What will I learn on this module?
The module aims to explore how insecurity and harm are been conceptualised by the EU and how such conceptualisation has shaped its responses, both at the institutional and policy levels. On this basis, the module proposes to understand what kind of actor the EU has become in the area of internal security, focusing on traditional forms of insecurity such as organised crime, trafficking of drugs, trafficking of human beings, and terrorism, as well as non-traditional forms of insecurity including cyber security, health insecurity and and socio-economic insecurity. For this purpose, the module considers how inernal security policies are designed and how they are perceived by different actors on the ground. The module is also designed to reflect the practical context of working with and for an EU organisation. The module begins with an overview of the EU's approaches to these forms of insecurity and then moves on to different policy areas. It also looks into the EU institutions and agencies that are active in this area. Having discussed the different initiatives and actors present in this field, the module then turns to the results achieved and the reactions to the EU's initiatives.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures, interactive workshops, and independent learning. The lectures will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to engage critically with contemporary and emerging news stories of conflict and security challenges. You will engage in critical discussion and analysis with the lecturer and your peers in guided workshops and seminars. Your learning will be supported by the electronic learning platform (eLP) Blackboard Ultra and electronic reading lists. You will receive formative feedback during lectures, workshops and seminars, and also summative feedback that will assist you in improving future work in response to your assignments.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will receive immediate feedback on formative work during the workshops. Small group work will support peer-to-peer learning.
You will have access to the e-learning portal with a dedicated internet site to support this module. The site will include electronic copies of module and lecture materials, further reading materials, important module announcements, tutor advice/guidance and further internet links.
Tutorial time will be available to all students (on a group or individual basis) during staff ‘office hours’ or upon appointment with a module tutor.These tutorials will help you advance your learning on a one-to-one basis by supporting both your learning of skills and the development of your specific interests in the subject.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• Critically analyse the traditional and emerging forms of insecurity currently present in Europe;
• Evaluate the role of the European Union is governing these forms of insecurity.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Synthesise and evaluate a range of governmental and academic literature to analyse the scope of security governance in a given area
• Use professional tools of writing and representation to convey complex ideas, such as mapping exercises and reports
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Appreciate the diversity in security arrangements in different regions
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment will be carried out throughout the seminars where students will discuss issues and themes, and carrying out problem-orientated tasks relating to a wider range of issues pertinent to security governance.
The first summative assessment will be a 120 minute negotiation simulation on a given area of security governance, which will constitute 50% of your overall mark.
The second summative assessment will include a 2,500 word policy paper from a choice provided by the teaching team and will constitute 50% of the module mark. The paper will ask you to use the skills developed in the seminars to evaluate the academic and scholarly literature related to one area of security governance.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Governing European security today is an effort of multi-level governance. This module seeks to enhance your awareness of the issues surrounding European security in the 21st century and of the evolving governance strategies designed to respond to new security challenges. Particular attention will also be paid to the role of the UK in this context and how security governance is likely to change post-Brexit.
Course info
Credits 30
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 2 years Part Time
2 other options available
Department Social Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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