International Security
Qualification(s) available: MA
- Entry requirements
- 2:2 (55%)
- Full-time
- 1 year
- Part-time
- 2 years
- Location
- Loughborough
- Start date
- October 2023
Our MA in International Security is designed to expose students to a wide variety of case studies and theoretical perspectives whilst giving them plenty of opportunities to focus their assessments on the topics they are most interested in.
A rich variety of case studies of security threats and responses are covered, including nuclear weapons, terrorism, climate change, cyber threats and civil wars. Analysis is underpinned by thought-provoking engagement with cutting-edge theories in both traditional and critical security studies, as well as more broadly in war studies, peace studies and related areas. Topics covered include orthodox and critical understandings of security, intelligence, crisis management, ethical dilemmas, security in the global south, and urban warfare.
Assessment is designed to be policy-relevant. In particular, alongside more traditional essays and presentations, students get to practice and develop the skill of writing policy briefs. The dissertation also gives an opportunity to dig deeper into specific areas of interest.
Students also benefit from the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities such as numerous guest lectures and seminars delivered by researchers and practitioners and organised by Loughborough experts, including under the auspices of the Centre for Security Studies (CSS).
Why you should choose us
Why you should study this degree
- Covers a variety of both traditional and critical approaches to security studies, and both ‘hard’ and broader range of security concerns (conflict, wars and diplomacy but also climate change, hybrid warfare, ‘human security’, etc).
- In addition to essays and presentations, coursework includes policy briefs to develop practical skills for policymaking world.
- Opportunities to tailor coursework to preferred areas of interest, including in-depth specialisation for the dissertation.
- Opportunities to attend and participate at frequent research seminars and events including organised in collaboration with Centre for Security Studies.
- Content driven by the latest research from lecturers who are experts in their field.
- Opportunities for PhD research after graduation.
What you'll study
The following information is intended as an example only and is typically based on module information for the 2022/23 year of entry. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes. Updated Programme and Module Specifications are made available ahead of each academic year. Please also see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.
Our International Security master's degree will enable you to gain a rich understanding of contemporary security challenges ranging from terrorism and hybrid warfare to migration, international conflict management, climate change, and the future of NATO. Your dissertation will provide the opportunity to explore a particular security issue in even greater depth.
Compulsory
Security in Global Politics
The aim of this module is to provide students with an advanced understanding of theories concerning global security challenges.
Security Challenges in the Global South
Contemporary issues in security are played out differently in the developing world. This module introduces students to key security issues in the developing world, identifies historical, political, social, and economic reasons underlying them, and demonstrates their complex interactions in local contexts. It provides students with conceptual tools on how to think about security in the developing world in the 21st century, and studies security through paradigmatic contemporary case studies.
Challenges in Contemporary Intelligence
The aim of this module is to provide students with the academic skills to understand the contemporary challenges faced by the intelligence community.
Compulsory
Governing Crises
The module will enable students to develop a critical understanding of the processes and mechanisms available to governments to respond and manage crisis at different levels. The module will introduce students to the key theories, concepts and applications of the emerging field of crisis management. It has been designed to foster students capacity to critically analyse and apply this knowledge to a diverse range empirical cases and sites.
Hacking for the MOD: Working with the Ministry of Defence
The module aims to empower students with skills to solve national security and defence problems and to increase student awareness and familiarity with the type of work undertaken across the UK defence and intelligence community.
Urban Warfare
The aim of this module is to provide students with the academic skills to understand urban warfare and security and to explain and advise on the challenges posed by war in 21st century cities.
Dissertation in Security Studies
The aim of this module is for students to produce an original critical piece of research in Security Studies, using appropriate theoretical material, research methodologies and skills in data analysis, interpretation and writing-up.
Research Design and Practice (15 credits)
The aims of this module are to consolidate students' experiences of undertaking research in both the social science and humanities traditions, and to equip them with the appropriate intellectual and practical methodological, writing and reflexive skills to successfully undertake an independent and original piece of critical research on an issue of relevance to their programme.
Compulsory
Dissertation in Security Studies
The aim of this module is for students to produce an original critical piece of research in Security Studies, using appropriate theoretical material, research methodologies and skills in data analysis, interpretation and writing-up.
How you'll be assessed
You will be assessed by policy briefs on contemporary security issues, presentations, team work assignments on crisis management, essays and a dissertation.
How you'll study
You will study through a range of seminars, lectures, independent study and workshops.
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Independent study
- Group work
- Workshops
- Flexible learning
- Access to online material
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
A 2:2 (55%) honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in Social Sciences and Humanities however a large range of other subject areas will be considered.
Afghanistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Masters | 95% | 85% | 70% |
Albania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8 |
Algeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Argentina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Argentina | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.0 |
Armenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalavri Kochum | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Magistrosi Kochum | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.0 |
Australia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Honours degree (AQF level 8) | First Class, 80% | Upper Second, 70%, H2A | Lower Second, 60%, 2B |
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) | High Distinction (80% or 85%) | Distinction (75% or 80%) | Distinction (70% or 75%) |
Austria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree/ Diplomstudium / Magister degree | A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden | 60% or B or 3.0 (or 2) | 50% or C or 2.7 (or 3) |
Azerbaijan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalavr Diplomu | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 |
Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Bahamas
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Bahrain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Bangladesh
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
BUET or 'Good Private' University - 4 year degree | BUET - 1st (70%) / 3.5 | BUET - 2nd (60%) / 3.0 | BUET - 2nd (55%) / 2.75 |
Other universities - Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree | 80% / 4.0 | 65% / 3.25 | 50% / 2.5 |
Belarus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Specialist Diploma (5Yr) | 9 | 7 | 5 |
Belgium
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor degree | Magna Cum Laude | Cum Laude | 60%/12 |
Licenciaat | 80% | 70% | 60% |
Licencie | 17 | 14 | 12 |
Belize
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Benin
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Maitrise | 18 | 15 or Bien | 12 or Assez Bien |
Bermuda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Bolivia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) | 85/78 | 75/66 | 67/55 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Botswana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's degree | A or 80% | B or 70% | C or 60% |
Brazil
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
Brunei
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Brunei | First | Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) | Lower Second (50%/C/2.7) |
Bulgaria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) | 6 | 5 | 4 |
Cambodia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 years | 90% or 9 or 4.0 | 80% or 8 or 3.5 | 70% or 7 or 3.0 |
Cameroon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce | 1st or 15 | 2:1 or 14 | 2:2 or 12.5 |
Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise or a 4 year Licence | 20 or GPA 3.7 | 20 or Bien (GPA 3.4) | 20 or Assez Bien (GPA 3.1) |
Canada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0/percentage scale | 3.7/85% | 3.3/75% | 2.7/68% |
Out of 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Out of 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
Chile
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) | 6 | 5.5 | 5 |
China
Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below:
First class (70%) | Mid 2:1 (65%) | 2:1 (60%) | Mid 2:2 (55%) | 2:2 (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shanghai Rank Top 250 | 83% | 79% | 75% | 73% | 70% |
Shanghai Rank 251-500 | 88% | 84% | 80% | 78% | 75% |
Shanghai Rank 501+ | 92% | 87% | 84% | 82% | 80% |
Affiliated colleges
The University will consider students from Affiliated Colleges in the following way:
Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities in the top 250 Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 75%-84%.
Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are 251-500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.
Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered as follows:
- School of Business and Economics: not considered
- All other programmes if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.
Universities given special consideration
Applicants from a small number of Chinese universities that specialise in business, management, finance or creative arts will be given special consideration by the University. The full list of these universities and the Shanghai band under which they will be considered can be found below:
University | Chinese name | Considered inband |
Beijing Film Academy | 北京电影学院 | Top 250 |
Capital University of Physical Education and Sports* | 首都体育学院 | Top 250 |
Central Academy of Drama | 中央戏剧学院 | Top 250 |
Central Academy for Fine Arts | 中央美术学院 | Top 250 |
Central Conservatory of Music | 中央音乐学院 | Top 250 |
China Academy of Art | 中国美术学院 | Top 250 |
Guangxi University of Finance and Economics | 广西财经学院 | 251-500 |
Harbin University of Finance (Harbin Finance University) | 哈尔滨金融学院 | 251-500 |
Northwest University of Political Science and Law | 上海海关学院 | Top 250 |
Shanghai Customs College | 上海海关学院 | Top 250 |
Shanghai Theatre Academy | 上海戏剧学院) | Top 250 |
Tianjin Sport University* | 天津体育学院 | Top 250 |
*Special consideration for programmes in School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and Institute for Sport Business only.
Colombia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.2 |
Costa Rica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado | 9 | 8 or 80 | 7 or 75 |
Croatia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.0 |
Cuba
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Cyprus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Cyprus | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 |
Czech Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
Denmark
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) | 12 | 10 | 7 |
Dominican Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year Licenciado | 3.8 | Magna Cum Laude 3.5 | Cum Laude 3.2 |
Título de [subject area] | - | 85% | 82% |
Ecuador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Título de Licenciado | 8.5 | 8 | 7 |
Título de [subject area] | 85% | 80% | 70% |
Egypt
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Egypt | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.8 |
Universities only | BA 90%, BSc 85% | BA 80%, BSc 75% | BA 65%, BSc 65% |
El Salvador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
5 year Licenciado | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
Título de Ingeniero | 85% | 75% | 65% |
Arquitecto | - | Muy Bueno | Bueno |
Estonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad | 5 or A | 4 or B | 3 or C |
Ethiopia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | A/GPA 4.0 | A/GPA 3.5 | B/GPA 2.8 |
Finland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kandidaattii/Kandidat (out of 3) | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Maisteri/Magister (out of 5) | 4.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
France
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur | 14 | 13 | 11 |
Georgia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4-year degree (% = new system) | 5 (95%) | 4.5 (85%) | 4 (75%) |
Germany
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
Ghana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Ghana | First | Upper second/60% | Lower second/50% |
Greece
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Universities | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6 |
TEI and non-University Institutions | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5 |
Grenada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of West Indies - classification | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage | A | B / 75% | C / 55% |
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.0 |
Guatemala
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4years | 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) | 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) | 60% (public university) / 70% (private university) |
Guyana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | GPA 4 | GPA 3.5 | 3.0 |
Honduras
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 | GPA 5 or 90% | GPA 4 or 80% | GPA 3.5 or 70% |
Hong Kong
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Hungary
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Iceland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
India
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Institutions listed on the Indian Ranking of Higher Educational Institutions Framework |
65% (First) | 60% (First) | 55% (Upper second) |
All other Indian institutions | 70% (First with distinction) | 65% (First) | 60% (First) |
Indonesia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Sarjana I (S1) from A (or B) credited Universities | 3.7 (4.0) | 3.3 (3.7) | 3 (3.3) |
Iran
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Iran | 17 | 15 | 13 |
Iraq
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Iraq | 80% | 75% | 70% |
Ireland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Republic of Ireland | First (70%) | Upper second (60%) | Lower second (50%) |
Israel
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
3 yr Bachelor Degree | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Italy
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma di Laurea | 109/110 | 104/110 (or 27) | 100/110 (or 26) |
Ivory Coast
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures | 16 | 14 (Bien) | 12 (Assez Bien) |
Jamaica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B | 2:2 (GPA 2.0) or C |
Japan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Japan | 85% | 80% or B or 3.0 | 70% or C or 2.0 |
Jordan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% | 2.8 or 65% |
Kazakhstan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 5.0/percentage scale | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 85% | 3.5 or 80% |
GPA 4.33 scale | 3.9 | 3.7 | 3.2 |
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.7 | 3.4 | 3 |
Kenya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kenya | First / 70% / A | Upper second / 60% / B | Lower second / 50% / C |
Kosovo
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kosovo | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Kuwait
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Latvia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Latvia | 9 | 7 | 6 |
Lebanon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
American | 90% (3.5) | 80% (3.2) | 70% (2.8) |
French | 18 | 15 | 12 |
Liberia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | 4.0 or 90% | 3.5 or 85% | 3 or 80% |
Libya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine | 85 (3.6) | 75 (3.0) | 65 (2.5) |
Other bachelor's degree from a university | 90 (4.0) | 85% (3.6) | 75% (3.0) |
Lithuania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Lithuania | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Macau
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Macau | 1st or GPA 3.7 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5 |
Macedonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Macedonia | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Malawi
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's only | MSc 75% | MSc 70% | MSc 65% |
Malaysia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Classification | First Class | 2.1 | 2.2 |
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Malta
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Malta | 1st (80%) | 2:1 (70%) | 2:2 (55%) |
Mauritius
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Mauritius | 1st or 70% | 2:1 or 60% | 2:2 or 50% |
Mexico
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Mexico | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Moldova
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Mongolia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or 3.5 | 80% or GPA 3.2 | 70% or GPA 3.0 |
Morocco
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Morocco | 17 | 15 | 13 |
Mozambique
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year Licenciatura | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Myanmar (Burma)
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
2 year Master's degree | 5 or 85% | 5 or 75% | 4.5 or 65% |
Namibia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Namibia | 80% or A | 70% or B | 60% or C |
Nepal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's (after 3 year bachelor degree) | 90% or 3.9 GPA | 80% or 3.8 GPA | 65% or 3.3 GPA |
Netherlands
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Netherlands | 8 | 7 | 6 |
New Zealand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 | First (7.0) | Upper Second (6.0) | Lower Second (4.0) |
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 | A+ (9.0) | A- (7.0) | B+ (6.0) |
Nicaragua
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciatura (4 year) | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Nigeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
7 point Scale | 6 | 5 | 4 |
5 point scale | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.5 |
4 point scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
Norway
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Norway | A | B | C |
Oman
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Pakistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 option) | A- or GPA 3.7 | B or GPA 3.0 | C+ or GPA 2.6 |
2 or 3 year bachelor's plus Master's | First (60%) | Second (55%) | Second (50%) |
Palestine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor Degree | A / 90% / 3.7 | B+ / 85% / 3.3 | B / 80% / 3.0 |
Panama
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 91 (A) | 81 (B) | 71 (C) |
Papua New Guinea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Papua New Guinea | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Paraguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 (85%) | 4 (80%) | 3.5 (75%) |
Peru
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 14 | 13 | 12 |
Philippines
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) | Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 | Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 | Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0 |
Poland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) | 5 | 4.5 / 4+ | 4 |
Portugal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Portugal | 18 | 16 | 14 |
Qatar
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Romania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Russia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Russia | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
Rwanda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) | 1st, 16/20 (80%) | 2:1,14/20 (70%) | 2:2, 12/20 (60%) |
Saudi Arabia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.5 |
Senegal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees | 16/20 or Tres Bien | 14/20 or Bien | 12/20 or Assez Bien |
Serbia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Sierra Leone
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Honours degree or masters | 1st (70%) | 2:1 (60% or B) | 2:2 (50% or C) |
Singapore
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Classification | First | Upper second | Lower second |
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.7 | 3.0 | 2.7 |
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.0 |
Slovakia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Slovakia | 1.5 or B | 2.0 or C | 2.5 or C/high D |
Slovenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Slovenia | 9.5 | 8.5 | 7 |
South Africa
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Classification | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Percentage scale | 75-100% | 70-74% | 60-69% |
South Korea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA out of 4.5 | 4.0 / A | 3.5 / B | 3.0 / C+ |
GPA out of 4.3 | 4.0 / A | 3.0 / B | 2.7 / C+ |
Spain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5 |
UCM grading | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
Sri Lanka
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree | 90%, GPA 3.70 | 80%, GPA 3.30 | 70%, GPA 3.0 |
Sudan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Sudan (North and South) | 1st or 70% or B+ | 2:1 or 66% | Mid 2:2 or 60% or B |
Sweden
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Sweden | - | Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG | Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G |
Switzerland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Switzerland | 6 | 5 | 4 |
Syria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
State universities 4 years of study | 80% | 70% | 60% |
Private universities 4 years of study | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Taiwan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Category 1 (4 year degree) | 80% | 75% | 70% |
Category 2 (4 year degree) | 85% | 80% | 75% |
Tajikistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Tajikistan | - | 4.5 | 4 |
Tanzania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Tanzania | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Thailand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Trinidad and Tobago
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT | 1st or B+ or 70% | 2:1 or B or 65% | 2:2 or B- or 60% |
Tunisia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu | 16 (tres bien) | 14 (bien) | 11 (assez bien) |
Turkey
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
Turkmenistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Uganda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Uganda | 1st or 4.4 | 2:1 or 3.8 | 2:2 or 3.0 |
Ukraine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
United Arab Emirates
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
United States of America
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.8 |
Uruguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado (4 year) | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Uzbekistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalavr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or GPA 4.5 | 80% or GPA 4.0 | 70% or GPA 3.0 |
Venezuela
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) | 18/20 or 8/9 | 16/20 or 7/9 | 14/20 or 6/9 |
Vietnam
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
10-point scale | 8.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 |
4-point scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Zambia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | A or 4.0 or 80% | B+, 3.5 or 70% | B or 3.0 or 60% |
Zimbabwe
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
3/4 year degree | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 65% | 2:2 or 60% |
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
2023 - 2024 start
UK fee
£11,100 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£22,500 Full-time degree per annum
Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
The fee stated is for a full-time student undertaking a master’s programme of 180 credits. Part-time students should divide the published fee by 180 credits and then multiply by the number of credits they are taking to calculate their tuition fees.
Your development
Our School of Social Sciences and Humanities is committed to helping you develop the skills and attributes you need to progress successfully in your chosen career.
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting you with your personal and professional development, you will be invited to attend an impressive range of extracurricular seminars and public lectures – all free of charge. These offer you the chance to broaden your horizons through a wide range of security-related topics. In recent years we have had speakers from the armed forces, research institutes, and international security organisation to name just a few.
On successful completion of our security course, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic understanding of knowledge at the forefront of scholarship in the field of Security.
- Articulate a critical understanding of contrasting security challenges in the Global North and Global South.
- Recognise and evaluate rising threats in the international arena.
- Identify potential solutions and resolutions to conflict.
- Understand the ethical frameworks which should govern the behaviour of states as laid out in international laws and norms.
- Design and undertake a substantial independent investigation relating to security using appropriate methods for the collection and analysis of data.
- Apply the knowledge gained to produce documents relevant to public policy.
Our academics
Your future career
International Security MA is designed for those interested in working in diplomacy, journalism, civil service, policy-making, campaigning, and/or research, as well as more generally for those wanting to acquire a more in-depth understanding of security threats and responses.
As this is a recent programme, graduate destinations are not yet available. However, this degree is particularly suitable for those interested in diplomacy, journalism, civil service, policy-making, campaigning, and research. Moreover, graduates from Politics and International Studies have a track record of finding employment in industry, commerce and the public sectors, including with charity and voluntary organisations, and in a range of other professions. These include:
- Aegis Defence Services
- Amnesty International
- AON
- Apple
- BBC
- British Army
- Civil Service
- Foreign Commonwealth Office
- Future First
- Goldman Sachs
- HM Treasury
- IBM
- Metropolitan Police Service
- Microsoft
- Ministry of Justice
- Parliament - House of Commons, Policy Research Unit
- Royal Air Force
- United Nations
or