MSc Terrorism and Political Violence

Choose Kingston’s Terrorism and Political Violence MSc

The study of terrorism and political violence has long been an important arena of academic research and debate. Moreover, the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, and the resulting US-led ‘war on terror’, have brought this subject to the forefront of academic, policymaking, media and popular debate. Questions over the nature, evolution, causes and normative justifications of contemporary political violence are now an embedded aspect of public discourse, and have also driven an exponential growth in the academic field. Driving this trend, terrorism and political violence continues to feature as a central element of current foreign and security policy for many Western and non-Western states, and occupies a prominent place in current public political debate on domestic and international issues.

Drawing on the expertise of several staff in the Department of Politics and International Relations and further afield, each of whom is well-placed to provide their own perspective on these critical issues, this degree will look in depth at the concepts and the politics surrounding terrorism, political violence and security in the post-Cold War era.

What will you study?
 

The course has three stages, each of which is designed to deepen your knowledge of terrorism and political violence, whilst also placing this subject within wider political, social and economic contexts.

The first stage will build the foundations of your studies, by looking at the conceptual and theoretical issues in the study of terrorism and political violence. This specialist focus will be supported and enhanced by a parallel focus on politics of the state in the modern world. Key research skills will be developed through methods of teaching and assessment on these modules, as well as by a dedicated ‘research methods’ module which you will take. You will have an opportunity to enhance your specialism by choosing complementary modules from international relations, human rights and conflict.

In the second stage you will develop your focus on terrorism and political violence, through a detailed examination of moral, ethical and legal aspects of the use of violence – by both the state, and by a range of nonstate groups. Alongside a focus on these aspects, which are fundamental to the study of terrorism and political violence, you will also be given the opportunity to enhance your understanding of the wider contexts of ‘globalisation’ within which modern violence takes place. In addition, a variety of case studies will allow you to pursue more specialist interests, and you will also continue to develop your research skills and have the opportunity to deepen your specialist research interests with tutorial-led special studies.

In stage three you will build on what you have learnt and apply your skills in a piece of original research of 12,000–15,000 words.