Your interest in terrorism and transnational crime is what led you to choose this degree and we are looking forward to introducing you, through a range of modules, to theories, practical examples, domestic and international cases, and more, to enable you to gain holistic knowledge on the area. We hear about transnational crime, of which terrorism is a part, in the media almost on a daily basis. What goes on behind the scenes on a political, sociological, psychological, or investigative level is, however, often unknown to the public. Through utilising the best available evidence and contemporary research, often conducted by your own lecturers, we will bring to life concepts that will provide you with holistic, but also largely critical, knowledge surrounding topics that are a priority for the UK Criminal Justice System.

We hope that you will enjoy learning about contrasting perspectives and developing an understanding of the vast complexities involved in understanding terrorism, counter terrorism and transnational crime.

You can also keep up to date with what is going on in our Faculty and count down to beginning your studies with us by following us on Instagram

As you embark on your academic journey, you should expect to think analytically and critically about everyday concepts, but also academic topics. The study of transnational crime, of which terrorism is a type, is no different. In the first year of the course, you will be introduced to a range of different topics all related to the criminal justice area, including policing, forensics and criminology. You will gain a basic understanding of issues relating to your degree and you will then unpack these in modules which will follow in Years 2 and 3. There are six core modules that all help to contextualise topics like crime, offending, criminal justice and investigation. Each academic year is divided into two main semesters, allowing you to concentrate on three modules each semester. Semester One lasts from September until January. The second semester lasts from end of January until May.

Semester 1 modules:

• Criminal Justice System & How to Tell What Works
• Introduction to Study Skills and Contexts within Justice Specialisms
• Introducing Crime, Offences & Justice

Semester 2 modules:

• Transnational Crime & Global Markets
• Introducing Crime Scene Investigation
• Introducing Psychology & Crime

There are two tasks that we would like for you to complete before you start your degree. These relate to your degree and the aim is for you to start thinking analytically about certain areas that you will be studying.

1) What is terrorism? The answer here might not be as simple as you think. We do not want you to think of a straightforward definition. What do you understand under the word ‘terrorism’? First, have a think about what the word means to you. Then, try to use as many sources as you can (Google, books, blogs, Google Scholar) and see how other people perceive the word terrorism. Think about what defining features the term should hold. Your task is to go beyond the definition so that we can start discussions about definitional issues surrounding the term.

2) A young woman came into a police station to report that she was trafficked into England and for the last few years, she was made to work for free and live in unhygienic conditions. During her initial interview, she states that since she first came, she helped traffic other young girls and women, knowing their fate. Is she a victim or a perpetrator? We are giving you little detail on purpose, so that you can really have a think of the different contexts. Research legislation around human trafficking, have a look at the news surrounding it, look into treatment of human trafficking victims, and similar. Your task is to find out what you can about what happens in these kinds of situations.

Your welcome and induction will be w/c 16 September 2024 - we look forward to meeting you then.

 

Community

On the social side, the Student Union (CCSU) has a huge range of clubs and societies – all of which have unique social calendars of their own and offer endless opportunities to make lifelong friends and discover new hobbies. And you can always create your own society and cultivate your own community!

CCSU will be hosting their Welcome Fayre on Wednesday 18th September 2024. Make sure you keep checking the CCSU website for further details and how to get involved.

We understand that you may be nervous about your first few weeks on campus but rest assured - you'll be joining a nurturing and supportive environment where diversity, equality and individuality are part of everything we do.

You can find out more about our welcoming community and making friends.

If you are an International Student joining us then please see our International Student Support pages for further information and guidance.

In order to prepare for this degree, it will be useful to read any text on the topic of transnational crime and/or terrorism! To start with, why not have a look at the framework in place to counter terrorism, CONTEST, it is available online through the following link. If updates are made and the link is no longer operational, simply Google “CONTEST counter terrorism strategy”

 

Further, the National Crime Agency provides great information relating to transnational crime and international partners (if unavailable, Google for NCA transnational crime)

Below are some suggested books which may be of interest, relating to different areas of the degree.

1) Critical incident policing (in simple terms, this is the policing of incidents which have significant impact on the community, and beyond):

• Alison, L., & Crego, J., (2008) Policing Critical Incidents: Leadership and Critical Incident Management, Routledge

2) This is a good and short introduction into terrorism:

• Townshend, C., (2011). Terrorism: A Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press

3) This book provides an interesting outlook on the challenges of global policing:

• Verma, A., Das, D. and Abraham, M. (Eds) (2012) Global Community Policing: Problems and Challenges. CRC Press.