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Security, Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Find out what security is and what it means to be secure, by exploring the threat of conflict, war and terrorism.

16,152 enrolled on this course

border with security cameras
  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours
  • Digital upgrade

    Free

Understand the global challenges posed by conflict and terrorism

Security has become an important focus in recent years, not just for governments and corporations, but for individuals.

On this course, you’ll get an introduction to the global issues of security, conflict and terrorism. You’ll discover how to define security, what it means to be secure, and how security threats are dealt with.

You’ll learn about the instruments of security, such as weapons and technology, and identify themes in national and international security.

You’ll explore the causes of terrorism and counter-terrorism, and the role of international organisations and world peace.

This course is part of our Study with Australia collection, with free upgrades and digital certificates supported by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission until 31st July, 2020. Explore more courses from leading Australian education providers.

What topics will you cover?

  • Concept of security
  • Terminology used in security studies
  • Threats to security
  • How conflict has changed
  • Drivers of conflict
  • Conflict and global politics
  • Characteristics of political violence
  • Characteristics of terrorism
  • Responses to terrorism
  • Theories of radicalisation

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Interpret the nature of security by examining the relationship between humans, states and security threats.
  • Describe some of the key characteristics of conflict between states and non-state actors.
  • Investigate and discuss responses to conflict by the international community.
  • Identify political violence and specific characteristics of terrorist violence.
  • Report on policy implications of understanding terrorism as a form of political violence.
  • Explore the theories behind radicalisation and summarise how they influence government policy.

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at anyone interested in security and terrorism issues, but may be of particular interest to students looking to study security, terrorism and counter-terrorism at university.

Who will you learn with?

I teach security, terrorism and counterterrorism at Murdoch University. I’m a news junkie and love to travel, both interests that help develop insights into how different people view security.

Who developed the course?

Murdoch University

Murdoch University is a public university in Perth, Western Australia.

  • Established

    1973
  • Location

    Perth, Western Australia
  • World ranking

    Top 410Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020

What's included?

Murdoch University are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • Tests to validate your learning
  • A PDF Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you’re eligible
  • Learning on FutureLearn

    Your learning, your rules

    • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
    • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
    • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

    Join a global classroom

    • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
    • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
    • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

    Map your progress

    • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
    • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
    • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

    Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

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