International Security and Cooperation

Location:: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:: Full-time, distance learning
Study option:: Part-time, distance learning; Choose another study option
Duration:: 13 Months
Duration:: 3 Years
Start date:: 16 September 2019; 16 September 2019; Facebook

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In this thought-provoking course, you’ll address and debate key issues associated with international security in a period of rapid change.

The MA in International Security and Cooperation introduces students to a range of security challenges as well as to the dynamics of cooperation in a globalized world. Delivered by our experienced team of academic experts, this course aims to equip students with the necessary analytical and methodological tools to address a variety of empirical, normative and theoretical questions on the nature of international security and the means of cooperation.

In this course, students will explore the changing logic of security in international relations since the end of the Cold War and engage with mainstream theoretical approaches of the discipline and newer conceptions of security, such as securitization theory and human security. You will examine ‘traditional’ security issues such as war and conflict, in addition to a suite of ‘non-traditional’ and transnational issues such as terrorism, military intervention and human rights, and energy security.

Students will also explore how interaction between international actors such as institutions and regimes produce cooperation and security governance across a range of diverse geographical areas. The course pays particularly close attention to patterns of national security cultures and collective security management.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA International Security and Cooperation

Part-time study

The course can be taken as a part-time course over three years. The expected study pattern is to complete modules totalling 60 credits in each year of study. Early completion can be achieved by submitting an early dissertation. On the part-time route, the minimum period of study is two years and four months.

Distance learning

This course is run as a distance course. No attendance on campus is required though we always welcome our distance learning students and include them in departmental activities where appropriate on a voluntary basis.

Distance learning is done through a process of step-by-step readings, contributions onto a discussion board, and formal assessment. Self-instructional learning materials are delivered from a virtual learning environment (VLE) known as Blackboard.

Course content

The International Security and Cooperation MA is a Distance Learning only course which can be studied both part-time and full-time. Whichever way you choose to study, your learning will be split into three teaching blocks.

The first two teaching blocks consist of three core modules that aim to give you an expert-level understanding of international security and cooperation: International Security, Human Security and Security Governance. Alongside these, you’ll be required to study XX optional modules to make up your credits, which will give you the chance to tailor your study towards your career goals. Optional modules include: Russian Foreign and Security Policy, Money, Trade and Development, Counter-Terrorism in the UK ‘War on Terror’ – a battle for hearts and minds, and Crimes of the Powerful.

The final teaching block is devoted to your MA dissertation and is your chance to specialise in whatever field of international security and cooperation you choose. This will be supervised by one of our expert academics and is a chance to showcase your knowledge in your chosen subject.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Standard route

Year 1 compulsory modules
Human Security	30 credits
International Security	30 credits
Ma Dissertation In International Security And Cooperation	60 credits
Security Governance	30 credits

Show 2 optional modules

Year 1 optional modules
Money, Trade And Development In The Global Political Economy	30 credits
Russian Foreign And Security Policy	30 credits

Show 4 compulsory modules

Standard route

Year 1 compulsory modules
International Security	30 credits
Security Governance	30 credits

Year 2 compulsory modules
Human Security	30 credits

Show 2 optional modules

Year 2 optional modules
Money, Trade And Development In The Global Political Economy	30 credits
Russian Foreign And Security Policy	30 credits

Show 1 compulsory module

Year 3 compulsory modules
Ma Dissertation In International Security And Cooperation	60 credits

Entry requirements

UK qualifications

International qualifications

Honours degree of 2:2 or above, or relevant professional experience.

Language level must be at least IELTS 6-6.5 or equivalent. However, you’ll be considered if you have a level of fluency to meet the needs of the course.

Much of the course is delivered through digital platforms so internet access is a requirement.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country

Facilities

Off-campus library services

Distance learners benefit from a range of services including access to e-books, postal loans of physical books, online support from subject librarians and more. More about off-campus library services

Careers

The award will equip you with transferrable skills attractive to employers. These include independent judgement, self-reflection and critical debate. For those in employment it demonstrates a commitment to study and a high degree of self-motivation. These skills can be adapted to employment in:

Education
National foreign or defence ministries
Armed forces
Security services
International or regional institutions

Completion of the course will also set you up for further study at PhD level.

Teaching and assessment

Overview

Teaching

We pride ourselves on being excellent and committed teachers with extensive experience of teaching via distance learning. Our objective is to encourage the acquisition of detailed knowledge; the ability to conduct research; intellectual rigour; independence of thought; and a good understanding of security issues, methodologies, concepts and theories.

You will be provided with a detailed programme of study for each weekly topic and encouraged to post a short answer to a set question on a discussion board. These weekly tasks are a good way to keep students ‘on-track’ and focused on their learning. They also are the way that students on the course engage with each other and their tutor. We know that students very much appreciate the bespoke, formative feedback given on their weekly posts.

The regular, weekly contact between staff and students on the discussion board is labour-intensive and therefore demonstrates our commitment, and our investment pays dividends in terms of your positive experience and achievement.

The quality of our provision and teaching on our programme is recognized by our external examiners:

‘The performance of students indicates excellent quality of teaching and learning’. Dr Moran Mandelbaum, Keele University, External Examiner Report 2018.

Assessment

We’ll assess your learning through a range of different course work assignments including essays, briefing reports, virtual seminar presentations, critical reviews of articles and participation elements. There is no exam for this course.

All work on the MA is marked twice by two separate markers to ensure the highest standards of equity. Furthermore, the quality and fairness of the marking process has to be approved by an external examiner.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

Study skills (including reading, note-taking, presentation skills)
Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
Academic writing (including how to reference)
Research skills
Critical thinking
Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our AccessAbility Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

As a team we are commended for our feedback. In his report for 2018 our external examiner wrote: ‘Quality of feedback is excellent. Feedback on written work and on virtual seminar presentations is detailed and constructive such that the module’s objectives and aims are reflected in the feedback. I was especially impressed with the ways in which tutors take the time to tell students how they can improve their work.’

Staff

We are a research-active department with internationally-recognised outputs. This provides our students, not only with world-class subject experts, but with considerable levels of research-informed teaching and pedagogical experience as well.

The curriculum design of this MA is structured around three core modules which have been developed to reflect the research expertise of each staff member contributing to the delivery of the course.

Dr Fiona Robertson-SnapeSenior Lecturer International Relations

Fiona's expertise is in international relations theory and international ethics. Her research interests cover international society, human rights and international criminal justice.

Read full profile

Dr Simon SmithAssociate Professor of Security and International Relations

Simon's expertise covers EU-NATO Cooperation, transatlantic security and European and US defence transformation.

His research interests include transatlantic security and reforming European defence and the defence and security implications of an independent Scotland.

Read full profile

Dr Tony CraigAssociate Professor in Modern History

Tony's expertise is in Northern Ireland, intelligence and security studies, archive research, conflict resolution.

His research interests include Irish foreign policy, British foreign policy, intelligence history,
terrorism, security studies and decolonisation.

Read full profile

Dr Alun ThomasLecturer in Modern European History

Alun's research interests cover the history of Russia and the Soviet Union and Central Asia; imperialism, colonialism, decolonisation, refugeedom, itinerance; nomadism,nationalism, state-building, urbanisation, memory and patrimonialisation.

Read full profile

Fees

Overview

Additional costs

Financial support

For the course starting on 16 September 2019 the tuition fees are:

Study option
Full time

UK / EU / Channel Islands
£7,620 per course

International (Non-EU)
£7,620 per course

For the course starting on 16 September 2019 the tuition fees are:

Study option
Part time

UK / EU / Channel Islands
£2,535 per year of study

International (Non-EU)
£2,535 per year of study

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you have previously completed an undergraduate degree with us, you may be entitled to a discount off your course fee for any subsequent postgraduate taught course. For further information please contact Graduate Relations.

Included in the fees:
Three e-textbooks and a course pack of reading for each module are included in the fees. Students also have free access to the University library and all other University services. Three e-textbooks and a course pack of reading for each module are included in the fees. Students also have free access to the University library and all other University services.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £10,609 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options - part-time, full-time and distance learning.

For more information and how to apply visit postgraduate loans.

Bursaries and scholarships

As a postgraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

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Location:

Award:

Study option:

Start date:

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Location:

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Award:

MA

Study option:

Full-time, distance learning

Start date:

16 September 2019

Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

Part-time study

Distance learning

Part-time study

Distance learning

Course content

Modules

Standard route

Modules

Standard route

Entry requirements

Facilities

Off-campus library services

Careers

Postgraduate Open Event

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Assessment

Learning support

Additional support

Feedback

Staff

Fees

Alumni discount

Alumni discount

Apply

Rules and regulations

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