3758 - Master of Counter-Terrorism Studies

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 rigorous course of study that evaluates these multifaceted phenomena. The course provides an 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); 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.

Students successfully completing this course will have:

• a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of the academic discipline
• an understanding of the world view of the field of study
• a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study
• a familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study
• advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal
• advanced analytical skills
• a grasp of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research project in one of the disciplines represented in the program.

Students complete three core units and one elective (48 points) at level four and 24 points at level five.

Level four

Core units

• PLM4310 Wars of recognition: Terrorism and political violence
• PLM4340 Fringe politics and extremist violence: An introduction to terrorism
• PLM4430 Political Islam

Electives

Students take one of the following electives:

• ASM4230 Culture and conflict in Indonesia
• LAW7320 Terrorism and human rights
• MGX9110 Diplomacy and statecraft
• MGX9150 Contemporary Asia
• PLM4065 Advanced seminar in international political economy
• PLM4080 Counter-terrorism policy, legislation, community engagement and support
• PLM4100 Terrorism, counter-terrorism and intelligence
• PLM4420 Islam and modernity
• PLM4460 Conflict resolution and Islam in the Middle East
• PLM4520 Perspectives on world politics
• PLM4750 Special reading course
• PLT4030 Ethics in world politics

Level five

Students complete one of the following options:*

• PLM5600 Strategic studies: A critical introduction (12 points) and PLM5010 Terrorism and security studies research project (9000 words, 12 points)
• PLM5020 Terrorism and security studies research dissertation (18,000 words, 24 points)
• PLM5995 Internship in counter-terrorism studies

* NOTE:

(i) Entry into the research project and dissertation will be reserved for students with distinction plus results in the core units

(ii) Entry to the internship will be reserved for students with Distinction plus results in PLM4080, PLM4100, PLM4310 and PLM4340.

 

Students who have completed studies in this course to the value of:

• 24 points may apply to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Arts
• 48 points may apply to exit with a Graduate Diploma in Arts.

Students will also exit the masters with the appropriate award if they do not maintain the required academic level.

Master of Counter-Terrorism Studies