BSc Applied Criminology (Terrorism & Political Violence)

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a highly specialized BSc (Hons) Applied Criminology (Terrorism & Political Violence) degree. This program provides a robust grounding in core criminological themes while deeply examining the complex nature of terrorism and political violence, their causes, impacts, and societal responses. Developed by academics with significant experience as researchers and practitioners in the field, the degree is designed to be innovative and industry-led, preparing students to critically analyze, understand, and respond to the evolving challenges of terrorism and political violence in a globalized world. The curriculum emphasizes adopting a critical approach to these phenomena and their investigation, exploring evidence-based practices, and relating them to ongoing debates about effectiveness, objectivity, bias, decision-making, ethics, and evidence-based policing.

Curriculum: The BSc Applied Criminology (Terrorism & Political Violence) curriculum at CCCU is structured to provide both a foundational understanding of criminology and specialized knowledge in this critical area. Core modules in the early stages typically cover fundamental criminological theories, the criminal justice system, and an introduction to concepts of crime and justice. Specific modules include "Crimes, Punishments and Societies," "Transnational Crime and Global Markets," "Cybercrime and Digital Policing," "Mental Health & Violence," 1 and centrally, "Policing Terrorism and Political Violence in the United Kingdom" and "Beyond Policing: Investigating International Political Violence." The program aims to develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills through a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials, and interactive sessions. Assessment methods are varied, including written assignments (essays, reports), presentations, and potentially examinations.  

Research Focus: The BSc Applied Criminology (Terrorism & Political Violence) program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by academics with considerable expertise and active research profiles in criminology, policing, and security studies. Their research interests within the School of Law, Policing, and Social Sciences often include counter-terrorism strategies, the motivations and tactics of terrorist groups, political violence, cybercrime, intelligence analysis, and international policing. This strong research background ensures that the curriculum is informed by the latest scholarly findings, contemporary debates, and real-world insights into the complexities of terrorism and political violence. Faculty may also contribute to a deeper understanding of the ethical and societal implications of counter-terrorism measures and international cooperation in addressing these threats.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a vital component of the BSc Applied Criminology (Terrorism & Political Violence) program at CCCU, designed to provide students with practical insights and professional networking opportunities crucial for careers in this sensitive field. The university leverages its strong links with various local, national, and international criminal justice and security agencies. Students benefit from CCCU's specialist facilities, such as the "Hydra Suite," an immersive simulation system used for training professionals in criminal justice and emergency services, allowing students to practice complex decision-making scenarios relevant to security threats. The program also features an "insights from practice" initiative, which includes regular guest speakers who are active professionals and practitioners from diverse areas of counter-terrorism, intelligence, and national security. Students are encouraged to engage in volunteering and seek work experience within relevant organizations, providing direct exposure to the operational realities of addressing terrorism and political violence.

Global Perspective: The BSc Applied Criminology (Terrorism & Political Violence) program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently adopts a strong global perspective, reflecting the transnational nature of these threats. The curriculum explores key concepts and contemporary issues in terrorism and political violence within a global context, acknowledging that these phenomena are not confined by national borders. Modules like "Transnational Crime and Global Markets" and "Beyond Policing: Investigating International Political Violence" directly address how globalization influences terrorist activities and how international agencies and governments collaborate to combat these threats. Students analyze different types of terrorism, historical trends, evolving tactics, and the varied global responses, including international law enforcement efforts, intelligence sharing, and counter-radicalization strategies. This comprehensive international focus prepares graduates for roles in organizations that operate on a global scale to address security challenges.