The Terrorism and Political Violence (TPV) research group focuses on understanding and addressing one of today’s most pressing security challenges: terrorism. Drawing from their academic expertise, the group offers a wide range of educational programmes designed for students, professionals, and a global audience.

Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory & Practice

The research group  provides a free MOOC on terrorism and counterterrorism. This six-week course allows you to explore the essence of terrorism and discover why it is so difficult to define. Unpacking its history and the theory of the waves of terrorism, you’ll analyse both the theoretical approaches and practical applications in the real world. There are many assumptions that cloud the subjects of terrorism and counterterrorism. During this course, you’ll discover different assumptions about terrorists and their motivations, as well as the pros and cons of various counterterrorism efforts. You’ll then compare this with academic research. In your exploration of the impact of terrorism, you’ll delve into the culture of fear related to terrorism, as well as the success of counterterrorism policies to limit and manage its impact on society. In the final stage of this course, you’ll reflect on trends and developments in terrorism and counterterrorism. You’ll assess current academic research as well as what should be part of a future research agenda. To that end we have also added a number of expert interviews with terrorism scholars and experts working for government or non-governmental organisations.

Teaching in bachelor’s and master’s programmes

The research group’s expertise is also embedded in the curriculum of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs:

• MSc Crisis and Security Management – Specialisation: Governance of Radicalism, Extremism and Terrorism
  This specialisation explores the causes, processes, and consequences of radicalisation, extremism, and terrorism. Students critically assess governance and security measures to counter these phenomena. 

• BSc Security Studies
  As part of the Bachelor’s programme in Security Studies, the research group delivers lectures and seminars on contemporary threats, including terrorism, and strategies to address them. 

Professional Education

For professionals, the research group offers an Advanced Summer Programme: Preventing, Detecting, and Responding to Violent Extremism
This online programme delves into practical and strategic approaches to addressing violent extremism, combining academic insights with real-world expertise.