International Security is a field of study concerned with questions about war and peace, life and death, safety and survival. Traditionally its terrain has focused on concerns about the stability of the states’ system, the use of force, nuclear proliferation, military strategy, intelligence and the distribution of resources. Today, however, concerns about climate change, migration, poverty, health, privatisation, organised crime and international terrorism are also on the agenda.
Our MA is one of the most comprehensive international security graduate programmes in the country taught by staff at the innovative forefront of international security research. You will choose from a broad range of modules with a diverse thematic and geographic focus.
Core modules
Concepts and Theories of International Security
This module provides students with an introduction to theories of security in international relations. While most work on security in international relations begins from the traditional assumption that security means the preservation of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, this module introduces students to a range of different ways of conceptualising security in international relations and points to the importance of recognising that security is highly contested and contestable.
The first half of the module begins by outlining some of the key debates about security in international relations before exploring traditional theoretical approaches and conceptual frameworks. The second half of the module outlines critical theoretical approaches and conceptual frameworks of security, and outlines several core ‘images’ of security in international relations.
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- The CIA and Covert Action
- The Global Food System
- The Nuclear Question
