Elements of some modules as part of the course structure for this MSc will be undertaken at Cranfield University at Shrivenham located on the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. Security clearance will be required for completion of these modules. Please refer to our entry requirements section for more details, or see further about security clearance for Cranfield at Shrivenham.
Never before in history have the issues of what causes terrorism, how to combat it, and how to assess and manage the risks associated with it, attracted such wide international attention and controversy. The need for accessible, comprehensive and reliable research and education on terrorism and counterterrorism remains profound. This MSc addresses those needs drawing on Cranfield’s expert staff and unique facilities to offer students an exceptional and cutting edge programme in this critical area.
Overview
- Start dateOctober
- Duration Full-time: MSc 11 months, PgDip and PgCert one year; Part-time: MSc three years, PgDip and PgCert two years
- DeliveryTaught modules 60%, research project 40%
- QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
- Study typeFull-time / Part-time
- CampusCranfield campus
Why this course?
Cranfield has a long history of specialising in Defence and Security subjects and boasts unique facilities for teaching and research in these areas. The staff are recognised as leading international experts and teaching is exclusively geared for postgraduate students.
The course is built on four core modules covering critical issues such as the strategies, tactics, ideologies & causes of terrorism, understanding the methods & theories of counterterrorism and applying it in action and in different contexts. Students then choose from over 20 elective modules – a unique mix unlike any available in the UK which allows students to specialise in different areas ranging from firearms and explosives forensics to a host of specialist areas in terrorism and counterterrorism, including cyberterrorism, CBRN terrorism, and much more.
The course helps prepare students for both academic and non-academic careers, bringing together a unique mix of different subjects, combining modules from soft and hard sciences. The skills students gain will reflect the modules selected. Students will gain fundamental knowledge, core expertise and advanced, evidence-based methodological tools and approaches necessary to understand, analyse, prevent and mitigate terrorism.”
Course details
The taught modules are delivered from October to April. Teaching methods vary from module to module but include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and individual supervision. The emphasis is on student participation and small group work within a supportive learning environment.
Our education philosophy is led by the basic principles of:
• research led teaching – through a course team that are active researchers or practitioners
• learning through assessment methods - we view assessment as part of the learning process, with a variety of assessment methods extending the curriculum and transferable skills
Students on the part-time programme complete all of the compulsory modules based on a flexible schedule that will be agreed with the Course Director
Course delivery
Taught modules 60%, research project 40%
Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course:
Strategies, Ideologies and Tactics of Terrorism
Understanding Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Elective modules
A selection of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course:
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism (CBRN)
Counterterrorism and Intelligence
Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Capability
Negotiating with Violent Extremist and Terrorist Organisations
Forensic Ballistic Investigations
Forensic Exploitation and Intelligence
Introduction to Firearms Investigations and Forensic Ballistics
Introduction to Fire Investigation
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Protecting Critical National Infrastructure
Reasoning for Forensic Science
Terrorism Risk Management and Mitigation
Teaching team
You will be taught by Cranfield's leading experts with capability expertise, industry knowledge and collective subject research, as well as external speakers from industry and defence. The Student Academic Support lead for the MSc in Counterterrorism is Michelle Parcell and the Course Director is Dr Anastasia Filippidou. The teaching team includes:
Your career
We have entered an era where society faces critical issues in relation to terrorism and the fight against terrorism. The MSc Counterterrorism provides a rigorous, evidence-based qualification which will assist graduates to start careers in a wide variety of fields, including those related to security, policing, military, government policy, and international work. Beyond this, the MSc will help assist the careers of graduates who are already working in these and related fields.
