International Security and Global Governance MSc

Birkbeck, University of London

Our MSc International Security and Global Governance explores urgent contemporary debates about violence, conflict, security and governance from a global perspective.

As the distinctions between civil wars, terrorism, warlord conflict and conventional war have blurred, the corresponding interventions - humanitarian, regional, international and imperial - have been the subject of considerable academic debate and political controversy. Simultaneously, geopolitical rivalries among global powers and the threat of violence and war between states continue to shape international security. Our approach works across disciplines, incorporating political, theoretical, historical, sociological and public policy approaches to produce comprehensive, balanced analyses of contemporary political controversies.

Core modules will examine the changing nature of war, violence and security, and their relationship with state and society. They provide a historical understanding of the evolution of global military, humanitarian and governance institutions and the ideas that shaped them.

You then choose two option modules from a wide variety of topics including international security, American foreign policy, globalisation, political theory and sociology, war and conflict, nationalism and religion, and international political economy. The culmination of the programme is applying the concepts and methods you have learnt to write a dissertation on the subject that interests you most.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY

Graduates go in to careers in international organisations, policy research, journalism, economic and political forecasting, campaigning organisations, local and national government, the diplomatic service, and private sector management. Possible professions include journalist, Civil Service fast streamer, politician’s assistant, or Diplomatic Services operational officer. This degree can be useful in becoming a social researcher or human resources officer.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service to help you advance your career, while our in-house, professional recruitment consultancy, Birkbeck Talent, works with London’s top employers to help you gain work experience that fits in with your evening studies.