Some of this MSc will be delivered at ¹û½´ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø at Shrivenham located on the . Security clearance will be required as part of the application process. Please refer to our entry requirements section for more details, or see further about security clearance for Cranfield at Shrivenham.
Overview
- Start dateOctober
- DurationFull-time: MSc 11 months, PgDip and PgCert one year; Part-time: MSc three years, PgDip and PgCert two years
- DeliveryTaught modules 60%, research project 40%
- QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
- ¹û½´ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø typeFull-time / Part-time
- CampusCranfield campus
Why this course?
The MSc Counterterrorism, Risk Management and Resilience pathway is specifically tailored for students interested in developing a career in the risk management or insurance sectors with a focus on protective security against terrorism and related threats. This pathway should appeal particularly to candidates who are either serving or recently retired from government, military or policing agencies, or those who are already in the risk management or insurance space who want to specialise in counterterrorism risk management and protective security.
Course details
The taught modules are delivered from October to April.
Teaching methods vary from module to module but include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and individual supervision. The emphasis is on student participation and small group work within a supportive learning environment.
Our education philosophy is led by the basic principles of:
• Research led teaching – through a course team that are active researchers or practitioners
• Learning through assessment methods - we view assessment as part of the learning process, with a variety of assessment methods extending the curriculum and transferable skills
Students on the part-time programme complete all of the compulsory modules based on a flexible schedule that will be agreed with the Course Director.
Course delivery
Taught modules 60%, research project 40%
Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Course modules
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.
Introductory Studies
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The emphasis in Introductory Studies is on fundamentals and subjects are covered at first-degree level. Topics include: |
Intended learning outcomes |
Introductory Studies is designed to enable students to revise, consolidate and expand their skill and knowledge base so that they can derive maximum benefit from the course. On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Understanding Terrorism & Counter-terrorism
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The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamental debates relating to terrorism and counterterrorism. It will address a range of key issues, including definitions, root causes, history & evolution, and major theories. This module will also introduce students to the research methods and data analysis used to understand and assess terrorism and counterterrorism. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Applied Counterterrorism
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The aim of this module is to provide students with an evidence-based understanding of the history and modern nature of counterterrorism. The module will focus on different forms and arenas of counterterrorism and will provide a critical assessment of the effectiveness and flaws of different CT strategies and tactics. The module will also focus attention on several detailed case studies to illustrate the role and impact of counterterrorism policies and practices, and the lessons that can be learnt from them. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
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Strategies, Ideologies and Tactics of Terrorism
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The aim of this module is to explore the drivers and decision-making behind terrorist tactics, strategies and target selection. The module will make use of Cranfield’s explosives and firearms facilities to examine different types of terrorist tactics, looking into the role of ideology and other factors, as well as the impact of countermeasures on the evolution of terrorist strategies. The module will also consider possible future trends in terrorist tactics and strategy. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
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Terrorism Risk Management and Mitigation
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This module will enhance your knowledge and understanding of the development and functioning of risk management and mitigation in the context of terrorism and counterterrorism. The module will outline methods for assessing vulnerabilities associated with those threats, assessing specific risks, and how to make decisions about how to manage and mitigate these. The scope of the methods includes reducing direct and indirect damage across a range of different attack risks. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Risk, Crisis and Resilience
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The aim of this module is to critically examine the concepts of risk, crisis and resilience. In this module students assess the meaning of resilience (appreciating its origins, its development and the limits to its implementation). The concepts of risk and crisis will be examined as they are integral to the understanding of resilience. Risk and crisis management practices will be explored and debated in the context of their application as contemporary decision-making framework specifically in the fields defence and security. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Elective modules
One of the modules from the following list needs to be taken as part of this course
Protecting Critical National Infrastructure
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This module focuses on the protection of critical national infrastructure (CNI). It outlines current risks to critical infrastructure and key resources posed by terrorism and related threats. Key concepts covered include how security vulnerabilities are analysed. Students will learn about the critical infrastructure protection cycle as well as risk assessment and risk management plans relevant to CNI. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Cyberterrorism
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This module will outline the concept of cyberterrorism and provide an introduction to the threat landscape of cyberspace and potential ways to mitigate these threats. The module will outline the ways in which terrorists and related actors use cyberspace. It will provide an overview of the technology of the Internet and through the use of case studies will explore some of the major types of cyber-attack. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Terrorism
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This module looks at the development of CBRN weapons and assesses the appeal of such weapons to terrorist and related actors. Case study analysis of prior attacks and plots will be used to assess terrorist decision-making and capability in this area and to examine how they acquire and fabricate materials. Also assessed will be the effectiveness of government countermeasures in countering and mitigating the CBRN threat. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Counterterrorism and Intelligence
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To enable participants to analyse and explain current conceptual thinking regarding the nature of terrorism, its origins, motivations and manifestations, together with an in-depth knowledge and critical awareness of the counter-terrorism approaches and intelligence approaches and strategies adopted by states. Within the context of counterterrorism, the module also examines the role of intelligence in combatting terrorism, the relationship between intelligence and secrecy and its impact, as well as the ethical issues in the use of intelligence. |
Syllabus |
Indicative module content: • definitional issues, |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: • demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current conceptual thinking regarding the phenomenon of terrorism and the threat that it poses, graphically, orally and in writing, |
Terrorism and the Law
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To enable you to evaluate and explain authoritatively the ways in which law operates and is used, within the international and domestic contexts, to respond to terrorism. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Courtroom Skills
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The module will provide an understanding of the role and responsibilities of expert witnesses in domestic and international criminal and civil cases and how they can present their evidence to the court effectively. You will also apply knowledge gained in previous modules to strengthen arguments presented in expert witness reports. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Fundamentals of Fire Investigation
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Understand the nature of fire, its basic principles, and the application of fire investigation in the criminal and civil judicial process. Appreciate the application of fire investigation skills in real world applications and investigations. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Capability
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The aim of the C-IED Capability course is to educate industry, military and civilian MoD C-IED and Counter Threat professionals in a system engineering & critical thinking approach to the Counter IED/Threat systems with emphasis on supporting capabilities and technology. |
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Subjects covered will include:
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Forensic Exploitation and Intelligence
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To provide an understanding of the principles and practical applications of the major forensic analytical techniques used in Forensic Intelligence (FORINT) and exploitation. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Trauma Weapon Effects
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Understand the nature of different weapon types used in criminal activity. Evaluate the construction of improvised weapons and their wounding potential in real life scenarios. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Teaching team
You will be taught by Cranfield's leading experts with capability expertise, industry knowledge and collective subject research, as well as external speakers from industry and defence. The Course Director is Dr Anastasia Filippidou and the Deputy Course Director is Dr Edith Wilkinson. The teaching team includes:
Your career
We have entered an era where society faces critical issues in relation to terrorism and the fight against terrorism. The MSc Counterterrorism provides a rigorous, evidence-based qualification which will assist graduates to start careers in a wide variety of fields, including those related to security, policing, military, government policy, and international work. Beyond this, the MSc will help assist the careers of graduates who are already working in these and related fields.
Cranfield Careers and Employability Service
Cranfield’s Career Service is dedicated to helping you meet your career aspirations. You will have access to career coaching and advice, CV development, interview practice, access to hundreds of available jobs via our Symplicity platform and opportunities to meet recruiting employers at our careers fairs. Our strong reputation and links with potential employers provide you with outstanding opportunities to secure interesting jobs and develop successful careers. Support continues after graduation and as a Cranfield alumnus, you have free life-long access to a range of career resources to help you continue your education and enhance your career.
How to apply
Click on the ‘Apply now’ button below to start your online application.
See our Application guide for information on our application process and entry requirements.