University of St Andrews - Online
Course in Terrorism and International Security Certificate - Online
Online United Kingdom
Course
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 2,000
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
Gain a clear understanding of the causes and tactics of terrorism, including lone wolf attacks, online radicalisation, and critical infrastructure protection.
Throughout this online course, you will gain a clear understanding of the causes and tactics of terrorism, including lone wolf attacks, online radicalisation, and critical infrastructure protection.
Why study this course?
- You will gain a deep understanding of why and how terrorism happens, the cause of violent mobilisation through the internet, critical infrastructure protection, and the acts of lone wolf assassins.
- 100% online and part-time, allowing you to study around your existing work or full-time education commitments.
- This interprofessional and interdisciplinary short course provides opportunities for you to learn collaboratively about the study of terrorism and political violence.
- The Terrorism and International Security short courses will cover the foundational discussions and debates in the field of terrorism research, in an engaging and interactive format.
- Academics from the Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence lead this course and provide their expert insight and analysis, allowing you to gain a strong understanding of different frameworks and disciplines to enhance your own expertise and learning methods.
- Participate in online learning activities that tackle complex and challenging issues, encouraging active discussion and sharing effective solutions.
- Award-winning learning technology and support are designed to deliver innovative, interactive, and flexible learning experiences that enhance your study journey.
- You will develop a practical toolkit to strengthen your critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and teaching strategies.
- 20 credits at SCQF Level 8 awarded by the University of St Andrews and a certificate of award.
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support.
- International Relations Scholarships
For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.
Violent Mobilisation in the Digital Age
Examines why and how people become involved in and disengage from terrorism. It covers the causes and concepts of radicalisation before considering what motivates people to move away from violence.
Keeping the Lights On: Introduction to Critical Infrastructure Protection
Offers a comprehensive overview of the history of critical infrastructure (CI) and key resources (KR) protection, risk assessment and risk management plans; CI interdependencies; and CI protection versus CI resilience. It concludes with a look at threats of the foreseeable future, in particular concerning cyberspace and artificial intelligence.
Taking the Long View of Lone Assassins and Terrorists: 1580 to the Present Day
Offers a comprehensive overview of lone actor attacks. This includes their history, motivation and trends. Learners will be able to view the patterns that appear in these attacks, as well as what can be learned from them and how lone actor attacks will evolve in the future.
Understanding Terrorism: Causes, Ideologies and Responses
Understanding the terrorist mindset is critical to countering terrorism effectively and enhances a participant's analytical ability by identifying the various strains of influence within today's terrorist groups and networks.
In addition to broadening your subject knowledge and applying established techniques of research and enquiry, you will develop and demonstrate essential skills including:
- critical thinking and creativity
- analysis and appraisal
- problem-solving and decision-making
- personal leadership and project management
- interpersonal communication and teamwork
The University of St Andrews' global reputation makes its graduates highly valued by employers. The Terrorism and International Security programme is aimed at those who may wish to develop their security and awareness of violence and radicalisation, or follow an academic career in terrorism and political violence, international relations research, or pursue an MLitt or PhD.
When you study with Scotland's University of the Year (The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025), you'll join a global community of learners as you explore the complex issues of terrorism and international security.
This expert-led online course, taught by leading academics, provides the same rigorous learning experience as on-campus students, with the flexibility to study at your own pace. Engage in dynamic discussions, collaborate with peers from around the world, and gain a deep understanding of critical topics in terrorism and international security.
With dedicated support throughout your studies, you'll gain the insights needed to navigate today's security challenges – all from the comfort of your own home.
Teaching
Around 200 hours of study delivered online with a mixture of readings, activities, discussion boards and pre-recorded video lectures.