Find out more about studying MSc in Countering Extremist Crime and Terrorism at UCL (University College London)? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
UCL (University College London) - Bloomsbury Campus
Full Time
Sep 2027
1 Year
Build an expert skillset in the scientific approaches used to combat terrorism and extremist crime. This Countering Extremist Crime and Terrorism MSc is developed in close collaboration with law enforcement agencies, intelligence and security professionals. Join us on this one-year multidisciplinary Countering Extremist Crime and Terrorism (CECT) MSc and learn how to use crime science to understand, analyse, prevent, disrupt, and detect terrorism and extremist crime. Our programme was co-designed by world-leading academics and law enforcement, intelligence and security practitioners. The course equips you with the unique crime science approach developed here at UCL, by combining the latest insights from social and engineering sciences, crime and security methodologies. You will examine the many facets and drivers of terrorism and extremism and use scientific principles to critically assess the tactics of terrorist actors as well as different countermeasures. You will also build an advanced toolkit of research design and statistical analysis techniques, allowing you to solve real-world crime problems and security issues using data. This programme is ideal for you if you want to gain the skills necessary for a world-class security and crime science professional. It is suitable for those who already work in security, intelligence, or law enforcement, or graduates with a relevant first degree who want to pursue a career in crime prevention or counterterrorism more broadly. This programme is also available on a modular (flexible) basis, with a duration of 5 calendar years.
In addition to core modules, Students will study some optional modules.
This module will give students an understanding of the general principles of scientific endeavour, whilst familiarising students with the research process. The module will look specifically at the nature of scientific knowledge, and the elements underpinning different approaches to designing and doing research. The key components of research planning will be covered, and students will learn about different methods of data collection. The module is designed to provide an understanding of research design, with a view to providing practical knowledge which can be used in planning a dissertation project.
In addition to core modules, Students will study some optional modules.
It is compulsory across all of the programmes in the Department of Security and Crime Science, and provides an introduction. Foundations of Security & Crime Science is a core module undertaken by all masters students in the Department of Security and Crime Science. The purpose of this module is to set out the foundational concepts, theories and approaches that underpin the masters programmes offered in the Department. In this way the module provides an overarching framework for the modules that follow. It outlines the distinctive nature of the crime science approach to understanding, preventing, detecting and investigating crime and security problems.
In addition to core modules, Students will study some optional modules.
This module provides students with an overview of terrorism, including empirical trends, historical manifestations, current groups and tactics, and prominent explanations for why terrorism occurs and individuals get involved in terrorist activity.
In addition to core modules, Students will study some optional modules.
The aim of the Quantitative Methods module is to provide students with an understanding of different types of research design and statistical analysis, with a particular focus on those methods and concepts that are appropriate to the application of Crime Science. Relevant examples will be used to show students how to apply these principles and methods to the real-world problem of crime analysis and prevention. There will also be a focus on how to read and interpret statistical evidence
In addition to core modules, Students will study some optional modules.
This is the dissertation module and is compulsory for all MSc students in the Department of Security and Crime Science. Students submit a dissertation on a piece of research no longer than 10,000 words.
A fee deposit will be charged at 2.5 percent of the first year fee.
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