Master of Arts - International Relations and Security

The International Relations and Security course examines global issues such as power, governance, security, decision-making, conflict, and cooperation. It equips students with advanced knowledge and skills to support success across a wide range of careers.

The programme develops a critical understanding of the challenges faced by communities and states, including migration, terrorism, state violence, climate change, and social inequality. It explores relationships between individuals and their socio-political and ecological environments at local, national, and global levels, focusing on how states interact through both cooperation and conflict, as well as the broader dynamics of globalisation and power.

Employability is central to the course design, reflected in both teaching methods and assessment. Authentic assessments—such as projects, crisis simulations, debates, and presentations—connect academic learning to real-world contexts. These approaches encourage active engagement, deepen understanding, and support the development of key skills including analysis, collaboration, synthesis, and applied problem-solving, all of which are highly valued by employers.

Students benefit from opportunities such as placements, work experience, and volunteering with external organisations, alongside work-based learning embedded in the course through simulations, role-play, and practical activities. Employer engagement is integrated through guest lectures, skills sessions, and insight visits, helping students build competencies in negotiation, leadership, time management, risk assessment, and teamwork.

Graduates are prepared for diverse career pathways, including policy roles within NGOs, charities, and third-sector organisations; enterprise roles in social science-focused start-ups or private sector organisations; and positions within institutional settings such as the civil service, diplomatic service, education, media, and political organisations at both national and local levels.