BSc Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a distinctive BSc (Hons) Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime degree, a program specifically designed to cultivate critical and applied understanding of some of the most pressing global security challenges. This unique course delves into the complex world of terrorism, extremism, and security, encouraging students to analyze highly publicized cases and investigate the deeper, often overlooked issues such as identity, inequality, power, and politics that shape societal responses to threats. The curriculum explores how governments and communities react to evolving risks, the influences behind their decisions, and the challenges that arise when policy meets real-world scenarios. Drawing on CCCU's strong foundation in policing and security education, the program emphasizes an applied perspective, blending theoretical knowledge with an active understanding of actual tactics to counter terrorism and extremism. Students engage in practical simulations, including the state-of-the-art Hydra Suite, work on real case studies, and learn from experts who include current and former professionals in counterterrorism and extremism, ensuring graduates are work-ready and capable of making a real impact in this vital field.

Curriculum: The BSc Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime curriculum at CCCU is structured to provide a contextual and critical outlook on polarizing issues surrounding terrorism and extremism. While specific module titles for all years are not exhaustively detailed in public overviews, the program builds from foundational knowledge in criminology and justice. Typical modules in the first year may include "Criminal Justice System and How to Tell What Works," "Introducing Crime Offences and Justice," "Introducing Crime Scene Investigation," "Introduction to Professional Policing," and "Transnational Crime and Global Markets." As students progress, they interrogate topics surrounding the history, inherent complexities, power imbalances, inequality, identity, community, conflict, risk, ethics, politics, policies, international relations, 1 and policing powers related to terrorism and transnational crime. The course uniquely focuses on an applied perspective, providing hands-on learning through simulated exercises (e.g., Hydra Suite), engagement with real-life cases, and assessments designed to enrich transferable skills.  

Research Focus: The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime program at Canterbury Christ Church University is delivered by a teaching team with significant academic expertise and extensive practitioner experience in policing, criminology, forensic investigation, and related fields. The School of Law, Policing, and Social Sciences actively engages in research and knowledge exchange projects. Research interests of faculty and the broader school include, but are not limited to, the evaluation of counter-terrorism strategies, the intersection between security threats and refugees/asylum seekers, returning foreign fighters, and various aspects of policing research (such as police education, gang-related homicide, and public fear of terrorism). Dr. Erika Brady, for instance, a Lecturer in Policing and Deputy Course Director for the BSc Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime, specializes in counter-terrorism and terrorism studies, with research interests in evaluating counter-terrorism strategies through mixed methods and exploring the connection between migration and terrorism. This research-informed environment ensures that students are exposed to cutting-edge insights and current debates within the field.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a core component of the BSc Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime program at CCCU, deeply embedded in its design and delivery to ensure graduates are highly employable. The university leverages its strong connections with current and former professionals in counterterrorism, extremism, policing, and security, who contribute directly to the teaching and provide real-world insights. A significant feature is the use of specialist facilities such as the Hydra Suite, which allows students to participate in immersive, simulated crime and terrorist scenarios under 'close-to-real' conditions, providing invaluable practical experience. The program also incorporates work on real-life case studies and applied assessments that develop transferable skills highly valued by employers. Furthermore, the university encourages and supports students in gaining practical and applied experience through community volunteering, which helps them understand how knowledge of a community directly impacts on tackling transnational crime. These elements collectively prepare students for successful careers in law enforcement, intelligence, security, and related fields.

Global Perspective: The BSc Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime program at Canterbury Christ Church University is inherently global in its perspective, reflecting the transnational nature of terrorism and organized crime. The curriculum comprehensively interrogates topics surrounding the history, complexities, and responses to these phenomena not just within a national context but looking both historically and globally. Students analyze international relations, global policy responses, and the cross-border implications of identity, inequality, and power in shaping security landscapes. Modules often explore global trends in terrorism tactics, targets, and motivations, as well as diverse government responses worldwide, with a particular focus on the UK's CONTEST strategy. By engaging with concepts of transnational crime and security threats that disregard national boundaries, the program equips graduates with a nuanced understanding of global security dynamics, preparing them for roles in international organizations, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement bodies that operate on a global scale.