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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 22,300
Per year
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Emergency Management | Homeland Security | Criminology
Area of study
Social Sciences | Security Services
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 22,300
About Program

Program Overview


Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies

Overview

The MSc Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies degree 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).


Key Information

  • Duration: 1 year full time or 2 years part time
  • Institution code: R72
  • Campus: Central London
  • UK fees: £11,600
  • International/EU fees: £22,300

The Course

The MSc Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies 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.


This programme is ideal for those seeking to develop a research career in terrorism and counter-terrorism studies - or, if you are already working in, or wish to work in, the security, tech, or policy sectors.


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


Course Structure

Core Modules

  • Debates in Terrorism Studies
  • Debates in Counter-Terrorism Studies
  • Dissertation
  • Academic Integrity

Optional Modules

  • History of Terrorism
  • The Psychology of Terrorism
  • Contemporary Forms of Terrorism
  • International Security
  • Media, War and Conflict
  • Understanding Defence

Teaching & Assessment

You will take a number of taught units and complete a dissertation worth 60 credits.


You will be assessed through a mixture of reports, presentations, portfolios, peer assessment, and a thesis.


Entry Requirements

  • 2:2 Bachelor Upper Second Class Honours in Law, Criminology, Psychology, Politics, or a related subject in Social Sciences.
  • International & EU requirements: Select your country and check the requirements.

English Language Requirements

  • 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.

Your Future Career

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


Future career opportunities may include becoming a civil servant in the Home, or Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; working within the UK's intelligence services; becoming an analyst with a security think-tank; or a role in one of the police services' anti-terrorism branches. Alternatively, you may wish to complete a PhD and forge a career in academia.


Fees, Funding & Scholarships

  • Home (UK) students tuition fee per year: £11,600
  • EU and international students tuition fee per year: £22,300
  • Other essential costs: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course.

How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, grants, scholarships, and bursaries.


  • and ** These tuition fees apply to students enrolled on a full-time basis in the academic year 2025/26. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually. For further information, see fees and funding, and terms and conditions.


** This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2025/26. Find out more


** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2025/26 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books, and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.


Program Outline


Degree Overview:

  • What is the program about?

It explores the nature of terrorism, its causes, and the various strategies employed to counter it.

  • Description: The program draws on interdisciplinary perspectives from criminology, law, psychology, international relations, and sociology.
  • It features engaging lectures, seminars, and guest speaker sessions, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the field.

Outline:

  • Content: The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
  • Debates in Terrorism Studies:
  • This module examines the definition of terrorism, its different forms, and its motivations.
  • Debates in Counter-Terrorism Studies: This module explores the history and evolution of counter-terrorism strategies, their effectiveness, and the challenges they pose.
  • Contemporary Forms of Terrorism: This module delves into the latest trends and developments in terrorism across the globe.
  • International Security: This module examines the changing landscape of security in the post-Cold War era.
  • Media, War and Conflict: This module explores the role of media in war and conflict, specifically in the context of terrorism.
  • Understanding Defence: This module analyzes the evolution of defense policies and the role of non-state actors in defense.
  • Dissertation: Students conduct independent research on a chosen topic related to terrorism and counter-terrorism.
  • Structure: The program is offered full-time over one year or part-time over two years.
  • It typically involves two days of classes per week.
  • Modules: Students take a combination of core and optional modules.
  • The core modules are listed above, and the optional modules include:
  • History of Terrorism:
  • This module explores the historical roots of terrorism, from ancient times to the present day.
  • The Psychology of Terrorism: This module examines the psychological factors that contribute to involvement in terrorism.
  • Additional optional modules:
  • Media, War and Conflict:
  • This module explores the role of media in war and conflict.
  • Understanding Defence: This module analyzes the evolution of defense policies and the role of non-state actors in defense.

Assessment:

  • Assessment methods: The program employs a variety of assessment methods, including:
  • Reports
  • Presentations
  • Portfolios
  • Peer assessment
  • Thesis

Teaching:

  • Teaching methods: The program utilizes a range of teaching methods:
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Guest speaker sessions
  • Independent research
  • Faculty: The program boasts a team of experienced and renowned experts in the field of terrorism and counter-terrorism.
  • Unique approaches: The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills.

Careers:

  • Career opportunities: Graduates may pursue careers in various sectors, including:
  • UK intelligence services
  • Security think-tanks
  • Police services' anti-terrorism branches
  • Academia (PhD)

Other:

  • Guest speakers: The program regularly hosts guest speakers from the public and private sectors, providing students with insights into diverse career paths in the field.

  • Home (UK) students tuition fee per year : £9,000
  • EU and international students tuition fee per year : £20,500
  • Other essential costs : There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course.
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About University
PhD
Masters
Bachelors

Royal Holloway University of London


Overview:

Royal Holloway, University of London is a public research university located in Egham, Surrey, England. It is known for its beautiful campus, which features Victorian Gothic architecture and extensive grounds. The university is a member of the University of London and has a strong reputation for academic excellence.


Services Offered:

    Academic Support:

    The university provides a range of academic support services, including study skills workshops, writing centers, and tutoring programs.

    Career Services:

    Royal Holloway offers career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

    Student Support:

    The university provides a comprehensive range of support services for students, including counseling, disability support, and financial aid.

    Accommodation:

    Royal Holloway offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options, including halls of residence and self-catered apartments.

    Library:

    The university has a large and well-equipped library with extensive collections of books, journals, and electronic resources.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Royal Holloway offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can participate in a wide range of clubs and societies, sports teams, and social events. The campus is located in a picturesque setting, with extensive grounds and a variety of facilities, including a theater, a sports center, and a student union.


Key Reasons to Study There:

    Academic Excellence:

    Royal Holloway is a highly ranked university with a strong reputation for academic excellence.

    Beautiful Campus:

    The university's stunning Victorian Gothic campus provides a unique and inspiring learning environment.

    Vibrant Student Life:

    Royal Holloway offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities and social events.

    Excellent Support Services:

    The university provides a comprehensive range of support services for students, including academic, career, and personal support.

Academic Programs:

Royal Holloway offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including:

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Social Sciences
  • Science and Engineering
  • Business and Management
  • Law
  • Education

Total programs
42
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


Home (UK) Students:

  • Bachelor's degree with at least a 2:2 (Upper Second Class Honours) in Law, Criminology, Psychology, Politics, or a related subject in Social Sciences.

EU and International Students:

  • Bachelor's degree with equivalent qualifications and classifications as UK students.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and no other subscore lower than 5.5.
  • Pearson Test of English: Overall score of 61 with a minimum of 61 in writing and no other subscore lower than 51.
  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
  • TOEFL ib: Overall score of 88 with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking, and 22 in writing.
  • Duolingo: Overall score of 120 with 125 in Literacy & Production and no subscore lower than 100.

Additional Notes:

  • Applicants with relevant professional experience may also be considered.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the language proficiency requirements listed above.
  • All applications are considered on an individual basis.

Summary:

To be eligible for the MSc Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies program at Royal Holloway, applicants must possess a relevant bachelor's degree with a minimum of a 2:2 grade. International students need equivalent qualifications. English language proficiency is also required, with specific test scores outlined above.

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