Extremism and Violence
PostgraduateMAQ-PICX80262026
Course information for 2026 intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 19 July 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 27 July 2026
- Price from
- $4,320
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Extremism and Violence
About this subject
On successful completion, a student will be able to:
- Analyse the ideological foundations and operational methods of contemporary extremist movements.
- Evaluate the relationship between traditional terrorism and newer forms of violent extremism.
- Assess the role of digital technologies in facilitating radicalisation and extremist community building.
- Critically evaluate current countering violent extremism (CVE) strategies and social resilience programs.
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for addressing emerging extremist threats.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
Contemporary violent extremism has evolved far beyond traditional terrorism, encompassing a range of ideological movements that threaten democratic institutions, social cohesion, and public safety. This transformation reflects shifting societal dynamics and the disruptive influence of digital technologies on how extremist ideas spread and communities mobilise. This unit examines the expanding landscape of violent extremism, including far-right and antisemitic movements, violent misogyny and incels, nihilistic violence, conspiracy-driven groups such as QAnon, and disinformation networks. Students will explore how technologies such as social media, encrypted communications, generative AI, and online gaming environments have become powerful tools for radicalisation and mobilisation. The unit also critically evaluates countering violent extremism (CVE) strategies and social resilience programs, exploring their effectiveness in addressing these emerging threats. Students will develop the conceptual and analytical skills needed to assess and respond to the complex challenges of modern extremism.
- Policy report (50%)
- Case study (25%)
- Redesign (25%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
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- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 9
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- MAQ-STS-MAS-2026 - Master of Strategy and Security
Others
Pre-requisite-Admission to Admission to MCT(OUA) OR MCrim(OUA) OR MCyberSecAnalysis(OUA) OR MSS(OUA) MIntell(OUA) OR MStrategySec(OUA) OR GradCertStrategicPolicy(OUA)
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
PICT8026
Extremism and Violence
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Master of Strategy and Security
PostgraduateMAQ-STS-MAS