This module is designed for students interested in understanding terrorism, extremism, and serious organised crime in contemporary society. Including topics such as:

- Defining terrorism, extremism, and serious organised crime
- Historical and contemporary terrorism (domestic and international)
- Radicalisation, ideology, and pathways into extremism
- Organised crime structures, networks, and markets
- Terrorism, organised crime, and convergence debates
- Policing, intelligence, and counter-terrorism strategies
- Legal frameworks and human rights considerations
- Risk, prevention, and safeguarding
- Media, public narratives, and moral panics
- Ethical and legitimacy challenges in security governance

You will be given a choice of case study briefs (typically 3) drawn from contemporary UK-facing counter-terrorism and extremism challenges (for example: online radicalisation pathway, safeguarding and Prevent, lone-actor risk indicators, and a case involving multi-agency response considerations). Each brief will include a short scenario, a small bundle of structured source material (for example: policy extract, media reporting, and an anonymised vignette), and a clear question set. You are required to produce an analysis that identifies key issues, applies the relevant conceptual and legal framework taught on the module, and proposes a proportionate response strategy. You should justify your reasoning, note evidential limits, and include a short section on ethics, risk, and contestability. As part of this assessment, you may use an AI tool to help with one or more of the following: refining a research plan, generating an outline, stress-testing assumptions, or improving clarity of writing. Work can be submitted as a report or a presentation.

Scheduled learning and teaching will consist of lectures, workshops, and facilitated discussions delivered over the course of the module. Teaching will make use of case studies, policy documents, and applied problem-based learning to support critical engagement. Formative activities will be embedded to support assessment preparation and academic development. You will be supported to develop critical digital literacy, including responsible and reflective engagement with emerging research technologies.

1. Critically evaluate key theoretical and conceptual approaches used to explain terrorism, extremism and serious organised crime.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Analyse the legal, policy and criminal justice responses to terrorism and organised crime, with reference to issues of risk, prevention and governance.

Critical reasoning & collaboration

3. Analyse contemporary terrorism and organised crime cases using conceptual and legal frameworks, to suggest interventions/ proportionate response strategies.

Application & problem solving

4. Analyse how digital platforms, online communication patterns and algorithmic systems shape contemporary terrorism, extremism and organised crime.

Digital literacy

Students will have access to:

- Lecture rooms with access for disabled students.

Students are recommended to bring their laptops or tablets to access lecture and workshop materials and actively engage with the module tasks.

Grossman, M. and Hellyer, H.A. (2025) Rethinking Religion and Radicalization: Terrorism and Violence Twenty Years After 9/11. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

Karcher, K. et al. (2024) Urban Terrorism in Contemporary Europe: Remembering, Imagining and Anticipating Violence. 1st edn. Edited by K. Karcher et al. Cham: Springer Nature.

HM Government (2018) CONTEST: The United Kingdom’s Strategy for Countering Terrorism. London: Home Office. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/counter-terrorism-strategy-contest-2018

HM Government (2023) Independent Review of Prevent. London: Home Office. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-of-prevent

Are you ready to tackle some of the most urgent security challenges shaping our world today? This dynamic module takes you inside the complex realities of terrorism, extremism, and serious organised crime—issues that dominate headlines and influence global policy. You’ll explore how radicalisation happens, why organised crime networks thrive, and where these threats converge.

Through real-world case studies and cutting-edge research, you’ll examine everything from domestic and international terrorism to the dark markets of organised crime. You’ll also dive into the strategies used by law enforcement and intelligence agencies, the legal and ethical dilemmas they face, and the role of media in shaping public perception.

By the end of the module, you’ll have developed advanced analytical skills and practical insights that prepare you for careers in criminal justice, security, policy, and research. If you want to understand the forces that challenge global stability—and learn how societies respond—this module is for you.