International Security MSc

Royal Holloway, University of London

The course

We live in uncertain times. Terrorism, conflict, environmental catastrophe, weapons of mass destruction and weak states are all security issues that are reflected in our media, dominate policy-making in international politics and increasingly impinge on our daily lives.

This course offers anyone interested in transnational security issues an advanced grounding in the subject whilst, at the same time, enabling you to specialise in particular issues or regions of interest. Drawing upon departmental expertise in the areas of security studies, comparative politics, international law and conflict, political theory and global politics, this course can be tailored to your specific interests; optional units can be taken in subjects such as political violence, biopolitics, media, communication and conflict, international law of targeting, and regional international politics. The programme is ideal for anyone looking to pursue a career in policymaking, international organizations and non-governmental organizations.

The Department of Politics and International Relations has a strong commitment to high quality, cutting-edge research which informs our teaching. We are a research community that draws on various methodological and theoretical approaches to the study of domestic, transnational, regional and global politics. This includes research into areas such as security, international diplomacy, international law, the use of military force, the European Union and the impact of new communication technology on politics, nationalism and migration.

This course is also offered at Postgraduate Diploma level for those who do not have the academic background necessary to begin an advanced Masters degree. The structure of the Diploma is identical except that you will not write a dissertation. If you are successful on the Diploma you may transfer to the MSc, subject to academic approval.

Teaching & assessment

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework, examinations and a dissertation.

Your future career

Graduates of political degrees have much to offer potential employers having developed a range of transferable skills, both practical and theoretical, whilst studying with us. With up to 90% of our most recent graduates now working or in further study, according to the Complete University Guide 2015, it’s true to say our graduates are highly employable.

The methodological nature of a politics degree provides graduates with valuable analytical and research skills in preparation for careers in government, political consultancy, NGOs and research organisations.

In recent years, departmental graduates have secured jobs in a wide range of professions, such as the law, the civil service, accountancy, management, journalism, broadcasting, teaching, international development and diplomacy. In fact, six-months after graduation, 90% of our most recent graduates are enhancing their skills with further study or forging careers in companies and institutions such as:

• Amnesty International
• Bloomberg
• The Church of England
• Citigroup
• The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative.