The MA in ‘Terrorism, Security and Society’ begins in September, and is to be jointly run by the Departments of War Studies and Geography at the famous King’s College London – intentionally combining the former’s focus on strategic, historic and political issues with the diverse social and anthropological approaches successfully offered by the latter.
The course is being co-ordinated by Dr Brooke Rogers (at the Department of Geography) and Dr Peter Neumann, director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence, www.icsr.info). Core modules are to be taught by the two co-ordinators in unison with a range of internationally renowned guest speakers (among them Professors Anatol Lieven and Sir Lawrence Freedman, not to mention Sir David Omand).
The course programme aims to provide an advanced foundation in – and a comprehensive understanding of – one of the most contested concepts in contemporary discourse, as well as its relationships with relevant and related issues in the field of security studies.
Paradigms related to terrorism
Based on the multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary nature of the terrorism phenomenon, the programme provides an overview of the theories and paradigms related to the concepts of terrorism and counter-terrorism such that students can then undertake further research or pursue/continue careers targeted at understanding these and related issues.
The course aims to develop and nurture the intellectual and analytical skills of each student, allowing them to conceptualise theories, approaches and problems linked to terrorism and counter-terrorism, gather information, critically analyse the data and information, evaluate risk management options and develop ‘reflexive’ counter-terrorism strategies.
During the programme of study, students will be introduced to various Case Studies and examine key debates about how terrorism can be dealt with, including specific dilemmas in counter-terrorism theory and practice. Students specialising in this field will emerge with enhanced knowledge concerning the key concepts and paradigms underpinning the contemporary debate about terrorism and counter-terrorism.
Modules and pathways
Rogers and Neumann expect that students will follow a ‘Terrorism and Society’ or a ‘Terrorism and Politics’ ‘pathway’ in the course options they take.
All students will be expected to undertake a compulsory 40-credit module in ‘Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism’, a 20-credit module on ‘Research Methods’ (Practising Social Research 1) and a 60-credit dissertation. In addition, those students following the ‘Terrorism and Society’ pathway are expected to take a 20-credit compulsory module in the ‘Critical Geographies of Terrorism’.
In terms of specific options for the programme of study, students will be able to choose from either those available in the Department of War Studies or those offered by the Department of Geography. Options chosen will then determine the pathway and final degree award for a given individual.
Minimum standards for course entry
The minimum standard for entry to the course is a 2:1 (Honours) degree or international equivalent (for example, GPA of 3.25 from a US university). Candidates
who do not achieve a 2:1 but have professional or voluntary experience can also apply. According to King’s College London, mature candidates will be “considered favourably”.
Candidates without academic qualifications but who can “demonstrate fluency in professional life” will also be considered (subject to assessment). No degree
subjects will be excluded, but relevance is important and considered alongside the professional and voluntary experience of any candidate.
For further information (including details of fees), log on at www.kcl.ac.uk/warstudies or www.kcl.ac.uk/geography Specific questions may be e-mailed to Dr Brooke Rogers (brooke.rogers@kcl.ac.uk)
All about… The Department of War Studies
The Department of War Studies is a multi-disciplinary department devoted to the study of all aspects of war and conflict, in addition to the broad remit of international relations. The Department has a global reputation for excellence in teaching and research.
The War Studies Group – comprising the Departments of War Studies and Defence Studies – scored the maximum 24/24 in the last assessment of teaching quality undertaken by the Quality Assurance Agency. In the most recent national Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), the Department of War Studies received a 5* rating, this rating denotes that departmental staff have international excellence in research activities in their respective fields.
Last April, the Department of War Studies was rated fourth among UK Politics Departments in the 2009 Complete University Guide and, in June, the Department was rated second in the 2009 Times Good University Guide.