Terrorism, Security and Policing MSc, 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
This is for you if... you want to gain a detailed theoretical and applied understanding of the key issues and challenges surrounding security, policing and terrorism post-9/11 (and 7/7) and in the face of new and different threats from terrorist and organised crime groups such as ISIS and Boko Haram.
Course information
UK fee £8,600
International fee £17,500
Taught by School of Criminology
Contact
+44 (0)116 252 2458 or 3946
criminology@le.ac.uk
The Friars, 154 Upper New Walk
Leicester LE1 7QA
Course description
Course description
The MSc in Terrorism, Security and Policing will provide you with a detailed understanding of the key issues surrounding security, policing and terrorism post-9/11 (and 7/7) and in the face of new and different threats from organisations such as ISIS and Boko Haram. The course content also reflects emergent global crime and security issues concerning organised crime, financial crime and the relationship between security and human rights.
You will develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of terrorism and other transnational security challenges and their consequences, both theoretical and applied. Option modules allows you to specialise in areas of interest that relate to your professional needs.
This degree will develop your capacity for imaginative, rigorous and critical thinking. As well as gaining specific knowledge of global security challenges and strategies for addressing these, you will strengthen your ability to understand and use different types of evidence. You will develop transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers, including the ability to present and develop a cohesive argument, communicate information to academic and non-academic audiences, conduct research and identify solutions to theoretical and practical problems in a rapidly changing field.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Candidates should normally possess a First or Second Class honours degree from a British University or equivalent international academic qualifications. It is expected that this would usually be in Criminology or a cognate discipline. Comparable professional qualifications or experience will be considered. However, where more clarity is required applicants will be asked to undertake a short written assessment.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
This is the total course fee.
Starting in September 2023
- MSc: £8,600
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you're eligible.
International Students
This is the total course fee.
Starting in September 2023
- MSc: £17,500
You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Our MSc in Terrorism, Security and Policing will equip you with a whole host of skills that will give you a head-start in today’s competitive job market. We work closely with the University’s Career Development Service to alert you to relevant opportunities.
Our graduates most often seek and secure employment in statutory criminal justice agencies (police, prisons, probation, national criminal justice and security agencies), forensic health settings, third sector agencies, local and central government (nationally and internationally) and social/policy research institutes. Moreover, each year approximately 10% of the cohort either secure or begin to consider opportunities for doctoral studies. Doctoral work often leads to employment in a research-related area or in an academic environment.
A postgraduate qualification from the University of Leicester is career changing. It can be the springboard to promotion with your current employer, the platform from which to launch a new career, or simply an aid to becoming more effective in your current role.
If you are already in employment, enhancing your career by studying at postgraduate level gives a clear signal to employers that you are committed to developing your skills and knowledge and have studied to a higher level. Postgraduate education at Leicester is a rewarding and enriching experience that enhances personal development.
Our Career Development Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Course structure
Core modules
Core modules
- Criminological Research Methods (double module)
- Theorising Global Security, Risk and Policing (double module)
- Understanding Terrorism
- Responding to Terrorism
- Critical Issues in Policing
Plus your Dissertation
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Option modules
Option modules
Choose one option module from:
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Leicester is one of very few universities in the country to have its own area exclusively dedicated to researching and teaching criminology.
Our students benefit from learning in an environment exclusively dedicated to researching and teaching criminology, which is home to some of the UK’s leading criminologists.
We are regularly called on by local, national and international private, public and non-governmental organisations to assist with policy development, and by journalists needing information and advice on crime issues.
Your studies will be enhanced by extra-curricular opportunities such as our esteemed Scarman Lecture series which regularly hosts high profile speakers.
Teaching and learning
You will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars where you will have the opportunity to discuss and clarify ideas with lecturers and fellow students. Some modules will also involve practical skills workshops or online tasks and interaction.
Our assessment strategy is coursework-based and provides students with opportunities to both consolidate and strengthen academic skills through assessments such as short written pieces, annotated bibliographies, essays and research exercises; whilst also completing tasks which develop the skills required in future employment. These more 'authentic' modes of assessment may take the form of oral presentations, practitioner briefing papers, reports and letters to government ministers. You will also complete a dissertation in which you will conduct research on a topic of your choice.
Key dates
September 2023 start
- Application deadline: 8 September 2023 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your application by 21 July 2023)
- Deposit payment deadline: 7 August 2023
- CAS request deadline: 1 September 2023
- 50% payment deadline: 1 September 2023
Apply now
Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
Course Terrorism, Security and Policing | Qualification MSc | Duration 1 year full-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
Course Terrorism, Security and Policing | Qualification MSc | Duration 2 years part-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |

Learning from some of the best minds in the field of Criminology has opened my eyes to a whole new world.