Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies MSc

Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies (MSc)

How do we know what terrorism is? Can counter-terrorism itself produce the conditions of terrorism? What are the key terrorist threats, and why do people join terrorist groups?

If you're interested in the answers to these questions, and many more, this programme is for you. Our MSc Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies degree, which is taught at our central London campus, is designed for students who wish to get an interdisciplinary understanding of individual and organisational involvement in terrorism, coupled with an understanding of national and international approaches to counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism (CVE).

Studying this degree is a unique opportunity to work with our expert teaching team, which includes Dr Elizabeth Pearson, Dr Anthony Richards, Professor Andrew Silke, Dr Andrew Whiting and Dr Akil Awan. Read more here. You can also see what former students thought of the course.

This programme is ideal for those seeking to develop a research career in terrorism and counter-terrorism studies - or, if you are are already working in, or wish to work in, the security, tech or policy sectors. Previous professional students, for instance, have joined us from backgrounds including policing and Prevent.

The interdisciplinary nature of this programme draws on the interlinks between criminology, law, psychology, international relations, and sociology.

Alongside the formal lectures and seminars, you will have the opportunity to hear from and engage with external guest speakers from the public and private sector, who will provide talks and briefings on a variety of career paths in the area of counter-terrorism.

The programme will be taught over one or two days each week.

• Focus on the theory and practice of terrorism and counter-terrorism and hear from practitioners working in the field.
• Develop a critical understanding of counter-terrorism in England and Wales.
• Examine counter-terrorism work in context of the wider criminal justice system and consider the role of human rights.

Bachelor degree with 70%, 3.0 out of 5.0 or 2.8 out of 4.0 overall.

English language requirements

MSc Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies requires:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall. Writing 6.5. No other subscore lower than 5.5.
• Pearson Test of English: 61 overall. Writing 61. No other subscore lower than 51.
• Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
• TOEFL ib: 88 overall, with Reading 18 Listening 17 Speaking 20 Writing 22.
• Duolingo: 120 overall, with 125 in Literacy & Production. No subscore lower than 100.