in relation to the political and societal context from which they originate and the differing domestic, regional and international responses they provoke.

This module considers the complex relationship between politics, strategy and security. You will examine traditional and enduring topics such as the dynamics of war, terrorism, nuclear deterrence and weapons proliferation, as well as non-violent security concerns such as environmental degradation and international trade and economics. The module provides the opportunity to explore key historical and contemporary issues in strategic and security studies, by applying the theoretical and conceptual tools of strategic and security studies to real-world examples.

As the Cold War ended, optimism for more peaceful and secure world was dampened by the prevalence of widespread political violence, most commonly in the form of civil war. On this module, you will be focusing on civil and war and be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the study of conflict and development, examining the core debates within the field. You will learn how to analyse, the root causes, dynamics and consequences or armed conflict, with an understanding of how conflict interacts with development and prosperity.

On this module, you will be led through discussions and analyses of many of the major terrorist and counter-terrorist campaigns seen in Europe since 1945. The module has a comparative element, and will provide students with an advanced understanding and critical awareness of the current state of scholarship on this field of study.

On this module, you will be provided with a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the issues raised by recent and current practices in security, intelligence, terrorism and counter-terrorism. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of research and analytical techniques applicable to the examination current conceptual and practical developments in security, intelligence, terrorism and counter-terrorism.

This module uses newly available primary documents, where you will be given the chance to examine the British government’s response to terrorism, espionage and subversion from the formation of Scotland Yard’s Special ‘Irish’ Branch in 1883, set up to combat Fenian terrorism, to the present-day counter-terror activities of the British Security Service (MI5) and police. In addition, the module explores how the British state has altered to meet individual threats, with sessions devoted to the Official Secrets Act, vetting and anti-terror legislation, looking at their impact on British political life and culture.

If you pass the taught component of the course you may then proceed to the 14,000 word dissertation, which is worth 60 credits. Those not wishing to continue onto the dissertation project can be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma if leaving the course at this stage.

You may replace the dissertation with the 60 credit Terrorism and Security Practicum, subject to the Programme Leader’s approval. This involves a work placement in an organisation, business or government department where terrorism and security concerns are dealt with on an ongoing basis. You will submit a 6,000 word research paper.