International Relations (Terrorism and Political Violence) – (M.A.)

Contents

Compulsory core course (40 credits)

* Terrorism and Political Violence (20 credits)
* Terrorism and Contemporary conflict (20 credits)
* Theory and Ethics of Political Violence 1 (20 credits)
* Theory and Ethics of Political Violence 2 (20 credits)
* Choice of optional modules (80 credits)

MA students also submit a 13,500-word dissertation (60 credits).

Skills gained

You will gain specialist knowledge of the following:

* The sources and nature of political violence and terrorism
* Debates regarding the prevention of terrorism, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency policy
* The politics, legality and ethics of the ‘war on terror’ and the balance between public security and individual freedom
* The circumstances under which armed resistance and revolution can be permissible

You will also have the opportunity to learn about other fields within the broader disciplines of political science and international relations through your choice of optional modules.

Learning and teaching

Learning and teaching methods are based centrally on:

* Seminar teaching: students engage in weekly two-hour seminars in which they participate in debate, discussion and other activities led by specialists from POLSIS. Readings are set for each session.
* One-to-one dissertation supervision: students develop a specialist research project for their dissertation, working with one member of staff in particular who acts as supervisor during the concluding part of the programme.

Assessments vary according to module but may involve a combination of essays, presentations and written examination.