International Security

This MA programme examines key questions of war and peace, life and death, safety and survival. A core module on Concepts and Theories of International Security provides a lens on the most pressing contemporary challenges to international security. It encourages you to develop critical and reflective perspectives on the engagement between ‘traditional’ and ‘critical’ approaches to the issues under consideration.

With around 20 members of staff working in this area within PAIS, we can offer you an expansive and distinctive range of optional modules. Topics available for advanced study include: regional security environments; the politics and practices of intelligence and covert action; migration, human security and development; insurgency and (counter) terrorism.

Many of our postgraduates have advanced into roles in international organisations (e.g. UN, World Bank), foreign ministries and intelligence services (e.g. Egypt, Malta and UK), NGOs (e.g. Campaign Against Arms Trade), security and development consulting, think tanks, charities and journalism.

Part I

• You will follow 120 CATS (credits) of taught modules in Terms 1 & 2
• 40 of these CATS will be your core module
• The other 80 CATS may comprise of any combination of PAIS modules which
  • Is feasible within the relevant year's timetable
  • Is spread evenly between terms (ie, you cannot overload one term)
  • May include a mix of 40 CATS (full year) and 20 CATS (half year) modules
  • May include up to 40 CATS from a cognate department 
• This works out to a commitment of 60 CATS per term, or six 2-hour seminar sessions + independent research
• You will also participate in several workshops spread throughout the year, including research skills and careers sessions
• Taught modules in PAIS are assessed by essay only

Part II

• You must pass Part I in order to proceed to Part II
• You will research and write a 10,000 word 60 CATS dissertation in Term 3 & over the summer holidays
• You will be assigned an academic advisor to help guide your research
• You will have the opportunity to participate in a Dissertation Conference to present your research and see what your colleagues are working on

• 2:i degree (or equivalent) in Politics and International Studies or a closely related subject (however, all serious applications from other disciplines will be considered);
• A strong personal statement

English Language