Your interest in better understanding and responding to terrorism and extremism 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 terrorism and extremism almost on a daily basis- most recently, for those of you who watched Adolescence - you would have been introduced to Incel - a significant development which many would class as extremism. 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 and extremism.

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 terrorism and extremism 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, criminology or politics. 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. 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:

• You will undertake 3 micro credential modules which are led by the University - these allow you to unpack key factors relating to succeeding at University.
• Succeeding in Your Criminal Justice Specialism
• The Criminal Justice System

Semester 2 modules:-

• How to Change the World
• Investigative Interviewing

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 15 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 17th September 2025. 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 terrorism or extremism! To start with, why not have a look at the framework in place to counter terrorism, CONTEST, it is available online via a simple Google search or can be accessed here. 

You do not need to read anything before you come, but if you would like to, 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.