Countering Organised Crime and Terrorism

Countering Organised Crime and Terrorism MSc at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of the complex challenges posed by contemporary organised crime and terrorism worldwide. This programme provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical frameworks, practical strategies, and policy responses necessary to combat these persistent threats. Designed for those aspiring to work in law enforcement, intelligence agencies, policy-making, or international organizations, the course combines academic rigor with real-world applications.

Throughout the programme, students will examine the structural characteristics and operational methods of various criminal and terrorist organizations, as well as the socio-economic and political factors that facilitate their activities. The curriculum covers key topics such as the criminal justice response to organised crime, counter-terrorism strategies, international law and policy, intelligence gathering, forensic analysis, and digital forensics. Emphasis is also placed on understanding the role of technology in enabling and combating organised crime and terrorism, including cybercrime, social media influence, and encrypted communications.

The programme employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from criminology, security studies, political science, law, and psychology. Students benefit from a diverse faculty with expertise in security and risk management, law enforcement, and policy development. Additionally, the programme encourages critical thinking through case studies, simulations, and project-based assessments, facilitating practical skills and strategic decision-making.

Collaboration with law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and international organizations provides students with valuable internship and networking opportunities. The programme culminates in a research project where students can analyze specific issues related to organised crime and terrorism, proposing innovative solutions and policy recommendations. Graduates of this MSc will be well-equipped to pursue careers in international security, crime investigation, policy analysis, or academic research, making a tangible difference in the global efforts to counteract organised crime and terrorism.

Core modules

• Perspectives on Organised Crime
• Perspectives on Terrorism
• Foundations of Security and Crime Science
• Designing and Doing Research
• Quantitative Methods

Optional modules

Students choose three of the following:

• Qualitative Methods
• Crime Mapping and Spatial Analysis
• Investigation and Detection
• Cybercrime
• Intelligence Gathering and Analysis
• Risk and Contingency Planning
• Introduction to Cybersecurity
• Prevention and Disruption
• Terrorism (External – Political Science)

NB: places for optional modules are awarded on a first-come first-served basis.

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, projects and laboratory classes. Student performance is assessed through laboratory and project reports, unseen written examination, coursework, presentations, and the research project and dissertation.

• 5 year Specialist Diploma with an overall mark of 4.5/5.0
• Bachelor's degree with an overall mark of 4.5/5.0
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Score of 100 overall with 24/30 in reading and writing and 20/30 in speaking and listening
• British Council International Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Version). Overall grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the subtests.

Scholarships

UCL Security and Crime Science is offering up to 14 bursary scholarships of between £2,500 and £10,000 to outstanding applicants who have been offered places in one of our MSc programmes.

Countering Organised Crime and Terrorism at University College London is an intensive postgraduate program designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills required to understand, analyze, and combat organized criminal networks and terrorist groups. The program combines elements of criminology, international security, law enforcement strategies, and policy development to prepare graduates for careers in national security agencies, law enforcement, international organizations, and NGOs.

Students examine the legal frameworks, investigative techniques, and technological advancements used in countering crime and terrorism, as well as the socio-political factors that underpin such activities. The curriculum typically includes modules on the nature and evolution of organized crime, terrorism financing and funding mechanisms, intelligence gathering and analysis, cybercrime, asymmetrical warfare, and diplomatic strategies for international cooperation.

The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from political science, law, behavioral sciences, and economics to provide a well-rounded understanding of the threats posed by organized crime and terrorism. Through case studies, simulations, and research projects, students gain practical experience in threat assessment, strategic planning, and policy formulation.

In addition to academic coursework, the program offers opportunities for internships and engagement with industry professionals, law enforcement agencies, and policy makers. This prepares students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions, fostering skills in leadership, critical thinking, and effective communication.

The program typically lasts one year for full-time students and may be offered part-time options. Admission standards are rigorous, requiring a relevant undergraduate degree, relevant work experience, and a strong motivation for pursuing studies in security and crime prevention. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue further academic research or to take up roles in governmental security agencies, international organizations, think tanks, or private security firms, contributing to policy development and operational efforts against organized crime and terrorism worldwide.