University of Salford

Terrorism and Security
MA/PgDip

Academic year of entry: 2013-14

Part-time study available
Alternative start dates available
Distance Learning
International Students can apply

3 good reasons to study Terrorism and Security at Salford:

  • You will be taught by recognised terrorism and security experts
  • An unparalleled range of modules dealing with various aspects of terrorism (counterterrorism, role of media, Middle Eastern dimensions)  
  • Opportunities for work experience placements with international organisations

Key Information

Start Dates: September
Duration:

September intake:
MA (one year full-time or up to three years part-time)
PgDip (one year full-time or up to three years part-time)  

January intake:
Distance Learning MA (up to three years part-time)
Distance Learning PgDip (up to three years part-time)

Course Summary

Terrorism and security issues are at the top of the political agenda in many countries nowadays. This exciting and unique course gives you the opportunity to study these issues in depth in a dynamic and stimulating academic environment.

You will examine a wide range of issues such as terrorist groups and their strategies as well as counter-terrorism policies in the US, UK, EU, Israel, Arab world and many more. You will also be able to choose optional modules on subjects such as security studies, UK and US intelligence, International Relations Theory, International Political Economy.

Further information on our School of Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences website.

Related Courses

Course Details

Course Structure

This course has both full-time and part-time routes over two 12 week semesters (plus the third semester or summer period for your dissertation for MA students). The part-time route can be studied via distance learning.  

For the full-time study option:
Semester 1 - October to February
Semester 2 - February to June
Semester 3 - June to September

Semester 1

Core Module

Terrorism: Threat and Response (30 credits)
Provides 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. This module will provide you with the analytical tools to systematically assess the phenomenon of terrorism, its increasingly international character, and varying national and international responses to the problem.

One optional module from the following (30 credits):

International Criminal Justice (30 credits)
You will develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of international bilateral and regional arrangements in the criminal justice process (for example relating to international surveillance, extradition and extraordinary rendition, deportation, confinement and prisoner exchange agreements) and key components of the global criminal justice process such as International Criminal Tribunals and the International Criminal Court.
International Political Economy and Globalisation (30 credits)
You will explore theories, empirical analyses, and concepts to do with financial, cultural, institutional, and technological globalisation. You will investigate the theoretical dimensions and interventions of International Political Economy as a discipline, looking at the emergence of the global financial infrastructure as it has emerged and the implications this has for societies beginning even before the World Wars.
Issues in Intelligence (30 credits)
This module introduces you to the theory, practice and history of secret intelligence. The module considers the nature of intelligence studies as a relatively new field of serious intellectual inquiry and provides a suitable foundation for further study and research in the area.
Political Participation: The Crisis of Liberal Democracy? (30 credits)
This module examines the evidence for a participatory crisis by focusing on five areas:
  • The different theories of why people participate and why they don't
  • The empirical evidence for decline
  • You will examine those commonly held responsible for turning people off politics, notably politicians and the negative reporting of the media
  • Different forms of collective participation
  • Some of the solutions to citizen disengagement and the future direction of political participation

Semester 2

Optional modules of up to 60 credits:

Middle East and Terrorism (30 credits)
You will discuss varying forms of terrorism in relation to the political and societal context from which they originate as well as the domestic, regional and international responses they provoke. You will cover British and French counterinsurgency operations in Palestine and Algeria, the international terrorism of Palestinian organizations, al Qaeda and the transnational challenge of Islamist terrorism, active and passive state support for terrorism. You will critically assess the impact of Western counterterrorism policies after 9/11, the link between state failure and terrorism in Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia as well as the implications all these phenomena have for European and UK security.
Terrorism and the Media (30 credits)
This module explores the claims and evidence about the relationship between the media and terrorism. It tackles a set of key questions: Is it true that terrorism thrives on the "oxygen of publicity"? What shapes the reporting of terrorism? Do terrorists really exploit the media to further their destructive ends? Do media help building society’s resilience or do they rather encourage public alarmism?
Contemporary Maritime Security (30 credits)
This module aims to analyse contemporary maritime strategies and naval doctrines. You will develop a sophisticated level of knowledge and understanding about the economic and legal aspects of maritime power, the relationship between naval power and other forms of maritime activity, and the potential and dynamics of sea power in the contemporary globalised world.
Digital Criminal Justice (30 credits)
This module gives you the chance to review and critically evaluate the research literature on cybercrime, with particular reference to recent scholarship, to critically assess the achievements and limitations of digital security and electronic surveillance, to critically consider the role of digital information in decision making in the criminal justice system, and to assess the current status and prospects for digital networking in criminal justice.
International Human Rights Law (30 credits)
This module explores a deeper understanding of human rights, the rule of law, and democracy, as the problematic foundation for interpretation and application of human rights law. In this module, you will acquire the analytic tools necessary to understand and replicate the methods and legal techniques used to argue a violation of international human rights law and a familiarity with the major debates and controversies surrounding the interpretation of international human rights law and its impact at the domestic and international level. You will also develop a critical understanding of the multi-dimensional characteristics of human rights interpretation, involving institutional politics, socio-economic claims and cometing visions of justice.
International Relations Theories (30 credits)
This module provides an advanced introduction to international relations theory, tracing the development of the discipline and engaging with current theoretical debates. You will explore traditional and post-structuralist theorising, covering themes of security and war, power, the role of different actors in international relations, and phenomena such as globalisation, gender and identity.
Never Complain, Never Explain: British Foreign Policy Making 1903-2003 (30 credits)
This module allows students to develop an advanced knowledge of British Foreign Policy and British strategic thinking about foreign policy in the years 1903-2003. It examines in particular Britain's relations with all of the major western European powers, China, the United States, Russia/the Soviet Union and the countries of the Middle East.
Security Networks, Intelligence and Internal Security (30 credits)
This module focuses on contemporary intelligence and security matters, including the nature of threats to Western security seen in recent years and the responses to these threats.
The Secret State: Domestic Security in Britain 1883 - 2012 (30 credits)
You will gain an advanced understanding of the role of British intelligence on domestic security in the Twentieth Century, the development of intelligence studies in Britain, the Security Services' response to right and left wing subversion. You will also develop a sophisticated grasp of the role of intelligence in Britain's wars of decolonisation and impact on the transatlantic special relationship and of British intelligence and counter-terrorism in Northern Ireland and the British mainland.

If you do not wish to continue onto the dissertation project and leave the course at this stage you can be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma.

Semester 3

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.

Or, you may apply for the Practicum in International Organizations. This practicum involves 12 week internships in international organizations in Geneva. This is an excellent chance to work in the field, to network across relevant sites in Geneva, and gain the experience of the hands-on work of global governance as conducted by international/intergovernmental organisations.

Part-time Structure by Attendance

Year 1, Semester 1

  • Terrorism: Threat and Response (30 credits)

Year 1, Semester 2

Choose one optional module from:

  • Middle East and Terrorism (30 credits)
  • Terrorism and the Media (30 credits)
  • Contemporary Maritime Security (30 credits)
  • International Relations Theory (30 credits)
  • Digital Criminal Justice (30 credits)
  • International Human Rights Law (30 credits)
  • Never Complain, Never Explain: British Foreign Policy Making 1903-2003 (30 credits)
  • Security Networks, Intelligence and Internal Security (30 credits)
  • The Secret State: Domestic Security in Britain 1883 - 2012 (30 credits)

Year 2, Semester 1

Choose one optional module from:

  • International Criminal Justice (30 credits)
  • International Political Economy and Globalisation (30 credits)
  • Issues in Intelligence (30 credits)
  • Participation: The Crisis of Liberal Democracy? (30 credits)

Year 2, Semester 2

Choose one optional module from:

  • Middle East and Terrorism (30 credits)
  • Terrorism and the Media (30 credits)
  • Contemporary Maritime Security (30 credits)
  • Digital Criminal Justice (30 credits)
  • International Human Rights Law (30 credits)
  • Never Complain, Never Explain: British Foreign Policy Making 1903-2003 (30 credits)
  • Security Networks, Intelligence and Internal Security (30 credits)
  • The Secret State: Domestic Security in Britain 1883 - 2012 (30 credits)

Year 3, Semester 1 and 2

Dissertation (60 credits)

Or, you may apply for the Practicum in International Organizations.

Part-time Structure by Distance-Learning

Year 1, Semester 1 (January)

  • Terrorism: Threat and Response (30 credits)

Year 1, Semester 2 (September)

Choose one optional module from:

  • Middle East and Terrorism (30 credits)
  • Terrorism and the Media (30 credits)
  • Contemporary Maritime Security (30 credits)
  • International Human Rights Law (30 credits)
  • Never Complain, Never Explain: British Foreign Policy Making 1903-2003 (30 credits)
  • Political Participation: The Crisis of Liberal Democracy? (30 credits)
  • Security Networks, Intelligence and Internal Security (30 credits)
  • Alternatively, MATS-DL students can take a maximum of one module over the course of their studies from: International Relations Theory (30 credits) or International Political Economy and Globalisation (30 credits).

Year 2, Semester 1 (January)

Choose one optional module from:

  • Middle East and Terrorism (30 credits)
  • Terrorism and the Media (30 credits)
  • Contemporary Maritime Security (30 credits)
  • International Human Rights Law (30 credits)
  • Never Complain, Never Explain: British Foreign Policy Making 1903-2003 (30 credits)
  • Political Participation: The Crisis of Liberal Democracy? (30 credits)
  • Alternatively, MATS-DL students can take a maximum of one module over the course of their studies from: International Relations Theory (30 credits) or International Political Economy and Globalisation (30 credits).

Year 2, Semester 2

Choose one optional module from:

  • Middle East and Terrorism (30 credits)
  • Terrorism and the Media (30 credits)
  • Contemporary Maritime Security (30 credits)
  • International Human Rights Law (30 credits)
  • Never Complain, Never Explain: British Foreign Policy Making 1903-2003 (30 credits)
  • Political Participation: The Crisis of Liberal Democracy? (30 credits)
  • Security Networks, Intelligence and Internal Security (30 credits)
  • Alternatively, MATS-DL students can take a maximum of one module over the course of their studies from: International Relations Theory (30 credits) or International Political Economy and Globalisation (30 credits).

Year 3, Semester 1 and 2

Dissertation (60 credits)

Entry Requirements

A good honours degree in Politics, History, Sociology, Criminology or related social science and humanities subject.

We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.

Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

English Language Requirements

International students must provide evidence of proficiency in English- IELTS 6.5 band score (with no element below 5.5) as proof of this.

Suitable For

The professional relevance and topicality of this course will make it attractive to those considering or currently engaged in careers in the civil service, the armed forces, research and teaching, international or non-governmental organisations, and the media. The course also provides excellent foundations for those who wish to pursue a PhD.

Applicant profile

This course is for you if you are interested in deepening your understanding of the debates on the causes and current manifestations of terrorism and other high-profile contemporary security challenges. You will need to be open to engage with a wide variety of academic perspectives. You will develop your ability to critical assess the relationship between terrorism and the media as well as the broader ramification and effectiveness of various state responses.

Teaching

You will be taught through two three-hour sessions per week which consists of introductory lectures and following seminar discussions (one session per week for part-time students).

Distance learning (part-time) modules are run by tutors who provide all materials for student research and reading around particular topics assigned via the virtual Blackboard. You will read set texts; actively contribute to online discussions about questions set by module tutors; write essays and reports; and reflect on podcast lectures.

Assessment

You will be assessed through two essays per module each weighted at 50% of the overall mark for the module. After the successful completion of 140 credits (four modules) you will proceed to the 14,000 word dissertation (60 credits).

Postgraduate Staff Profile

Dr Lars Berger MA Terrorism and Security - Course Leader

Lars received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science from the Friedrich-Schiller University where he also taught before joining Salford University in September 2007. In 2006-07 he was a British Academy Fellow at the Department of Politics at Newcastle University. He has studied, travelled and researched widely in the Middle East, including a one-year study stay at the American University in Cairo, as well as further research trips to Egypt, the Moshe Dayan Centre for Middle Eastern and African Studies in Tel Aviv in Israel, and the King Faisal Centre for Islamic Research and Studies in Riyadh/Saudi Arabia. In 2002-03, he was one of two Germans to join the American Political Science Association's Congressional Fellowship Programme which provided him with unique insights into the foreign-policy making process in the United States. In 2007, the German Middle East Studies Association (DAVO) recognised Lars's research with an award for the best Ph.D. dissertation of the year. Lars' current research interest focuses on images of the West and Western policies in Arab public debate. He has been a frequent commentator on BBC TV and Radio on the Arab-Israeli Conflict and the Arab Spring.

Lars Berger - full staff profile 

Employability

Graduates from this course follow a range of careers in the civil service, the armed forces, intelligence agencies, consultancies, international or non-governmental organisations, think tanks and research institutions and the media.

Career Prospects

You will develop a wide range of skills on the course (writing skills, communication skills, presentation skills, and analytical skills) that are transferable to a variety of careers. This means that you can follow a range of careers in the civil service, the armed forces, international or non-governmental organisations, think tanks and research institutions, and the media.

Graduates from this course have progressed in careers within Greater Manchester Police, the Home Office, the Lancashire Counterterrorism Branch, the security services of other countries, IT companies in the United States as well as international organisations such as the Strategic Police Matters Unit at the Organisation for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE).You may also pursue further study at doctoral level.

Alumni Profile

Robert Hampshire, MA Terrorism and Security

"Enrolling on the MA Terrorism and Security course at Salford was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made… albeit perhaps not one of the easiest to accomplish by SAT-COM from somewhere in the middle of Afghanistan! However, I received some great support going through the application process. What I found when I joined Salford was an innovative course run by an international team of enthusiastic and very knowledgeable staff. The lecturers presented and discussed contemporary events whilst situating them in their broader context and encouraging debates amongst the students. This made the course very relevant to a practitioner with many years of experience in conflict and post-conflict zones like me. At the same time, our rather spirited discussions in the seminars strongly indicate that the students who entered the course directly after their undergraduate degree found the course as interesting and enjoyable as I did! In addition, I had the opportunity to attend the excellent European Security, Terrorism and Intelligence (ESTI) seminars and conferences with top experts in the field of terrorism and security. For all these reasons, I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in security and terrorism issues to enrol on the MA Terrorism and Security at the University of Salford."

Links with Industry

You have the opportunity to attend stimulating guest lectures, seminars, and conferences, which bring researchers, practitioners and the industry together. These will make you better informed as to how the industry works and your possible place within it.

Further Study

The course’s broad introduction into cutting-edge research and current academic controversies offers an excellent foundation for further in-depth research into terrorism and security issues.

The University has its own research group for security issues called the Centre for European Security (CES). The group builds on the active research programme provided by the European Security, Terrorism and Intelligence (ESTI) network at the University of Salford. If your doctoral research is in security and intelligence issues you can become an associate member of this group. For more information see our website

The dedicated members of our teaching team cover a wide range of potential PhD topics:

Dr Cristina Archetti: Media coverage of terrorism, war, and conflict

Dr Lars Berger: Islamist terrorism and US counterterrorism

Dr Christian Kaunert: European security; security studies; terrorism and counter-terrorism

Dr Sarah Leonard: European Union security, terrorism

Fees 2013-14

Part-time£1,250 per module and £500 for Dissertation/Project stage
Full-time MSc, MA, LLM£5,500
Full-time PgDip£5,000
Full-time PgCert£2,500
Part-time£1,250 per module and £500 for Dissertation/Project stage

Scholarships and Bursaries

We offer awards to help you study through our:

  • Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship
  • University of Salford student loyalty discount
  • Country bursary scheme for International students only

There are also other sources of funding available to you.

For more information please see our funding section

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

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