Terrorism, Extremism and Political Violence (MLitt) – online at University of St Andrews

Programme overview

A part-time online programme examining the history, evolution, causes and effectiveness of terrorism, extremism and political violence, led by the Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence. It suits both newcomers and those with scholarly or practical experience.

Department: School of International Relations | Duration: Part-time online: MLitt 2 to 5 years; PGDip 2 to 4 years; PGCert 1 to 2 years | Intake: September 2027; application deadline Wednesday 1 September 2027 | Study mode: online | Location: St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students take two compulsory core modules, including Researching Terrorism and Extremism, and six optional modules on themes such as the history of terrorism, extremism and counter-extremism, state terror, lone actors, critical approaches to terrorism, and counterterrorism and human rights, then complete a 15,000-word dissertation. The PGDip is the taught component without the dissertation; the PGCert is two core and two optional modules. Assessment is 100 per cent coursework.

Career pathways

Graduates work in law, policy research and consultancy, NGOs, charities, international organisations, the civil service, journalism and publishing, and many go on to PhD study at St Andrews.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in any subject from the UK or the international equivalent. Applicants without a degree are considered with at least five years of relevant professional experience, and may be admitted to the PGCert first with progression to the full Masters. Application documents: CV, 1,000-word personal statement, 2,000-word single-authored academic writing sample (or a 2,000-word essay on whether the threat of terrorism is exaggerated), one signed academic or professional reference, and transcripts and degree certificates. English language (international applicants, IELTS Academic; equivalents accepted): overall 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component (postgraduate taught profile 3-D). Also accepted: PTE Academic 79 overall (76 in each skill), TOEFL iBT (pre-2026 scale) 91 overall (reading 19, writing 23, listening 19, speaking 22). Applicants from some countries and those with a degree taught in English at a qualifying institution may not need a test score. Test scores are normally valid for two years.

Intake: September 2027; application deadline Wednesday 1 September 2027

Duration: Part-time online: MLitt 2 to 5 years; PGDip 2 to 4 years; PGCert 1 to 2 years

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