Countering Terrorism & Extremism

CCCU is 2nd in the UK for graduate employment
Among 111 UK higher education institutions with 3,000+ graduates (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2026).

Study Countering Terrorism and Extremism to develop a contextual and critical outlook on polarising issues surrounding terrorism and extremism. Analyse highly publicised cases, delve into the aspects of security and threat that the media does not talk about, and gain applied skills in tackling the issues.

After the tragic events of 9/11 in the USA, the world entered what many see to be a new era in how we understand, perceive and react to terrorism and extremism. To understand the current strategies in tackling these phenomena, the course interrogates topics surrounding their history, inherent complexities, power imbalances, inequality, identity, community, conflict, risk, ethics, politics, policies, international relations, or policing powers.

This four-year degree includes a built-in foundation year. This will provide you with a supportive gateway to higher education if you don’t quite meet the entry requirements for the undergraduate degree or would like to develop the academic study skills you will need before beginning a degree course. On successful completion of the foundation year, you will move on to your chosen undergraduate degree and will graduate with a full undergraduate degree at the end of the course.

Uniquely, this course has an applied perspective at its core, ensuring that theoretical knowledge is balanced with an active understanding of real-life tactics to counter terrorism and extremism. The course has also been developed with industry needs in mind. You will learn through simulated exercises (e.g. Hydra Suite), working on real cases, applied assessments to enrich transferrable skills, and through knowledge of a highly experienced teaching team. Input from current and previous professionals working in the terrorism and extremism areas adds yet more chances to learn from experts.

The course builds on CCCU’s extensive policing education experience and courses relevant to countering terrorism and extremism delivered at the University in the last decade. You will be encouraged to debate, critique and question concepts and theories in an inclusive and collaborative environment. Knowledge sharing events are continuously developed, and you will learn in a way that takes advantage of the fast-changing landscape of terrorism and extremism.

At CCCU we have a wide range of practical expertise, and so the course provides an opportunity to learn from other perspectives, which is key to understanding and responding to terrorism and extremism. The intersection between policing, sociology, criminology, politics, as well as forensic investigation or law enables you to study a diverse range of modules. These will provide you with a distinctive learning experience directly relevant to future careers in the criminal justice and private security sectors. These include security, intelligence, media, policing, research, politics, or specialist counter terrorism units/departments.

University isn't just an education, it's the start of your career. At Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), you'll get to explore a number of exciting career paths, whatever you study.

CCCU is ranked top 5 UK university for employability (Uni Compare Rankings 2026), highlighting its excellent student careers and employability support. The university is home to career-relevant courses and industry-standard facilities. For example, film students can showcase their creativity in the fully equipped film/TV studio, forensics students can test their observational abilities in mock crime scenes, and nursing students can practice their skills in simulated hospital wards.

With a campus in a World Heritage Site, Canterbury is also less than an hour on the train from London and is buzzing with student life. You've got beautiful coast and countryside right on your doorstep, and plenty of opportunities to make friends. With CCCU's range of clubs and societies, including Tennis, Musical Theatre and Dodgeball, you're bound to meet your friends for life.

Click register interest now to secure your place at CCCU this September.