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.

Introduction to the Study of Violence and Policing (10 ECTS)

This course explores the interconnected fields of violence and policing, focusing on the definitions, contexts, and societal impacts of interpersonal violence and the diverse roles of policing actors. It examines key criminological, sociological, psychological, and institutional perspectives, alongside prevention and intervention strategies. Students will develop the core research skill of conducting systematic literature reviews to critically assess and synthesise academic debates in violence and policing studies.

The core research skill developed is the ability to design, conduct, and write a systematic literature review, enabling students to present comprehensive and critical academic insights.

Gender-Based Violence (10 ECTS)

This course examines gender-based violence, focusing on its sociological, anthropological, criminological, and policy dimensions. It adopts an intersectional approach, considering how factors such as gender, race, and class influence the causes and consequences of violence. The course also explores political and policy responses across different contexts and over time, with an emphasis on effective prevention and intervention strategies.

The core research skill developed is data collection, enabling students to identify, gather, and critically assess relevant data to answer complex research questions within the field.

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. Find the overview of the electives offered in 2025-2026 in the study guide.

Violence in Society (10 ECTS)

This course explores how patterns of violence reveal insights into societal values, norms, and governance, particularly through policing. It addresses questions about the acceptance of violence, changing definitions of violence over time, and the legitimacy and authority of police. Key theoretical perspectives from criminology, sociology, public administration, policing studies, and psychology are applied to deepen understanding.

The core research skill developed is data analysis, with a focus on applying statistical methods to quantitative data.

The Violence-Policing Nexus (10 ECTS)

This course examines the interconnection between violence and policing, highlighting how different forms of violence are policed and how this shapes state-civilian relations and state legitimacy. It explores the roles of diverse security actors beyond the state, including criminal groups, private security, and vigilantes, and analyses legal and technological infrastructures like weapon circulation and surveillance. The course also evaluates the effectiveness and legitimacy of policing practices in ensuring security and reducing violence.

The core research skill developed is critical evaluation of research, focusing on assessing the quality of both qualitative and quantitative scholarly work.

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.