Terrorism, Security and Society MA

King's College London, University of London

Terrorism today is more deadly than any other time in modern history. From extreme right-wing mass shootings to Islamic State-inspired bombings and conspiracy theory-driven violence, it continues to evolve and adapt to changing environments and technologies. The impact of this form of political violence, however, goes beyond its immediate lethality. As recent events in the Middle-East have demonstrated, terrorism can, in a stroke, upend and drastically change geopolitical landscapes, catalyse new regional conflicts, and sow societal divisions around the world. Guided by leading terrorism and national security scholars and current and former government practitioners, this Master’s level programme will introduce students to this complex and ever evolving phenomenon – its history, causes, and how to combat it at home and abroad. Students will learn, among other things, how terrorists recruit members, the innovative ways they use cutting-edge technologies, and the strategies governments pursue to reduce the threat. The programme is deliberately designed to encourage a multidisciplinary approach which draws on history, political science, international relations and sociology. Students will also learn practical skills including intelligence analysis and how to use open source intelligence (OSINT) in specialised sessions with practitioners.