University of Central Lancashire(UCLAN)

What you'll study

This programme combines academic study of terrorism, radicalisation and political violence with practical modules on counter‑terrorism policy, intelligence and security practice. You will develop research skills and policy appraisal techniques alongside applied analysis of contemporary threats such as lone actors, transnational networks and cyber-enabled extremism.

• Terrorism and Political Violence: theoretical approaches to causes, dynamics and typologies of terrorism.
• Counter‑Terrorism Policy and Practice: national and international responses, legal and ethical frameworks, and prevention strategies.
• Intelligence, Investigation and Analysis: intelligence cycle, open-source and covert information handling, analytic tradecraft and evidence requirements for investigation.
• Radicalisation, Prevention and Community Resilience: drivers of radicalisation, multi‑agency prevention and disengagement programmes.
• Cyber Threats and Security: cyber-enabled radicalisation, online propaganda, and protective measures for digital infrastructure.
• Risk Assessment and Security Management: threat assessment methodologies, protective security planning and emergency preparedness.
• Research Methods and Professional Project/Dissertation: quantitative and qualitative methods tailored to terrorism studies, culminating in a research dissertation or applied professional project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK honours degree at second class level (2:2) or above in a relevant discipline such as criminology, politics, international relations, sociology, law, psychology or a related subject. Candidates with professional experience in policing, intelligence, security, the military or the civil service may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant practice and academic potential.

International applicants will usually be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency; a commonly accepted benchmark is an IELTS profile with overall and component scores in line with typical UK postgraduate entry standards. Additional requirements may include a personal statement outlining your reasons for study and, where appropriate, references or evidence of prior professional experience.

Career prospects

Graduates of this MSc go on to a range of roles across the public, private and third sectors. Typical career destinations include:

• Counter‑terrorism and specialist units within policing and law enforcement agencies.
• Intelligence analysis and operational support roles in national security or defence organisations.
• Risk, resilience and security management positions in critical infrastructure, transport and corporate security.
• Policy, research and advisory roles in government departments, think‑tanks and international organisations.
• Private sector consultancy in security, threat assessment and compliance, and roles in NGOs focused on prevention and community engagement.
• Further academic study and research in terrorism and security studies.

Why study at University of Central Lancashire(UCLAN)

UCLan offers applied, vocationally-oriented postgraduate study with access to staff who research contemporary security, policing and terrorism issues. The university places emphasis on employability by fostering links with regional and national law enforcement, security practitioners and policy organisations, enabling guest lectures, practitioner input and networking opportunities.

Students benefit from a supportive learning environment with flexible study modes, practical assessment options such as professional projects, and training in research methods that prepare graduates for both operational roles and further study. The programme’s focus on combining theory with real-world practice is designed to equip you with analytic, investigative and policy skills valued across the security sector.