Specialist Diploma In Homeland Security & Counter-Terrorism

Course details

The Specialist Diploma provides students with an overview of the key issues in Homeland Security and Terrorism from strategic as well as operational perspectives.

Pathway Program recognized by Charles Sturt University (CSU) for Subject Credits leading to the Master of Arts (Terrorism, Safety & Security).

Students will gain articulation equivalent to 64 subject credit points or two year of the Master of Arts (Terrorism, Safety & Security) programme.

Graduates need to complete an additional 32 subject credit points with Charles Sturt University to be awarded the Master of Arts (Terrorism, Safety & Security). 

MODULE OUTLINE

Fundamentals of Homeland Security

This module provides students with an overview of key issues in Homeland Security. The key topics covered include the principles of Homeland Security and emerging security issues.

Securing in Land and in the Air

This module orientates students with the key issues in securing land transportation and the aviation sector. Students wilt explore the issue of Land Transportation Security in close detail through case studies of historic incidents, analyse tactics used by terror groups to target land transport and explore counter measures through case studies.

Securing the Supply Chain and Maritime Security

This module provides students with the understanding of the key issues in Supply Chain and Maritime Security. Students will examine how the ISO 28000 standard formulated by the International Standards Organisation is used to manage security of the supply chain, and get a strategic outlook of the key threats in the maritime sector followed by an examination of the International Ship and Port Security Framework (ISPS) for maritime security.

Securing the Homeland and Ensuring Continuity

This module centres on the discussion of three key topics, Evolution of the Private Security Industry, Facility Security Management and Ensuring Business Continuity. It provides practitioner's perspective on realistic issues in loss prevention and facility security management - management of security personnel, and analysis of existing security procedures and best practices. Students will analyse how business continuity management practices used by the industry can be utilised by states to provide effective continuity in a crisis aftermath.

Identifying Risk and Managing its Impact

This module centres on a discussion of the prevalent models and methodologies of security risk management. The objectives, strengths, characteristics and applications of the various models will be discussed. The various elements in the assessment of threats, vulnerabilities and impact will be identified and scrutinized, up to the final identification of a resulting risk profile which will determine the appropriate security strategies and measures. 

Protecting the Critical Infrastructure - Understanding Methods and Application

This module aims at providing students with the understanding on how technology acts as the force multiplier in ensuring security through the implementation of physical and electronic security measures such as surveillance and sensors, barriers and others. The potential and constraints of the role and use of technology will be discussed.

Introduction to Counter-Terrorism

This module aims at providing students with an introduction to some of the critical issues in contemporary Counter-Terrorism. The key topics covered include evolution, history, primer, modern concepts of terrorism, strategy and counter-terrorism.

Unraveling Terror

This module aims at providing students with the understanding on the various aspects of terrorism organization, ideology and financing. Students will be acquainted with how terrorists may exist and examine differences in ideology before delving into the issue of terrorist financing and its increasing global significance.

Understanding the Regional Threat and Charting A Way Ahead

This module allows students to examine the major terrorist groups posing threat to the South East Asian and South Asian regions - their history, tactics and operational and strategic trends.

The Evolving Threat of Terrorism and its Social Impact

This module examines the growing concern of an evolving nexus between terrorism and organised crime, and the social impact of terrorism. Students will analyse the converging factors between terrorist groups and criminal syndicates and understand its potential implications on issues such as terror financing and proliferation of narcotics.

The Terrorist Threat: Looking Beyond

This module examines the key factors that play a critical role in contemporary counter-terrorism. Students will be introduced to the role of intelligence services in counter-terrorism and examine its various components as well as the 'Intelligence Cycle' in detail.

Towards a Strategic Approach in Fighting Terror

This module provides students with the understanding of one of the most critical non-kinetic measures in counter-terrorism which involves engagement with the community, and strategic communication to counter radicalization and the development of terrorism. Students will identify and analyse successful community engagement initiatives through various case studies. 

ENTRY & GRADUATION REQUIREMENT FOR THE PROGRAM 

The pre-requisites for Specialist Diploma in Homeland Security & Counter-Terrorism

• 21 years old and above; and
• Degree Holders; or
• Applicants with at least 3 years of industry experience but without a degree may also be eligible; and
• Pass in English in GCE "0" level or equivalent; or
• For International Students, they must pass in English in Secondary or High School education or equivalent.

Other qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Graduation requirement for all levels

Students will be assessed throughout the duration of the program. In order to be conferred with the Specialist Diploma, students must achieve a pass for their in-class assessments and module papers, and at least 75% of class attendance. Student's Pass Holders are required to maintain a class attendance of 90% and above.

Mode & Methods of Delivery

Face to face delivery via

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Group Discussion
• Assignment

Teacher Student Ratio

1:30

Examination

Students will be assessed throughout the duration of the programme

• In-Class Assessment - At the end of each module.
• Module paper - Each student will be required to write a 2000 words module paper.
• Class Participation - Students will also be assessed based on their participation in class.