Terrorism and Insurgency University of Leeds

In the ever-changing landscape of global security challenges and sub-state conflicts, this programme addresses the phenomena of terrorism and insurgency in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

This programme will enable you to gain advanced insights into the history of terrorism, from state- sponsored terrorism in the Cold War period and urban terrorists in Western Europe to the emergence of radical Islamism in the form of Al-Qaeda and ISIS. You will explore the dilemmas of preserving democratic liberties whilst developing counter-terrorism strategies and assessing the necessity and effectiveness of anti-terrorism legislation in the UK, the US and beyond.

You will consider the wider political context and causes of radicalisation and terrorist violence, specifically analysing the geo-politics of the Middle East to appreciate the complex situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban is resurgent, as well as Pakistan, Syria, and Iraq.

Research expertise

This programme features research-led teaching in the crosscutting, dynamic fields of security, terrorism and insurgency, and is directly informed by the innovative research that occurs in the European Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, recognised internationally for its work on atrocity prevention, and the versatile Centre for Global Security Challenges.

Our research culture is one of open academic enquiry, which embraces normative and empirical approaches in the study of terrorism, insurgency, UK and US foreign policies, security governance in fragile states, post-Cold War conceptions of international society at a global level, as well as within the comparative context of regional politics in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and East and Southeast Asia.

Entry requirements for this course

Contact University of Leeds to find course entry requirements.

View foundation and pathway programmes to help you meet academic and language entry requirements.