International Security and Global Governance,MSc

Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom, London

University RankQS Ranking

408

Apply Now!

Go to Official Website

Home/United Kingdom/London /Birkbeck, University of London/International Security and Global Governance,MSc

Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom , London

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesOctober-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 20,850 / year

Next Intake October-2026

International Security and Global Governance,MSc

About

Course Overview

Our MSc International Security and Global Governance gives you the opportunity to explore urgent contemporary debates about violence, conflict, security and governance from a global perspective.

Why choose this course?

As the liberal international order unravels before our eyes, this course provides you with a critical and multidisciplinary overview of global security today, including the different actors and forces shaping international security.
The interdisciplinary nature of this course means that it incorporates political, theoretical, historical, sociological and public policy approaches to offer you a wide-ranging, balanced analysis of contemporary political controversies.
You will be taught by international experts in the field and will learn alongside a diverse international student body with professional and personal experience of international relations.

What you will learn

On this MSc you will consider geopolitical rivalries among global powers and the threat of violence and war within and between states, as well as multilateral governance efforts at managing these and other crises.

Core modules will allow you to examine the changing nature of war, violence and security, and their relationship with state and society. You will gain an understanding of the evolution of global military, humanitarian, geopolitical and governance institutions and the processes that shape them. You can then tailor the course to your interests choosing from option modules covering a range of topics spanning from international security to nationalism and religion.

How you will learn

This MSc is available to study full- or part-time and follows an evening timetable.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures and small-group seminars. You will be able to apply the concepts and methods you have learnt to write a dissertation on the topic that interests you most.

This course is part of our Birkbeck Flexible Master’s UK, which gives you the choice of how you want to study - on campus, online or via flexible learning, which combines both.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. Online and flexible options will not be available to you because they may affect the conditions of your visa.

Discover the career opportunities available by taking International Security and Global Governance (MSc).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in a related area or relevant experience combined with an adequate academic background (subject to interview).

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

International students: Please note, if you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. Online and flexible options will not be available to you because they may affect the conditions of your visa.

English Program Requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

Career

On successfully graduating from this MSc International Security and Global Governance you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

critical analysis of international policy and politics
advanced writing and research skills
group work and presentational experience.

Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields and professions in international organisations, policy research, journalism, economic and political forecasting, campaigning organisations, local and national government, the diplomatic services and private sector management. You may choose to pursue a career path in:

global risk analysis
international journalism
as an international organisation official.

Graduates from this course have gone on to be employed by various national diplomatic services as well as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, International Maritime Organization and the Human Rights Watch.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.