Overview

Since the end of the Cold War there has been a growing awareness of the changing nature of security threats facing individuals, communities and states worldwide. With intensifying economic, political, cultural and military globalisation, there is now a heightened awareness of terrorism and international crime.

Guest speakers and field trips are an integral part of the course, which include visits to the counter-crime, counter terrorism and counter modern slavery organisations*. Previous students have been able to work on placements with the local police forces, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international organisations within Europe, including the antimafia organisation AddioPizzo in Sicily, Ethicando in Paris, the UN NGO Women’s Federation for World Peace in Geneva, the Institute of Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin, CISS (International Cooperation South-South) in Italy, and Chatham House in London.

*Please note that field trips may be subject to additional costs, application processes, and availability and/or meeting applicable visa requirements.

Course information

Our experienced faculty includes active researchers who also work or consult for governments, international organisations and prominent think tanks.

 In the most recent national research assessment, the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 69% of Coventry University's research in Politics and International Studies was recognised internationally, of which 32% was considered ‘internationally excellent’.

This course is one of the first in the UK to offer an integrated study of terrorism, organised crime and global security. It will provide you with an informed understanding of key threats that are posed to world politics, how they have evolved and the differing – occasionally controversial – national responses.

Throughout taught sessions, we will draw on case studies and practical illustrations. For instance, during ‘The Ticking Time Bomb Debate’, we consider whether it is justified to use torture on a captured individual, credibly identified as a terrorist leader with knowledge of the whereabouts of a ‘dirty bomb’ capable of killing thousands planted in the centre of London and timed to go off within 24 hours. In another exercise, we undertake a ‘mafia vs antimafia simulation’ on the challenges mafia/organised criminal groups pose to civil society and law enforcement agencies. Previous simulations have included case studies in Mexico, West Africa, the Balkans, Southern Italy and Japan.

Our innovative teaching includes opportunities to enhance your digital skills. For example, during the international security field trip to Sicily (subject to availability, application, additional costs and meeting any applicable visa costs), you will be introduced to a variety of topics analysing both the role of Cosa Nostra and the antimafia experiences in Sicily and state and non-state responses to the trafficking and smuggling of human beings. Then, working in teams, you will have the opportunity to develop an area you are particularly interested in and produce a 10-minute (maximum) information video-podcast on the topic. The podcast must contain at least one of the following, as appropriate to the chosen topic: secondary footage (respecting issues of copyright); primary interviews; and observation (respecting ethical considerations, particularly consent for filming others).