International Security

For HM Forces

MA

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Our MA International Security degree is designed specifically for MOD Intelligence personnel.

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.

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.

Fees

The fees for this programme of study are £5,100.00

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
Human Security 40 credits
International Security 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Diplomacy, Law And Governance 40 credits
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
Year 1 compulsory modules
Human Security 40 credits
International Security 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
Intelligence In Policy And Practice 40 credits
Year 1 compulsory modules
Human Security 40 credits
International Security 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
Russia And Russian Security 40 credits
Year 1 compulsory modules
Human Security 40 credits
International Security 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
China In Global Context 40 credits
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits

Entry requirements

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

Facilities

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.

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

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

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 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 and 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 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

We are a research-active department with internationally recognised expertise. 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 core modules which have been developed to reflect the key requirements of the subject discipline of International History as well as the research expertise of each staff member contributing to the delivery of the course.

You will also have the opportunity to undertake your dissertation under the supervision of our expert staff, which provides you an excellent chance to tailor your degree to your area of interest.

Staff

We are a research-active department with internationally recognised expertise. 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 core modules which have been developed to reflect the key requirements of the subject discipline of International History as well as the research expertise of each staff member contributing to the delivery of the course.

You will also have the opportunity to undertake your dissertation under the supervision of our expert staff, which provides you an excellent chance to tailor your degree to your area of interest.

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

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

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

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

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

Dr Anthony Mckeown

Lecturer

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

Anthony's profile

Apply

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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. 

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021