Why study this course?
Register your interest
For more information about short courses at St Andrews, or to ask a question, please register your details.
This interprofessional and interdisciplinary short course:
- offers 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
- is 100% online and part-time, allowing you to study around your existing work or full-time education commitments
- provides opportunities for you to learn collaboratively about the study of terrorism and political violence
- covers the foundational discussions and debates in the field of terrorism research, in an engaging and interactive format
- is led by academics from the Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence who 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
- includes online learning activities that tackle complex and challenging issues, encouraging active discussion and sharing effective solutions
- is taught through award-winning learning technology with support designed to deliver innovative, interactive and flexible learning experiences that enhance your study journey
- allows you to develop a practical toolkit to strengthen your critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and teaching strategies
- awards 20 credits at SCQF Level 8 from the University of St Andrews and a certificate
Teaching
Around 200 hours of study delivered online with a mixture of readings, activities, discussion boards and pre-recorded video lectures.
Flexible and intuitive
The course is delivered using award-winning learning technology on an innovative and interactive platform that allows you to access all the programme resources and readings, announcements, timetable and recorded lectures.
Share and learn
The platform hosts a discussion board for you to engage in threaded discussions with other learners on the course.
Modules
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Violent Mobilisation in the Digital Age: examines why and how people become involved in and disengage from terrorism and 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 and 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, including 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: explores the terrorist mind-set, which 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.
What it will lead to
Careers
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 wish to develop their security and awareness of violence and radicalisation or follow an academic career in terrorism and political violence or international relations research, or who want to pursue an MLitt or PhD.
In addition to broadening your subject knowledge and applying established techniques of research and enquiry, you will develop and demonstrate essential skills such as:
- critical thinking and creativity
- analysis and appraisal
- problem-solving and decision making
- personal leadership and project management
- interpersonal communication and team working
Further your education
We offer an in-person MLitt in Terrorism and Political Violence and PhDs in International Relations.
Why St Andrews?
When you study with the University of St Andrews, the top university in Scotland and second best in the UK according to The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2026, 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 our in-person courses, 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 from the comfort of your own home.
Designed for you
Wherever you are, you can take St Andrews with you. Online courses at the University of St Andrews combine all the benefits of studying at one of the world's oldest and best universities with all the advantages of flexible, personalised learning.
Entry requirements
English language proficiency
This course has no formal entry requirements but is designed for applicants who have a good level of English. You will be asked to self-rate your English language proficiency against the standard undergraduate English language entry requirements. You should have at least a low C1 CEFR score overall, with at least a high B2 level in each of the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Fees and funding
£2,000
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support.
Contact us
The Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence
School of International Relations
The Arts Building
The Scores
St Andrews
KY16 9AX
Email: ironline@st-andrews.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 1931
Website: The Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
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.
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.
Page last updated: 22 June 2026