Terrorism and Political Violence (MLitt) 2016 entry

The MLitt in Terrorism and Political Violence seeks to develop in students a critical understanding of the concept of terrorism and political violence within the context of a multidisciplinary approach to security studies.

Course type

Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Letters (MLitt)

Course duration

One year full time

Entry requirements

A strong 2.1 Honours degree in political science, international relations, social sciences or other relevant disciplines.

If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.

English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.

Tuition fees

UK and EU: £9,400
Overseas: £19,400

Application deadline

Application requirements

  • CV
  • letter of intent indicating your knowledge of the programme and how it will benefit you
  • sample of academic written work (2,000 words)
  • a note confirming you have read the system requirements
  • two original signed academic or professional references
  • academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • English language requirements certificate.

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.

If you are looking to start this programme in 2017, you can find information about 2017 entry on the 2017 Terrorism and Political Violence MLitt page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in our archive.

Course information

Course highlights

  • Study in Terrorism and Political Violence examines selected approaches to knowledge generation around terrorism and counterterrorism and considers the development of new responses to terrorism and political violence.
  • Students have the opportunity to apply for a semester abroad at Georgetown University in Washington DC during their second semester.

Teaching format

The MLitt in Terrorism and Political Violence is a taught postgraduate programme run by the University of St Andrews' School of International Relations. The programme is delivered via mixed mode teaching involving traditional teaching methods in the form of lectures and tutorials alongside access to e-teaching facilities including online journals and podcast presentations and interviews by experts in the field.

Over the course of a year, students will take four taught modules followed by a three-month research period culminating in the submission of a 15,000-word dissertation. Assessment comprises coursework including essays and projects.

Every MLitt student is assigned a dissertation supervisor who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. 

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Modules

Each module typically comprises:

  • one-hour lecture per week
  • one-hour tutorial or seminar per week
  • office hours
  • 100% coursework assessment.

For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue.

Compulsory modules

  • Fundamental Issues and Structures of Terrorism: introduces the core conceptual issues of Terrorism and Political Violence.
  • Research Methodspresents appropriate research methods to enable students to critically understand the professional literature, and to lay the foundations to enable students to engage in further research.

Optional modules

Students choose two of the following optional modules: 

The modules listed ran in the academic year 2015-2016 and are indicative of this course. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2016 entry.

Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.

Dissertation

The final element of the MLitt is a 15,000 word dissertation. The dissertation should focus on an area of terrorism and political violence in which you are interested. Each student is supported by a relevant supervisor from the School who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation must be submitted by 14 August, 2017.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.

Conferences and events

The School of International Relations hosts a variety of research seminars throughout the academic session to promote the work of the faculty, students and visiting speakers.

The Centre for Study of Terrorism and Political Violence is dedicated to the study of the causes, dynamics, characteristics and consequences of terrorism and related forms of political violence. Each February, the centre hosts a non-compulsory PGWorkshop in which both full-time and distance-learning students are invited to attend to hear from experts in the field, network and meet one-to-one with lecturers and supervisors.

A number of student-led associations and organisations contribute to development and profile of International Relations throughout the University and the community.

 

Funding

Those who have been offered a place on the MLitt in Terrorism and Poltical Violence can apply for the MLitt Bursary in Terrorism and Political Violence, which covers all fees for one full-time student on the programme.

Find out more about postgraduate scholarships.

After the MLitt

Research degrees

In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in International Relations.

Many of our graduates continue their education by enrolling in a PhD programme at St Andrews.

The University of St Andrews offers a 10% Recent Graduate Discount for students who have graduated during the last three years and are now starting a postgraduate programme.

The Economic and Social Research Council provides PhD studentship funding for UK students which covers university and college fees and contributes towards living costs.

PhD in International Relations

Careers

Students who graduate from the MLitt in Terrorism and Political Violence go on to work in various professional fields including law, policy research and consultancy, NGOs, charities, international organisations, civil service and publishing.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and offers a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills. 

Contact

School of International Relations
University of St Andrews
Arts Building
The Scores
St Andrews
KY16 9AX

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 1944
Email: irpgt@st-andrews.ac.uk

International Relations website


Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.

Curriculum development

As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).

Tuition fees

The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB)