courses

3758

Monash University

Postgraduate - Course

Students who commenced study in 2012 should refer to this course entry for direction on the requirements; to check which units are currently available for enrolment, refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course.

print version

NOTE: This course has been updated - please refer to the 2012 handbook change register for details.

This course entry should be read in conjunction with information provided in the 'Faculty information' section of this Handbook by the Faculty of Arts

Managing facultyArts
Abbreviated titleMCounterTerrSt
CRICOS code050400C
Total credit points required72
Standard duration of study (years)1.5 years FT, 3 years PT
Study mode and locationOn-campus (Clayton)
Admission, fee and application details http://www.monash.edu/study/coursefinder/course/3758
Course coordinator

Dr Muhammad Bakashmar

Notes

  • Unit codes that are not linked to their entry in the handbook are not available for study in the current year.

Description

The September 11 attacks, Bali bombings and home-grown operations in London and those thwarted in Australia have increased the importance of understanding terrorism and political violence. 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.

Outcomes

Students successfully completing this course will have:

  • developed an intermediate to advanced knowledge of terrorism, security and conflict
  • developed their knowledge of contemporary political systems, relations between states, non-state and sub-state actors, political theory, and identity and cultural politics and how they relate to terrorism and political violence
  • enhanced their skills in contemporary forms of political and social inquiry
  • enhanced their knowledge of issues of contemporary relevance
  • developed sophisticated skills and graduate attributes in critical thinking, analysis, research and question design, and oral and written forms of communication.

Structure

This course consists of three core units and one elective at level four (48 points) and 24 points at level five.

Requirements

Level four

Core units

  • APG4327 Wars of recognition: Terrorism and political violence
  • APG4666 Terrorism, counter-terrorism and intelligence
  • APG4667 Terrorism, fringe politics and extremist violence

Electives

One of:

  • APG4324 Advanced seminar in international political economy
  • APG4329 Political Islam
  • APG4336 Islam and modernity
  • APG4337 Conflict resolution and Islam in the Middle East
  • APG4665 Counter-terrorism policy, legislation, community engagement and support
  • APG4702 Culture and conflict in Indonesia
  • APG4759 International relations
  • APG4898 The European Union and the developing world
  • LAW7320 Terrorism and human rights
  • MGX9110 Diplomacy and statecraft

Level five

Students complete one of the following options:

  • two elective units
  • one elective and APG5851 Terrorism and security studies research project* (9000 words, 12 points)
  • APG5852 Terrorism and security studies research dissertation** (18,000 words, 24 points), or APG5853 Terrorism and security studies research dissertation - Part 1 and APG5854 Terrorism and security studies research dissertation - Part 2 (18,000 words, 24 points)
  • APG5858 Internship in counter-terrorism studies*** and either one elective or APG5851 Terrorism and security studies research project (9,000 words, 12 points)

Note:

* Entry into the research project will be reserved for students who have achieved a distinction average in all their coursework units.

** Entry into the research dissertation will be reserved for students who have achieved a high distinction average in all their coursework.

*** Entry to the internship will be reserved for students who have achieved distinction results in APG4665, APG4666, APG4327 and APG4667.

Electives

  • APG5324 Advanced seminar in international political economy
  • APG5328 Grand theories of politics
  • APG5329 Political Islam
  • APG5332 Strategic studies
  • APG5336 Islam and modernity
  • APG5337 Conflict resolution and Islam in the Middle East
  • APG5665 Counter-terrorism policy, legislation, community engagement and support
  • APG5783 International relations (off campus)
  • APG5898 The European Union and the developing world

Recommended level five electives for students considering a research degree

  • APG5600 Advanced research methods in social and political sciences
  • APG5851 Research project (9000 words)*

Students may select the equivalent of 12 points in Monash units from outside this list, if (a) the unit(s) are closely related to counter-terrorism studies, and (b) have been approved by the course coordinator.

Alternative exit(s)

Students may apply to exit after successful completion of:

  • 24 points with a Graduate Certificate in Arts
  • 48 points with a Graduate Diploma in Arts.

Award(s)

Master of Counter-Terrorism Studies