Terrorism, International Crime and Global Security MA

Postgraduate
Conversion course

Black and white photo of police in riot gear

Explore threats to the modern global community and build your skills to positively shape the future.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CAST013

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

Explore critical 21st-century security threats to help you pursue careers in fields such as transnational counter crime, terrorist prevention, corporate security, NGOs, and law enforcement.

Develop interdisciplinary insights into terrorism, organised crime, and governance, building the skills you need to address global security challenges and shape future responses to these issues.

Key course content includes:

Addressing contemporary global challenges: explore key threats to the global community, such as terrorism or human trafficking in order to understand and develop policy, action, and counter crime strategies.
Global perspectives: engage with case studies from across the world to explore comparative insights into counter-terrorism, organised crime and modern slavery strategies worldwide.
Applied learning: experience global security simulations, policy briefs, and threat assessments, preparing you for diverse careers in policy-making, security, government, media, uniformed services and NGOs.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Enhance your knowledge and analytical skills: assess the ways in which different actors endanger, destabilise, or support global security, paying particular attention to issues related to international terrorism, counter-crime, human trafficking, and maritime security.
Learn from a wide range of external professionals and practitioners: speakers deliver a range of guest sessions designed to connect you with a range of critical issues, from current challenges facing the global community to cutting-edge insights into key threats to human security.²
Engage in diverse learning and assessment opportunities: all enhanced by personalised attention to help you to achieve your career aspirations. Workshops are interactive, supportive learning environments. Assessments are varied, allowing you to create a broad portfolio of experience and skills.
Career readiness: develop leadership and analytical skills for roles in global security, international policing, Non-Governmental Organisations, transnational business, corporate security, diplomacy, and the justice sectors.

Collaborations

Endorsement by the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)

Coventry University and the RSA have collaborated on a module concerning social and ethical responsibility. You will be entitled to 12 months Fellowship of the RSA so you can access all RSA resources and platforms during your period of study. Once you have successfully passed the module Global Affairs in Action, you will receive an RSA digital credential.

What you'll study

Examine global security challenges like terrorism, human trafficking, modern slavery, and organised crime, analysing their impact on stability. Assess responses by state and non-state actors while developing analytical and practical skills for careers in security, governance, and human rights.

Modules

The Globalisation of Organised Crime – 30 credits

Explore the complexities of international and transnational organised crime and its growing global impact. This module examines critical issues such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, money laundering, prostitution, and illegal arms trading, which increasingly challenge governments worldwide. Through this module, you will analyse the threats posed by organised criminal networks and evaluate how states, law enforcement agencies, international organisations, and civil societies respond to these challenges.

Compulsory

Terrorism and Extremism – 30 credits

Develop your understanding of the issues surrounding contemporary international terrorism and the extremist ideologies which frequently inform such organisations. This specifically includes terrorism theory, terrorism's different causes and rationales, typologies of terrorism over time and in different international locations, the relationship that terrorism has to other forms of violence and social protest, and the ethical and practical dilemmas surrounding terrorism and the impact of this phenomenon.

Compulsory

Manifestations of International Organised Crime – 30 credits

Explore the different forms of crime that primarily shape or affect the global community such as the phenomenon of money laundering and the different international markets that transnational criminal enterprises can exploit. Develop a critical understanding of state responses to organised crime by exploring a wide range of case studies.

Compulsory

Global Affairs in Action – 30 credits

Engage with issues related to warfare, rebellion, and security. You will analyse key case studies in warfare and rebellion, and will interact with international security practitioners, reflecting upon how academic knowledge and ideas translate into ‘real world’ security practice. You will attend a series of workshops given by visiting security practitioners and institutions.²

Compulsory

Terrorism and Global Security – 30 credits

Develop an informed understanding of the key threats that are posed to Global Security and the disproportionate threat posed by terrorist groups and methodologies. You will examine the current security landscape, examining some of the most current, critical terrorist threats which undermine the global system today.

Compulsory

Countering Organised Crime and Modern Slavery – 30 credits

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
simulations
presentations
group activities
workshops.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

reports
essays
coursework
policy briefs/threats assessment reports
assignments
presentations.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in any discipline.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in any discipline.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.
If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200	Not available
EU	£11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our George Eliot Building plays host to interactive seminars, advanced research training and group project activities. Interact with like-minded students, cross the Edible Garden to relax at the Hub or immerse yourself in books at the Lanchester library.

The Delia Derbyshire complex offers more space to learn, design and make, including a hyper-studio for students across all disciplines to collaborate on projects together, a gallery space and an events atrium.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

This course should prepare you to make meaningful contributions to a safer and more secure world, whether in public service, private sector roles, or international advocacy. The interdisciplinary approach of the course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a wide range of career opportunities.

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights related to counterterrorism, counter-crime, and methods of countering human trafficking, much of which is at, or informed by, the knowledge and practices at the forefront of their field of study.
exhibit a critical understanding of international organised crime and terrorism, being able to identify to what extent these specific phenomena threaten human rights and global stability.
command a comprehensive understanding of techniques, standards and ethics applicable to their own research, with an ability to evaluate different theoretical and methodological approaches and frameworks, applicable to research and problem solving in an academic or employment context alike.
demonstrate innovation in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge.
manage complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly via a variety of mediums to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
demonstrate self-direction and enterprise in tackling and solving problems, and act both autonomously and in groups in planning and implementing tasks.
demonstrate organisational skills: manage time effectively, to set objectives and to evaluate the performance of oneself and others.
critically evaluate the principles for leading and developing people and equality, diversity and inclusion at a strategic level.

Successful graduates may seek positions in the following types of organisations:

Counter-terrorism
Counter-crime
Counter-human trafficking and modern slavery
International policing
Intelligent services
Maritime Security
National and International Media services
Civil Service
Government
Think Tanks
Research and academia
NGOs.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have gone on to build successful careers in:

National and international policy-making bodies: shaping strategies and policies to counter terrorism, organised crime, and threats to human security (including modern slavery, human trafficking).
Government agencies: working in defence, intelligence, homeland and maritime security, and foreign affairs to address transnational threats.
International organisations: contributing to the work of organisations such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, INTERPOL, International Maritime Organisation, and the European and African Union in areas like conflict prevention, crime prevention, and human rights protection.
Law enforcement and policing: specialising in counter-terrorism, Modern Slavery and Human trafficking, cybercrime, and transnational criminal investigations.
Armed services and the defence sector: developing and implementing security strategies to combat terrorism and organised crime.
Corporate security and risk management: advising businesses on mitigating risks related to terrorism, cybercrime, and geopolitical instability.
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): working on human rights advocacy, conflict resolution, and humanitarian aid in crisis-affected regions.
Academia and research: pursuing further research or teaching in the fields of terrorism, international crime, and human security.
Think Tanks and consultancies: providing expert analysis and recommendations on global security challenges.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Full-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.