Security Challenges in a Globalizing World (4 ECTS)

In this course, students get acquainted with the underlying social, economic, political and cultural changes of late-modernity that influence perceptions of (in)security and critically discuss the concept of ontological security. This course addresses transformations in society that produce ontological insecurity, like globalisation and hybrid threats. Further, the course will look into the renewed search for ontological security, as manifested in populism, identity politics, re-territorialisation, nationalism and nostalgia.

Security: Actors, Institutions and Constellations (5 ECTS)

The provision of security has increased in complexity over time. The public provision of security is divided amongst several public entities, the pure public provision of security is deemed an illusion, and citizens demand a role in this framework as well. The very concepts of internal and external security become fluid as well, not in the least because of the growing importance of cyber security. Lastly, this multi-actor approach plays in a multilevel setting. In this course, students discuss the different theories on how security can be provided in the most effective way, and what repercussions this has for the organisational structure of security actors.

Researching Terrorism Today (10 ECTS)

This course explores how knowledge about (counter-)terrorism and (counter-)radicalisation is produced, debated, and applied in both academic and policy contexts. Students critically engage with key literature, theories, methods, and ethical questions in the multidisciplinary field of terrorism studies. Through a focus on literature review skills, the course prepares students to assess and synthesise complex information, laying a strong foundation for advanced study and careers in the security domain.

Extremist Thinking (10 ECTS)

This course examines how individuals come to adopt extremist beliefs, combining insights from social cognitive and social movement theories. Students explore the psychological and social processes behind radicalisation, with a focus on identity, group dynamics, persuasive communication and emotions. Using real-world case studies—particularly from far-right movements in Europe and North America—students critically assess the conceptual and empirical foundations of extremist thinking.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, students gain hands-on experience in collecting and analysing open-source data on radicalised individuals and violent extremism. Working in teams, they build and manage a dataset, develop research strategies, and present findings for academic and professional audiences. The course equips students with transferable data collection skills and deepens their understanding of how extremist ideas emerge, spread, and impact society.

Security and the Rule of Law (5 ECTS)

Democracies today continue to wrestle with shifting and rapidly evolving threats stemming from conflicts, state coercion, and a variety of security concerns. Differently from other political systems, societies upholding the rule of law require policy and legal responses to respect balances and protect civil, social and human rights. Hence, how can states ensure safety while respecting a democratic legal framework? What kind of powers and responsibilities characterise democratic security governance? The aim of this course is to bring together different theoretical and methodological approaches in order to address these questions. Specifically, the seminars are designed around seven dilemmas related to security and the rule of law addressing both national and international politics.

Elective (5 ECTS)

 In Block 4, students are required to pick one elective of 5 ECTS. An overview of the electives offered in 2026–2027 can be found in the study guide. These electives are exclusively available to Crisis and Security Management students. 

Counterterrorism: Strategies and Risks (10 ECTS)

How can governments respond effectively to terrorism while avoiding unintended consequences? In this course, you will examine the challenges of counterterrorism and preventing/countering violent extremism (P/CVE) in a rapidly changing security landscape. Using real-world case studies, academic theories and analytical frameworks, you will explore the benefits, risks and limitations of different counterterrorism strategies. Particular attention is given to decision-making under uncertainty, and the trade-offs between security, political and societal priorities. Throughout the course, you will develop the analytical skills needed to assess counterterrorism policies, interpret data and evaluate responses to contemporary security threats.

Becoming a Terrorist: Pathways into and out of Extremism (10 ECTS)

Why do some people embrace extremist ideologies, and why do only a small number go on to commit terrorist violence? In this course, you will explore the factors that drive individuals towards and away from extremism and terrorism. Drawing on insights from psychology, sociology and security studies, you will examine radicalization processes at the individual, group and societal levels. The course also addresses contemporary challenges such as right-wing extremism, anti-institutional movements, polarization and conspiracy thinking. Through lectures, practical exercises and guest speakers, you will develop a critical understanding of one of the most pressing security issues facing contemporary societies.

Portfolio (1 ECTS)

You will acquire substantive knowledge and (research) skills throughout the CSM-programme, especially in the specialisation courses where assignments are tailored towards testing specific research skills: literature review, data collection, analysis of complex situations and phenomena, and critical review of standing research.

In your portfolio, you include assignments produced during the specialisation courses and common courses, showing the (research) skills and competencies acquired.
The portfolio also functions as a showcase for future employers: you can not only show to employers skills obtained, but also the research papers they produced. The portfolio therefore is also part of the labour market preparation in the CSM-programme. 
Additionally, the portfolio has to be accompanied by a reflection paper and problem analysis assignment. In the specialisation courses and common courses you have to produce short interim reflection papers, that serve as the basis for the final reflection paper.
In the final reflection paper, you reflect on your learning pathway in terms of (research skills) and general insight in Crisis and Security Management as developed during the programme. That way, you show your competency of self-directed learning and the ability to critically reflect on their competencies and achievement as a (future) reflective, academically trained security professional.

A defense meeting in which the portfolio, reflection paper and problem analysis assignment will be presented and discussed, is part of this course and function as the formal final step in order to graduate.

Read more in thet study guide