This Masters degree provides an advanced understanding of issues in international security since the end of the Cold War. It focuses on security in relation to issues of force and power in international relations.

The MA in International Security considers the nature of contemporary security threats, the nature and management of security threats, including security cooperation in the absence of an overarching world government. It promotes the study of those problems through theoretical, empirical and ethical inquiry, drawing on the expertise of a team of internationally renowned research-active Security Studies specialists. The degree provides an advanced understanding of issues in international security since the end of the Cold War. It focuses on security in relation to issues of force and power in international relations, and is placed within the relevant theoretical and empirical contexts of contemporary debates.

Students will develop an understanding of the core concepts that inform the study and practice of security, including:

Students will follow a flexible course with a wide choice of modules. They will take take two core modules in Security Studies and Contemporary Security Challenges which will provide them with a foundation for thinking about the subject. Students will then design the rest of the course around their own interests by selecting four modules from a wide range of options.  The flexibility of this degree is ideal for those with a broad range of interests in security studies and terrorism or for those who want to construct a curriculum around a particular area of interest.

Postgraduate students in this department will also have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of events. Students will be welcomed as a member of the International Relations and Security Theory research group. This group includes members of academic staff and postgraduate research students who meet regularly to discuss their own research, recent publications and to organise research events including inviting visiting speakers.