Terrorism and Security Management (Distance Learning)

Program Overview

Terrorism and Security Management (Distance Learning) MSc

Overview

Explore different aspects of terrorism and security management from a holistic perspective on this part-time Master's degree, which you can study over two years by distance learning.

You'll gain subject-specific knowledge, including a theoretical understanding of what leads to acts of terror within national and international contexts. You'll also develop an understanding of the intersection between research and practice and take an evidence-based approach as you delve into terrorism, security management, the global landscape of cybersecurity, and the managing of serious crime investigations.

When you graduate, you'll be equipped to contribute to this important and emerging field of study crucial for global security, ready to enter criminal justice practice anywhere in the world.

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

Course Highlights

• Increase your level of specialism in terrorism and security management by exploring these subjects in depth, and choose between optional modules in cybersecurity or serious crime investigation management
• Be taught by expert academics from our School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, many with previous experience as police officers, crime scene officers, probation officers, and intelligence analysts
• Get involved with our criminology research groups, such as the Cybercrime and Cybersecurity group, the Economic Crime group, and the Centre for Cybercrime and Economic Crime
• Complete a major project based on your chosen area of research, with the support of qualified and enthusiastic experts in the field

Benefits of Distance Learning

• Work from anywhere, at your own pace, in your own time – with interactive online learning materials hosted on our virtual learning environment, Moodle, and available 24/7 on any device
• Access to over 600,000 ebooks, 55,000 online journals, digital newspapers, and a postal loan service from our University Library
• Invitations to online forums where you can discuss your studies with other students and your lecturers
• Access to all student support services via email, phone, online chat, or video call

Key Information

Study Mode and Duration

• 2 years part-time by distance learning

Start Date

• September 2025

Course Information

Entry Requirements

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

September 2025 Start

• UK qualifications:
  • A minimum of a second-class honours degree in a relevant subject (Social Science, Humanities, Law, Psychology, or Management subject). Information Technology or science-related subjects will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Applicants with equivalent professional experience in a relevant organisation will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Non-UK qualifications:
  • If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
• English language requirements:
  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 5.5.

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees (September 2025 Start)

• UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students:
  • Part-time: £4,700 per year
• EU students:
  • Part-time: £4,700 per year
• International students:
  • Part-time: £4,700 per year
  • University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.

Modules

Core Modules

• Terrorism and Security - 30 credits
• Security Management - 30 credits
• Research Methods and Research Ethics - 30 credits
• Dissertation/Major Project - 60 credits

Optional Modules

• Managing Serious Crime Investigations - 30 credits
• The Global Landscape of Cybersecurity - 30 credits

How You'll Spend Your Time

• 6 hours of live online lectures and/or seminars for each module you study, recorded for those who cannot attend.
• 9 hours of independent study each week.

Teaching

• Online lectures
• Online seminars
• Online tutorials
• Online group discussions

Assessment

• Essays
• Reports
• Oral presentations
• Projects and portfolios
• Seminar participation and engagement
• Dissertation / major report

Career Development

• Counterterrorism analyst
• Policing (as an officer or civilian staff)
• Crime, security, and intelligence analysis
• Cybersecurity
• Private security
• Data analyst

Supporting You

• Personal tutor
• Learning development tutors
• Academic skills support
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Disability advice and additional support
• Library support
• Maths and stats support
• Support with English

How to Apply

• Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
• There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start date in September, as long as there are places available.
• If you wait until September to apply, you may find that the course is full.