Course summary

This new MA Security Studies course offers an opportunity to take part in rapidly evolving contemporary discussions on security and may serve as a pathway to doctoral studies. It focused both on theoretical underpinnings of traditional Security Studies as well as more contemporary theorisation of Critical Security Studies. Traditional Security Studies mainly analyses areas such as threats to state security, military strategy and tactics, utilisation of conventional and unconventional weapons, or great power politics on the international level. While critical Security Studies focuses on the opening up of the referent objects of security from state to individuals, groups, or global environment, and widening of our understanding of security threats. The course will provide you with advanced knowledge of both approaches to the study of security, combining the understanding of interrelated global security problems with their local effects. Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge to local security environments and institutions which the Department works closely with to nurture your specialised research focus. You may have the chance to work with organisations focusing on providing help and support of refugees, women’s charities, or local councils. This MA is designed for anyone with wider social science or humanities background who is interested in acquiring advanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary security issues, policies and actors. MA Security Studies builds on the existing research expertise in the department, ranging from regional security structures and organisations to critical security and terrorism studies.