In a speech given to the Conservative Party conference in October, Universities Minister David Willetts promised that annual scholarships will be on offer to the sons and daughters of Armed Forces personnel killed on active service – enough to cover university tuition fees and rent, as well as any extra books and equipment needed. Around 100 Service children are expected to take advantage of this offer each year, which is open to those at or near university age, who have had a parent killed on active duty for the Armed Forces since 1990.

He commented that ‘There is one group of families to whom we have a special debt: the brave men and women who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. We promised in opposition that the children of Servicemen and women killed in the last 20 years on active duty should have access to education scholarships. That is one small way of recognising the ultimate sacrifice that they [Service personnel] have made. I can confirm … that my Department will set aside funding for new higher education scholarships for the children of deceased Servicemen and women. And we plan to go further. It is wrong that so many people, on leaving the Armed Forces, should face hard times. Liam Fox and I will honour our debt to them. That is why I can also confirm that my Department will continue funding Service leavers to get new qualifications. And we plan to offer an enhanced scheme that covers more ex-Service personnel. Quite simply, it is the right thing to do.’

 

 

 

 

Distance learning course provides an essential introduction to a vast and complex subject

 

For many organisations – including the Armed Forces, government bodies and the commercial sector – terrorism is a subject so vast and complex that educational insight can rarely be offered to the majority in an effective way. This is despite the knowledge that understanding how and why terrorists plot against countries, people, governments and corporations can make a vital difference to the efficiency of security strategies.

 

The Certificate in Terrorism Studies, offered via e-learning over the internet by the University of St Andrews and Informa, fills this knowledge gap and helps participants prepare to meet the challenges of evolving terrorist techniques.

 

It is said that the ultimate weapon in combating terrorism is an educated mind. The Certificate in Terrorism Studies will enable students to understand the ideologies, aims, beliefs and modus operandi of major terrorist groups. Analysis of key trends enables not just better understanding of what terrorists are planning but also feeds in to the development of counter-terrorism strategies that can protect an organisation’s interests.

 

Course director Max Taylor believes that ‘knowledge gained by individuals through the Certificate's systematic education can be turned into best-practice strategy to help protect people, infrastructure and investments’.

 

Full details can be obtained at http://www.terrorismstudies.com/AA1B1, including a downloadable brochure. Alternatively, call 020 3377 3210 or email info@terrorismstudies.com.

 

Eligible current and former members of the UK Armed Forces can receive funding towards their course fees from the Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme. Informa UK Ltd is an approved learning provider: learning provider number 2035.