MA in Violence, Terrorism and Security
After the tragic events of 9-11 and the advent of the 'war against terror', studies of violence, terrorism and security are now at the top of the global agenda of politics. If you are ready to become part of the debate on these contentious topics and their effects then this is the programme for you!
This programme provides dynamic and critical study in violence, terrorism and international security. It challenges „accepted wisdom. and opens up the debate about the role of violence in relation to political power in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Programme modules include core options on violence, terrorism and security plus modules on: International Security, Conflict intervention, Theory and Politics of Globalisation, National and Ethnic Conflict management, Northern Ireland and the World.
Student Dissertation topics have included:
- Just War Theory and the War on Terror,
- Taliban and narco-terrorism,
- Ex-Combatants,
- Paramilitary Recruitment
- US Counter-Terrorism Strategies
- Security and Development
- Religious diplomacy and paramilitary movements,
- Regional Security,
- Private Military Companies and Counter-insurgency in Africa,
- Security Sector Reform and Policing,
- Cultures of Youth Violence,
- Containment and Intervention,
- Lebanon: state security dilemmas,
- Afghanistan and Counter-Terrorism
- Realism after 9/11, Chechnya and conflict,
- Comparative Examination of State responses to Terror: UK and Northern Ireland,
- Transitions from Terrorism: ETA and the IRA compared,
- Israeli-Arabs: National Security Threat?,
- Loyalist nationalism – identity and conflict,
- Cumman na Mban – Women and the IRA,
- Bioterrorism and arms control,
- Cyber Attacks,
- Cyber Security,
- Child Soldiers and International Law.
The School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy at Queens University Belfast is uniquely located in a society that has transitioned from conflict characterised by violence and terrorism.
Professional The course also serves as a perfect 'stepping stone' to a variety of professions and further research at PhD level. Graduating students have entered a range of professions linked to public service, intelligence, policing and the security sector, border and immigration agencies, law, the military, policy analysis, human rights and the NGO sector, national and global security, advocacy and lobbying.
Recognising the challenges inherent to global security in the war on terrorism and the unique expertise we possess in the subject matter we decided to offer this programme in order to equip students with a critical understanding of these issues.
The MA in Violence, Terrorism and Security is based in the International Politics and Ethnic Conflict research cluster. The MA teaching team combines internationally recognised expertise in the field of studies in Violence, Terrorism and Security with regional as well as sectoral specialisations.
The MA VTS convenor is Professor Beverley Milton-Edwards and her work focuses on Islam, violence and terrorism, the politics of the Middle East and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. She is the author of Islam and Violence in the modern era (2006), the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a people’s war (2008) and Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement (2009).
Professor Adrian Guelke, who convenes the core first semester module is a well-recognised expert on terrorism whose publications include: The New Age of Terrorism and the International Political System (2009) Terrorism and Global Disorder (2006). Prof. Guelke also expert in the Politics of Deeply Divided Socieities, South Africa and Conflict transition politics.
Other teaching staff on the MA include Professor Richard English, author of Terrorism: How to Respond ( 2009) Irish Freedom: The History of Nationalism in Ireland (2006) Armed Struggle: The History of the IRA (2003), Dr. Ralph Deitl, who specialist in diplomatic history and security policy and author of ‘Suez 1956. A European Intervention?’ in: Journal of Contemporary History 43,2 (2008), 259-278 Winner of the Walter Laqueur Prize (2008) and Dr. Mike Bourne , expert in small arms proliferation and author of ‘Arming Conflict: The Proliferation of Small Arms’ ( 2007)
Entry Criteria
The School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy requires applicants for MA programmes to have a 2:1 (or equivalent) honours degree at undergraduate level in, as appropriate, Politics, European Studies, International Studies, Philosophy or a cognate subject area.
Entry to the Postgraduate Diploma normally requires a high 2:2 (58%) honours degree at undergraduate level. Diploma applicants who do not hold a high 2:2 at undergraduate level, may - at the discretion of the relevant Programme Convenor - be considered for admission on the basis of relevant post-graduation work experience and/or an assessed piece of written work. Any such decisions must have the approval of the School Management Board. In line with University Regulations there is a language requirement for applicants whose first language is not English (IELTS 6.5 or approved equivalent.)
For further information on how to apply for any of our postgraduate taught courses please read the Prospective Student Information at the following link: http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/ProspectiveStudents/
For student endorsements of this MA programme click here
