Security Studies

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This degree provides students with an introduction to the advanced study of security in world politics as viewed from a perspective wider than - but not excluding - the military focus advanced in traditional strategic studies. In particular, the programme is designed to facilitate the development of a critical awareness of the state of theory and practice in the field of contemporary security studies.

The degree also incorporates a significant Research Training and Development component designed to provide students with general research and transferable skills.
This degree provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge, understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

* the assumptions, theories and practices that have defined `traditional security studies´ as well as the most important alternative conceptualisations of security;
* the inter-relationship between global processes and specific security dynamics in both the developing and developed world;
* the policy responses to the new security agenda, and the alternatives to them;
* the basic principles of research design and strategy;
* a range of methodological and analytical skills applicable in a wide variety of research contexts; and,
* the significance of alternative epistemological positions that provide the context for theory construction, research design and the selection of appropriate analytical techniques.

The core modules are currently as follows:

* Critical Security Studies: Contemporary Theories
* Critical Security Studies: Emerging Issues

Optional Modules Many core modules can be taken as options by Specialist pathway students on other Masters degree schemes in the Department (with the exception of core modules that are already oversubscribed). The department teaches a number of dedicated Masters options each year. Masters optional modules in recent years have included: Theory and Practice of International Political Community; Security and Defence Policy in the European Union; International Legitimacy since 1648; and The Vietnam Syndrome and American Foreign Policy.

Please note that we cannot guarantee that every option listed here will be available each year

The admissions requirements for the Masters programmes are as follows: * The minimum basic entry requirement for a Masters degree is normally an Honours Degree (Class 2 Division 1) or equivalent (eg. for US students, a Grade Point Average of 3.2). * Candidates who do not meet this standard will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In such circumstances candidates will normally be interviewed as part of the application process. * It is not necessary to have a first degree in international politics or a related subject, but we will need evidence that gives us confidence that you can complete the course successfully. * Prospective Masters students should ensure that they have arranged with referees for their references to be available as required. * Non-native English speakers are required to take a University recognised test of academic English language proficiency with required minimum proficiency levels equating to an IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL score of 610 (paper based test) or 250 (computer based) with an essay rating of 5.5. Applicants who have successfully undertaken a Bachelors degree in a UK University are exempt from this requirement. English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C)