Our International Security master's degree will enable you to gain a rich understanding of contemporary security challenges ranging from terrorism and hybrid warfare to migration, international conflict management, climate change, and the future of NATO. Your dissertation will provide the opportunity to explore a particular security issue in even greater depth. For more information about part-time study patterns, please contact the School/Department.
Compulsory
Security in Global Politics (30 credits)
The aim of this module is to provide students with an advanced understanding of theories concerning global security challenges.
The Ethics of War, Security and Artificial Intelligence
The aim of this module is for students to critically examine and reflect upon the ethics of some of the central security issues of the 21st Century in national and international arenas, including the rules of war and the use of military technologies and artificial intelligence.
Security Challenges in the Global South (15 credits)
Contemporary issues in security are played out differently in the Global South. This module introduces students to key security issues in the Global South, identifies historical, political, social, and economic reasons underlying them, and demonstrates their complex interactions in local contexts. It provides students with conceptual tools on how to think about security in the Global South in the 21st century, and studies security through paradigmatic contemporary case studies.
Compulsory
Dissertation in Security Studies (60 credits)
The aim of this module is for students to produce an original critical piece of research in Security Studies, using appropriate theoretical material, research methodologies and skills in data analysis, interpretation and writing-up.
Optional
Research Design and Practice (15 credits)
The aims of this module are to consolidate students' experiences of undertaking research in both the social science and humanities traditions and to equip them with the appropriate intellectual and practical methodological, writing and reflexive skills to successfully undertake an independent and original piece of critical research on an issue of relevance to their programme.
Governing Crises (15 credits)
The module will enable students to develop a critical understanding of the processes and mechanisms available to governments to respond and manage crisis at different levels. The module will introduce students to the key theories, concepts and applications of the emerging field of crisis management. It has been designed to foster students' capacity to critically analyse and apply this knowledge to a diverse range empirical cases and sites.
Urban Warfare (15 credits)
The aim of this module is to provide students with the academic skills to understand urban warfare and security and to explain and advise on the challenges posed by war in 21st century cities.
Challenges in Contemporary Intelligence (15 credits)
The aim of this module is to provide students with the academic skills to understand the contemporary challenges faced by the intelligence community.
Hacking for the MOD: Working with the Ministry of Defence
The module aims to empower students with skills to solve national security and defence problems and to increase student awareness and familiarity with the type of work undertaken across the UK defence and intelligence community.
Compulsory
Dissertation in Security Studies (60 credits)
The aim of this module is for students to produce an original critical piece of research in Security Studies, using appropriate theoretical material, research methodologies and skills in data analysis, interpretation and writing-up.