International Relations and Security Studies MA

Overview

The MA in International Relations and Security Studies explores themes of peace and conflict studies, including:

• war, violence and security-building between and within states and regions
• tackling WMD, conventional arms proliferation, political violence and terrorism
• development and operation of international and regional institutions
• past and present transnational challenges in international and regional diplomacy
• contemporary global challenges such as environmental degradation, trafficking/crime and migration

You will develop an advanced academic and policy relevant understanding of international relations and security, along with analytical skills that are in high demand within institutional politics, NGO and lobbying organisations.

You will have the opportunity to take specialist pathways, including specialising in selected regions (Europe, Africa, MENA, Asia, or Latin America and the Caribbean), with opportunities for selected study visits, or take thematic specialisms including international governance, modern diplomacy, security studies, or political violence and terrorism.

The programme is delivered by the Division of Peace Studies and International Development, which maintains an international reputation as a centre for excellence in research, teaching, training and policy engagement (in particular in the fields of disarmament and arms control). This means your teaching will not only be research-informed but also delivered by staff well-positioned to facilitate policy and practitioner engagement.

Career prospects

The programme emphasises and develops skills required by employers such as conflict analysis, leadership and decision-making.

Our postgraduate politics courses were ranked 2^nd in the UK for employability in the 2018 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES).

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.