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School of Global Studies

International Security

(MA) International Security

Entry for 2021

FHEQ level

This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

Course Aims

Providing advanced study of the key contemporary issues in international security, this MA programme aims to:

1. Investigate the means by which institutions and policy makers have sought to respond to new security challenges through military interventions, intelligence, diplomacy, the creation of international regimes, and international law.

2. Explore the many different understandings of 'security', and how these understandings have changed within the context of both globalisation and the rise of new security challenges.

Course learning outcomes

Understand the competing contemporary concepts of security.

Understand a wide range of contemporary international security issues.

Comprehend the political, cultural, economic, technological and ecological determinants of security.

Formulate academically informed opinions about contemporary security issues.

The ability to present concise and cogently structured arguments, both orally and in writing.

The ability to carry out critical analysis on complex issues related to the discipline.

The ability to work together with others as well as independently, including to manage time effectively.

The ability to apply a range of skills in the retrieval and use of primary and secondary sources.

The ability to deploy a range of communication and information technology skills.

The ability to communicate effectively with others, and present information both orally and in writing.

The ability to undertake a substantial research project.

Full-time course composition

YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
1Autumn SemesterCoreInternational Security (916M1)307
  CoreNew Security Challenges (919M1)307
 Spring SemesterCoreResearch Methods and Professional Skills (IR) (006L2)157
  OptionGenocide, Colonialism, and the International (711IR)307
  Global Ethics and International Relations (714IR)307
  Rethinking Imperialism (950M1)307
  Russia, Eurasia and the Crisis of the Liberal West (998M9)307
  The Middle East in Global Order (952M1)307
  The Political Economy of Development (944M1)307
  Violence and (In)security: Feminist, Queer and Anti-colonial perspectives (966M1)307
  War and the Politics of (Counter) Insurgency (959M1)307
  War in World Politics (826M9)307

Part-time course composition

YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
1Autumn SemesterCoreInternational Security (916M1)307
 Spring SemesterOptionGenocide, Colonialism, and the International (711IR)307
  Global Ethics and International Relations (714IR)307
  Rethinking Imperialism (950M1)307
  Russia, Eurasia and the Crisis of the Liberal West (998M9)307
  The Middle East in Global Order (952M1)307
  The Political Economy of Development (944M1)307
  Violence and (In)security: Feminist, Queer and Anti-colonial perspectives (966M1)307
  War and the Politics of (Counter) Insurgency (959M1)307
  War in World Politics (826M9)307
YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
2Autumn SemesterCoreNew Security Challenges (919M1)307
 Spring SemesterCoreResearch Methods and Professional Skills (IR) (006L2)157
  OptionGlobal Ethics and International Relations (714IR)307
  Managing Economic Instability (716IRS)307
  Political Economy of Global Finance (906M7)307
  Rethinking Imperialism (950M1)307
  Russia, Eurasia and the Crisis of the Liberal West (998M9)307
  The International Politics of Health (967M1)307
  The Middle East in Global Order (952M1)307
  War and Security in North/South Perspective (761M9)307
  War and the Politics of (Counter) Insurgency (959M1)307

Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.

The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.