Taught Masters: MA in Contemporary Global Security

The MA in Contemporary Global Security aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the contemporary issues surrounding global security, terrorism and international relations, from both a theoretical and empirical perspective. The programme aims to build upon and to further develop an understanding of the theory and practice of global security, offering students the opportunity of further studies in a wider range of subject areas and in greater depth. It will develop your understanding of a variety of fundamental questions concerning global security and terror including: what does global security mean and whose security are we talking about?; what are the key features of global terror and counter-terrorism?; which issues should be considered global security issues?; what role does global security play in contemporary political life?; and how - in both practical and philosophical terms- can global security be achieved?

The programme is built around the spine of two 30 credit core modules which will introduce, at an advanced level, students to the key theories, concepts, methodologies and debates in the areas of contemporary global security. Students will take a further two, unrestricted, 30 credit modules, plus a 60 credit dissertation utilising research skills acquired during the taught part of the programme.

The Department of Politics was ranked joint top in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise with 95% of published work deemed of international quality, 45% of which was considered world leading.

Course Structure

All students must undertake 180 credits of modules as follows:

• Two core modules, POL6005 Contemporary Global Security (30 credits) and POL6910 Wars, New Wars and the Liberal State (30 credits)
• Option modules to the value of 60 credits (all modules are subject to availability);
• POL6709 Dissertation for MA in Contemporary Global Security (60 credits).