Overview

The need for understanding the global security landscape has never been more urgent. During the 21st Century, security threats have multiplied exponentially across the world. They range from the traditional, such as strategic competition, nuclear proliferation and global responses to terrorism, to the more contemporary, such as loss of biodiversity, climate change and threats to human security. We’ll also cover global power balances and inequalities between the Global North and the Global South in a post-colonial world. This online Global Security Master’s will equip you with the skills to think about these security issues holistically and allow you to find practical solutions to the dilemmas they pose. Through close engagement with world-class research and teaching conducted by the largest and most diverse collection of security studies scholars on the planet, you’ll expand your conceptual understanding when thinking about security issues and threats. Utilising real-world case studies and scenarios, you’ll build the skills needed to effectively negotiate the often-competing demands of securing people, states and the natural environment in a complex global context.

Course detail

This unique Global Security PG Dip is underpinned by the theoretical and conceptual understanding needed to situate and rationalise these security issues and threats. Covering a diverse range of topics, you can expect to learn about strategic competition, nuclear proliferation, global responses to terrorism, climate change and pandemics. You’ll also explore the human impact of security challenges, such as inequalities, human rights and global justice. You’ll look at security from both an individual and state-level perspective, digging into the threats faced by humanity. As you discuss theoretical concepts, such as realism and critical approaches to security studies, you’ll also build a diverse range of practical skills ready to apply to real-world scenarios. There are six intake dates for this programme: January 2022, March 2022, May 2022, June 2022, September 2022 and October 2022.

Teaching and assessment

The programme is delivered entirely online. There are video lectures, coursework, including critical appraisal of published work, essays and abstracts, and self-directed learning activities. To build practical experience, we’ll use a diverse range of exercises and assessments, such as writing mock policy papers, analytical reports, debates and podcasts. The teaching features interactive elements including gameplay exploring the winners and losers in applying different approaches to making security choices. You’ll be assessed using both formative and summative methods. Formative assessments are provided informally, through verbal feedback from tutors on your contributions in online seminars and unassessed presentations.

Career prospects

From NGOs to media to government, the field of global security is vast, offering exciting and challenging careers for those who wish to pursue them. Whether you’re just starting or you’re taking the next leap in your career, this online Global Security Master’s will help you get you there. Career paths may include roles in Civil Service, NGOs, local or national government, armed forces, ministries of foreign affairs and development, policy think tanks, or private sector organisations such as risk assessment companies. It may also be suitable for journalists or parliamentary advisers reporting on global security challenges.