Postgraduate handbook 2005 - Arts

Master of Counter-Terrorism Studies
(1.5-year program)

Course code: 3758 + Mid-year entry available + 18 months full-time, 3 years part-time + On-campus (Clayton)
Coordinator: Pete Lentini

Course description

The September 11 attacks and the Bali bombings have increased the significance of terrorism and political violence in international politics. The Master of Counter-Terrorism Studies offers a critical course of study that evaluates these multifaceted phenomena. The course provides a critical understanding of what terrorism is and how it is constructed and reproduced. It also addresses the diverse and multifaceted actors involved in enacting and preventing terrorism and other security concerns. The range of studies includes units on terrorisms (state, religious, revolutionary and right wing terrorisms); the political, theological and intellectual bases of terrorism; political violence and political movements; and country and regional studies. Theoretical and empirical units that examine the international processes and events that fuel and discourage terrorism provide further context for students. The course is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate study in these areas and professionals working in law enforcement, public service, defence and diplomacy.

Entry requirements

A bachelors degree with a credit average in the final year, or a bachelors pass degree with demonstrable professional experience at a senior level in a relevant area. Such applicants will need to provide a CV, a 1000-word statement and the names of two professional referees.

Course structure

Students complete 72 points comprising 48 points at fourth-year level (three core units and one elective) and 24 points at fifth-year level.

Fourth-year core units

• PLM4340 Fringe politics and extremist violence: an introduction to terrorism (semester one)
• PLM4310 Wars of recognition: terrorism and political violence (semester two)
• PLM4430 Political Islam (semester two)

Fourth-year electives

Students take one of the following electives:

• PLM4480 Culture, norms and ideas in international politics
• PLM4520 Perspectives on world politics
• ASM4230 Culture and conflict in Indonesia

Fifth-year core units

Students will take:

• PLM5600 Strategic studies: a critical introduction (12 points)

and

• PLM5010 Terrorism and security studies research project (9000 words, 12 points)

or

• PLM5020 Terrorism and security studies research dissertation (18,000 words, 24 points)

Minimum pass grade

To graduate with the Master of Counter-Terrorism Studies, students must gain a credit (60 C) or above in core units and a minimum credit average overall.

Exit points

After successful completion of 24 points, students may apply to exit the program with a Graduate Certificate in Arts, or after successful completion of 48 points with a Graduate Diploma in Arts.

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