International Security

Award

MA

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Start dates available

  • September 2027

Start dates available

  • September 2027
University of Staffordshire Courses

Distance learning

Flexible study designed to fit around work or other commitments

Outstanding Research Impact

87% of our research impact is recognised as “very considerable” or “outstanding" (Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Specialist pathways

Option to gain specific expertise in Intelligence

What is security, how do we analyse it, and how is it achieved? Is it possible to define and achieve a more secure world?

Conflict, competition and instability are increasingly common themes in international affairs today. Whether manifested in immediately recognisable modern forms - such as interstate warfare across borders and over territories - or in novel forms like cyberwarfare, water scarcity or disinformation campaigning, insecurity never feels far away. Security, then, is prized by both politicians and publics alike.

But what is security, how do we analyse it, and how is it achieved? Is it possible to define and achieve a more secure world?

Our MA International Security helps you to ask, and to answer, all of these questions.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA International Security. If you complete a pathway route, your award title will reflect this.

Duration

University of Staffordshire postgraduate courses are usually 1 academic year duration when studying full-time and 2-3 academic years duration for part-time.

Part-time study

If you wish to study this course part-time, its duration is two years. You will be expected to complete modules totalling 180 credits.

Blended learning

While there is no expectation for you to attend our campuses, you are more than welcome to take advantage of our facilities, including our libraries, sports equipment and Students’ Union.

We have extensive experience in helping distance learning students, so you can access the same level of student support via our online learning platforms.

Course content

Taught by active researchers in security studies and related fields, our MA International Security will give you an expert-level knowledge in areas of human and international security, research skills and global issues.

Modules deliver content on thematic areas within the discipline. You will learn about regional conflicts, defined geographically, pertaining, for example, to Eastern Europe, the South China Sea, or the Sahel. You will also learn about global threats to international security, such as the challenges of maintaining industrial supply chains, the problems created by climate change, or the epistemic crisis exacerbated by digital media. You will also learn theories of conflict analysis, how they originated and how they are applied, enabling you to define your own academic research projects and to explore new, poorly understood sources of insecurity.

The course is taught and assessed entirely online and asynchronously, giving you the freedom to study anytime, anywhere. Course tutors will provide you with weekly tasks and activities, as well as bespoke learning resources, all designed with your final assessments and ultimate success in mind. The International Studies and History team at the University of Staffordshire is practised in delivering via distance learning, and will be present and approachable for you throughout your MA; you will be offered regular guidance and feedback. You will also join an international and professional cohort of fellow students who will offer peer-to-peer support and camaraderie.

You will have the choice of studying the core MA International Security, or to specialise in a branch of Security Studies by selecting one of our three pathways:

  • Russian Studies
  • Contemporary China
  • Intelligence

Each pathway comes with a specialist module, and students on a pathway will write their final dissertation project on a subject related to their preferred pathway. Your final MA award will reflect your pathway expertise.

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.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Diplomacy, Law And Governance 40 credits
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
Human Security 40 credits
International Security 40 credits
Year 1 compulsory modules
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
Human Security 40 credits
Intelligence In Policy And Practice 40 credits
International Security 40 credits
Year 1 compulsory modules
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
Human Security 40 credits
International Security 40 credits
Russia And Russian Security 40 credits
Year 1 compulsory modules
China In Global Context 40 credits
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
Human Security 40 credits
International Security 40 credits

Entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree or above, or relevant professional experience.

 

Facilities

Support for distance learners

Studying remotely doesn't mean that you will be left to study alone. Which is why we ensure that however you study with us, you'll still be able to access the same services as our on-campus students. Read more

However you study with us, or wherever in the world you’re based, you’ll still be able to access the same services as our on-campus students, including IT and study support, online library, careers and wellbeing service. We’ll help to connect with other online learners to help you get the most out of your learning experience and feel a part of the community. Find out more: Support for distance learners

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. Read more

Library services and learning resources

We offer an extensive range of library services to our off-campus students and help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our comprehensive online catalogue of eResources are available for you to search for and access material such as eBooks, journals and databases. Our team of librarians can help you find your way around the electronic resources and library catalogues, or if there’s something specific you need, they can help you to source it.

Our LibGuides provide information and advice on using our online resources, with specific pages for each subject area, and can help you search for quality-assured websites. 

Find out more: Library Resources

Blackboard (VLE)

Blackboard is a virtual learning environment which houses your learning content. It enables online teaching/learning, provides spaces to build online communities and knowledge sharing.

Careers

After completing the MA International Security, you’ll be equipped with the critical and reflective skills, as well as a range of other transferable skills, that are attractive to employers. These can be adapted to a range of professions including, but not limited to:

  • Education
  • National, Foreign or Defence Ministries
  • Armed Forces
  • Security Services
  • International or Regional Organisations

Alternatively, if you wish to develop your dissertation further, you will be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level.

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

As a distance learning student you will be expected to study independently, but the content of the modules will be provided in a structured manner to support you through the material and to prepare you for your assessments. Support will be available when you need it and you can contact your tutor by phone, email or in person.Our teaching is delivered through our Virtual Learning Environments. This means you can access a range of materials to support your studies wherever you are and whenever works for your. This includes notes, recorded presentations, activities and discussion forums, where you can debate subjects with your tutors and fellow students.

Assessment

During your course you will undertake two different types of assessments, informal assessments (also known as formative) and formal (also known as summative). Your formative assessments are designed to enhance your engagement with the taught content of your modules and to prepare you for your summative assessments. They also provide you with the opportunity to receive feedback on your progress. Your summative assessments contribute towards your final grade and degree classification and will assess you based on the learning outcomes of your modules. Your summative assessments could include a combination of written assignments, contributions to discussion boards, critical reviews, digital poster presentations and dissertations.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide you with plenty of support during your studies. However, you can also access assistance from our Academic Skills team, who can help you online with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking, presentation skills, etc.)
  • Written English (including structure, punctuation, grammar, etc.)
  • Academic writing (including referencing skills)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision and assessment skills (including time management).

Additional support

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

Feedback

We know that feedback is very important for you to be able to gauge your progress and to enable you to achieve your potential. To ensure that you can benefit from regular feedback, your tutors will provide a combination of written and verbal feedback, on both an individual and general assessment level.

As a team we are commended for our feedback. In his report for 2025 our external examiner noted the particular focus in our feedback on the quality of argumentation and the accuracy of knowledge as it pertained to each specific student’s work.

We usually give you feedback on your formative assessments within 20 working days, but the format for the feedback will vary for each module.

Staff

Please note, teaching team staff members may change during your studies.

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Dr Fiona Robertson-Snape

Senior Lecturer

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

Fiona's profile
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Alun Thomas

Associate Professor

Dr Alun Thomas is Associate Professor of Eurasian Studies, specialising in the modern history and contemporary politics of Russia and Central Asia. His research interests include border-making, state-building, and economic change.

Alun's profile
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Dr Tony Craig

Associate Professor

Dr Tony Craig is Associate Professor in Modern History. His research primarily focuses on the contemporary security history of Britain and Ireland.

Tony's profile
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Dr Anthony Mckeown

Lecturer

Anthony teaches International Relations in the Modern Era; Global Policy Analysis and Money, Trade and Development.

Anthony's profile
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Dr Sarah Irving

Lecturer

Dr Sarah Irving is a Lecturer in modern Middle Eastern history, specialising in the social and cultural history of Late Ottoman and Mandate Palestine and the broader Levant region.

Sarah's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 20 September 2027, the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time, distance learning £9,720 per course £9,720 per course

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've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in the fees:
  • As a University of Staffordshire student, you’ll be entitled to a range of free software programs.
Not included in the fees:
  • Text books are available from the library and online resources, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
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 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 masters loan.

Apply now to International Security

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MA Full-time, distance learning 20 September 2027 Apply now

Rules and regulations

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

Students of University of Staffordshire 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. 

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for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021