Master of Terrorism and Security Studies - International

Program Overview

The Master of Terrorism and Security Studies from Charles Sturt University equips students with comprehensive knowledge of terrorism and security issues. Through online delivery, students explore topics such as jihadist terrorism, counterterrorism, and illicit network analysis. The program emphasizes practical skills, industry collaboration, and research opportunities, preparing graduates for careers in intelligence, law enforcement, and security consulting.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Terrorism and Security Studies from Charles Sturt University will develop your comprehensive knowledge and understanding of terrorism and its complex social, political, domestic and international contexts alongside other contemporary security related issues. Broaden your expertise within intelligence, law enforcement, or military and explore methods for strategic responses in an increasingly globalised world. Refine your technical and communication skills to lead research efforts about terrorism and counterterrorism related developments and shape industry strategy.

Outline:

Content:

• The History of Terrorism
• Jihadist Terrorism
• Radicalisation, Deradicalisation and Counter Radicalisation
• Counter Terrorism
• Terrorist Financing and Resourcing
• Terrorist Propaganda and Communication
• Illicit Network Analysis
• Right Wing Extremism and Terrorism
• Transnational Organised Crime
• Terrorist Operations and Praxis

Structure:

• Full-time: 1.5 years
• Part-time: 3 years
• Online delivery

Course Schedule:

• Session 1: February 26, 2024
• Session 2: July 8, 2024
• Session 3: November 11, 2024

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

• The History of Terrorism (16 credit points): This module provides a comprehensive overview of the history of terrorism, from its origins to the present day.
Students will examine the different types of terrorism, the motivations of terrorists, and the impact of terrorism on society.
• Jihadist Terrorism (16 credit points): This module examines the ideology, strategy, and tactics of jihadist terrorist groups.
Students will learn about the different factors that contribute to radicalization and the challenges of countering jihadist terrorism.
• Radicalisation, Deradicalisation and Counter Radicalisation (16 credit points): This module explores the process of radicalization and deradicalization.
Students will learn about the different factors that can lead to radicalization, the methods used to deradicalize individuals, and the challenges of countering radicalization.
• Counter Terrorism (16 credit points): This module provides an overview of the different strategies and tactics used to counter terrorism.
Students will learn about the role of law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and the military in countering terrorism.
• Terrorist Financing and Resourcing (8 credit points): This module examines the different ways that terrorist groups finance their activities.
Students will learn about the sources of terrorist financing, the methods used to launder money, and the challenges of disrupting terrorist financing.
• Terrorist Propaganda and Communication (8 credit points): This module examines the different ways that terrorist groups use propaganda and communication to spread their message and recruit new members.
Students will learn about the different types of terrorist propaganda, the methods used to disseminate it, and the challenges of countering terrorist propaganda.
• Illicit Network Analysis (8 credit points): This module provides an overview of the different methods used to analyze illicit networks.
Students will learn about the different types of illicit networks, the methods used to identify and disrupt them, and the challenges of countering illicit networks.
• Right Wing Extremism and Terrorism (8 credit points): This module examines the ideology, strategy, and tactics of right-wing extremist terrorist groups.
Students will learn about the different factors that contribute to radicalization and the challenges of countering right-wing extremist terrorism.
• Transnational Organised Crime (8 credit points): This module examines the different types of transnational organized crime, the methods used to commit these crimes, and the challenges of countering transnational organized crime.
• Terrorist Operations and Praxis (8 credit points): This module provides an overview of the different types of terrorist operations, the methods used to plan and execute these operations, and the challenges of preventing terrorist operations.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Essays
• Reports
• Presentations
• Exams
• Assessment Criteria:
• Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter
• Critical thinking and analysis skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Research skills

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Online learning
• Faculty:
• Experts in terrorism and security studies
• Experienced practitioners from law enforcement, intelligence, and the military
• Unique Approaches:
• Focus on practical skills and knowledge
• Collaboration with industry partners
• Opportunities for research and internships

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Intelligence analyst
• Law enforcement officer
• Military officer
• Security consultant
• Counterterrorism specialist
• Opportunities:
• Work in government, law enforcement, the military, or the private sector
• Contribute to the development of counterterrorism strategies and policies
• Make a difference in the fight against terrorism