Master's degrees

We run an MA on International Security and contribute several modules to two more Master’s programmes: International Financial and Political Relations MSc, and Climate Change Politics and Policy MA. We take it as a compliment that many of our own graduates opt to stay with us by enrolling on these programmes.

We launched our International Security MA in 2019-20. The modules on the programme take students through a rich variety of different case studies of security threats and responses which our experts specialise in, including: nuclear weapons, terrorism, migration, climate change, intelligence, and civil wars. Analysis is underpinned by thought-provoking engagement with the latest research in both traditional and critical security studies, war studies, peace studies and related research areas such as militarism, pacifism, gender, ethics, environmental security, resilience, and urban warfare. For 2021-22, we are introducing a new module on intelligence studies, which will include input from Dr Bill Duff, a former Detective Superintendent in charge of criminal intelligence.

We have designed the programme to develop students’ confidence in writing not only traditional essays but also policy-briefs and an extended dissertation on a security topic tailored to their particular interests and potential career ambitions. The programme is therefore designed for those interested in working in diplomacy, journalism, civil service, policy-making, campaigning, and/or research, as well as more generally those of you wanting to learn more about security threats and how these are framed and responded to.

Students on the MA also have access to series of contacts with both experts and experienced practitioners, and are invited to participate in activities run by our Centre for Security Studies. Since our launch in 2019-20, activities which International Security MA students were invited to included:

  • a workshop on NATO and the Arctic (which included many delegates from NATO);
  • invited speakers such as Squadron Leader Clifford Fletcher-Jones on UK Space Command, (ret) Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti CB on climate change and security, Professor Marsha Henry on peacekeeping, Professor Morten Bøås on state fragility in Niger, Professor Beatrice Heuser on the dangers of military exercises, Emeritus Professor Paul Rogers on global security challenges, and Professor Jamie Shea on NATO’s past and future;
  • and research seminars where Loughborough experts presented their latest work in progress.

Further information on the International Security MA and other programmes to which we contribute can be found below.

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for Research Intensity in History

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for Student Satisfaction in Politics

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100% of our Politics and International Studies research impact assessed ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Our master's degrees

Climate Change Politics and Policy MA

Our MA Climate Change Politics and Policy degree addresses the urgent societal challenge of climate change, with a broad, international, problem-focused perspective that will suit students from a wide range of backgrounds.

International Financial and Political Relations MSc

Explores the intersection of finance, politics and international relations, examining the changing nature of financial systems, banking and regulation and issues of governance.

International Security MA

This course explores contemporary security issues in international politics.

Further information

How to apply Fees and funding