Understanding Risk and Security

Module code: CR1512

In this module you will explore in more depth the concepts of both risk and security, looking at how the academic theory has been (and continues to be) developed as well as how theory may be relevant to security officers and managers. We will look at the continuum of incidents, from minor incidents to major disasters, and the potential consequences of these events, analysing how they are categorised. We will consider the role of security officers and organisations involved in dealing with such events as well as the influence of contemporary changes, such as global expansion of private security.

All of this will be underpinned by the main concepts and theories embedded within security and risk, including risk perception and ‘risk society’. Also, because security and risk management is a relatively new field of study we will explore the main areas of contradiction and debate related to academic understanding, such as international, multidisciplinary and human security.

Topics covered

• From uncertainty to disaster
• Theorising risk
• Theorising security
• The role of the security officer