Overview
Confront the evolving challenges of terrorism and security with our MSc Counter Terrorism and Security. As the UK continues to protect the public in the evolving threat landscape, skilled professionals are needed to assess risks, develop strategies, and enhance national security.
This course provides a deep understanding of terrorism’s causes, global responses, and modern security landscapes. You will gain the analytical skills to evaluate threats, assess policies, and contribute to effective counter-terrorism solutions. Taught by leading academics and practitioners, including experts actively working in the field, this course offers real-world insights and practical expertise.
Studying within the School of Law, Policing and Social Sciences, you will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that provides a well-rounded perspective on security and justice. The course includes taught modules covering legal, social, and political dimensions of security, as well as critical incident simulations such as Hydra Suite exercises, expert speaker events, and other immersive learning activities. With a strong focus on both global and UK-specific threat landscapes, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the key issues shaping counter-terrorism today.
Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to conduct independent research on a counter-terrorism or security topic of your choice, guided by experienced faculty. This MSc supports career progression in law enforcement, intelligence, government, private security, and NGOs.
Whether you are a policing professional seeking advanced knowledge or a graduate aspiring to enter the field, an MSc Counter Terrorism and Security equips you with the skills to succeed in your career.
Studying at a postgraduate level at CCCU has been a really rewarding experience. I would highly recommend this degree to anyone embarking on a journey in counter-terrorism or security.Daniel, Sergeant at the Metropolitan Police
Entry requirements
Our standard offer for accepting students onto this programme is a good honours degree (2.2 or above). Applicants from a range of undergraduate subjects will be considered.
This is in addition to a brief personal statement outlining interest and areas of specialism being considered, as well as a complete CV.
The University has a well-established Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) structure in operation. Students without previous qualifications may be accepted as part of this process.
If you are unsure whether your qualifications are appropriate you can contact our postgraduate admissions team.
International students
If English is not your first language you require an IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5 for most standard undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Module information
Core/optional modules
*Modules subject to approval
How you’ll learn
You will be taught via a variety of methods. This includes lecture-style input surrounding key theories and issues, as well as interactive, seminar based discussions to deepen your understanding and be engaged in your own learning.
The vast majority of input is face-to-face at our Canterbury Campus with some online learning relating to the research methods module. On average, you should expect ten hours per week to be contact hours (e.g. lectures, seminars, tutorials).
It is key that you engage and take charge of your own learning during your course. We expect, on average, that you will spend approximately 4-5 hours per each contact hour studying independently.
This includes ensuring you understand materials presented, engaging with provided reading, tasks, and other guided learning, as well as ensure that you take initiative to look beyond materials provided to you.
If you are studying this MSc as a full-time student, you should see it as a full-time job with the same commitment requirements. Whilst furthering your academic knowledge can be more flexible, it is important that you do account for it being the equivalent of any other full-time position.
We are excited to be able to offer a variety of activities outside contact-hour time, including Hydra simulation exercises, guest speaker events, and many more interactive activities. We expect you to take full advantage of these opportunities to deepen your understanding of the topics.
You will be taught by a variety of academics, professionals and other relevant persons. Staff within the School have postgraduate qualifications, and professionals from across the sector have vast amounts of experience and accreditation relevant to their profession.
You might also be taught by current PhD students who can introduce you to their area of research. All programmes are informed by the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy.
How you’ll be assessed
You will be assessed through a variety of strategies throughout the course, which will include written assessments encouraging you to develop your critical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
You will need to utilise high-level evidence, alongside case studies and reports. We ensure that the assessment is in line with contemporary practice – for example, you will be asked to complete a portfolio project, which will include undertaking a risk assessment and a photography assignment.
Your future career
If you are a current working professional, this course will enable you to further your current career and may be useful when seeking promotion. Equally, you might be in a transitional period in your career and seeking to explore other areas of social or criminal justice, where counter-terrorism and security knowledge might be key (e.g. missing persons, intelligence, risk assessment, policy development, and more).
If you are not a current working professional and are just now embarking on your career, this course provides you with a wealth of opportunities within the public, private, and third sectors. A career in the security industry, as well as oversight agencies, policing agencies, or private sector departments dealing with sections of counter-terrorism, are all feasible options for your future.
Fees
Government loans are available for some postgraduate Master’s courses. Loans are subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.
The rules around course eligibility mean that in some cases it may depend on how you are studying (full-time or part-time) as to whether you can apply for a postgraduate loan. To check whether your course is eligible, you can email the Student Fees Team or call 01227 923 456.
Tuition fees for this course
| UK | Overseas | |
| Full-time | £9,545 | £15,500 |
20% Alumni Discount
We offer alumni discounts on CCCU Postgraduate Taught, PGCE Primary and Secondary, and Master's by Research courses for eligible students.
Find out if you're eligible for the discount.
Important Information on Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for all courses which last more than one academic year are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.
There will be an annual inflationary increase in tuition fees for this course where the course lasts more than one academic year. For further information read the Tuition fee statements and continuing fee information.