IR Theory

Considering a future in worldwide security? Contemplating a postgraduate course in international security studies could steer you in the right direction. Such advanced qualifications endow you with the necessary insights and proficiencies required to excel in a plethora of roles within the global sphere.

Leading Ten Masters Courses in Worldwide Security Studies

Pursuing a future in worldwide security necessitates a profound academic foundation, and obtaining a master’s in Global Security Studies (GSS) is an excellent choice. This advanced qualification equips you with the essential knowledge and competencies to venture into diverse roles in the global arena.

Advanced Security Studies and Information Analysis – The Emirates’ American Institution

The advanced SS and Information Analysis course offered by the American institution located in the Emirates is a unique interdisciplinary qualification emphasizing hands-on experience over theoretical knowledge. The course is structured to examine and tackle current and emerging threats as well as potential opportunities both regionally and globally. Students gain specialized knowledge in aspects of data interpretation and security. 

Central subjects include Security and Intelligence, Issues in Intelligence, Intelligence Analysis, Security Strategic Works, The Origins of Conflicts, Current Threats to National and Global Security, Research Methods, and Homeland Security. This educational framework encourages undergraduate students to participate and aligns with the UAE’s 2030 defense resilience strategy.

Global Security and Law MSc – University of Southern Denmark

International conflict dynamics and security issues have significantly evolved over recent years, necessitating the development of new expertise to understand and manage these complexities. The MSc course in Odense, Denmark, offered by the University of Southern Denmark, seeks to help graduates cultivate such skills. 

Directed by academics with experience at Europe’s premier institutions, the course equips students to holistically assess conflicts considering their political, legal, and ethical aspects. Based on studies from the globally recognized Center for War Studies, learners will understand the drivers of conflicts and safety issues and potential responsive measures. Fluency in English and a Nordic language may be a requirement.

MA in Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security – University of Malta

This joint masters course, offered by the University of Malta and the George Mason University’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, brings together the expertise of two esteemed academic institutions. The University of Malta’s newly established Centre for the Study and Practice of Conflict Resolution focuses on dispute settlement procedures, human rights, justice, and security. 

Upon completion, graduates will be equipped to discern and evaluate the values underpinning the work of conflict researchers and practitioners. They will also be adept at analyzing the influence of culture and methodologies. This course, based in Valletta, Malta, extends over three semesters, and successful candidates will receive dual qualifications.

International Security MA – Oxford Brookes Academic Institution

Located in Headington, Oxford, UK, this exceptional course intends to equip scholars with specialized insights into a critical aspect of global politics. The curriculum covers both traditional considerations around national defense and contemporary debates in a variety of contexts focusing on human safety. It encourages learners to explore different perspectives and contemplate diverse practices impacting our understanding of safety and risk. 

The synergy between research and education is a key quality indicator for this postgraduate course. Consequently, the curriculum also offers learners a strong foundation in relevant research methods. The qualification can be pursued by both full-time and part-time learners.

Security Policy Studies MA – Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington Academic Institution

Global protection crises like terrorism, climate change, hostile governments, and pandemics necessitate leaders possessing the courage, knowledge, and skills to confront these formidable challenges and drive change. Security Policy Studies (SPS) is a policy-driven master’s course that emphasizes global protection issues, specifically focusing on present-day safety threats and effective response strategies. 

The course provides learners with a robust foundation in homeland safety, defense planning, and worldwide organizations. Students can opt to specialize in one of four areas: US national safety, transnational protection, conflict management, or science and technology. This master’s course, based in Washington, DC, offers diverse formats and caters to both full-time and part-time students.

International Relations: International Security MA – University of Groningen

Hosted in Groningen, Netherlands, this exceptional International Security course is ideally suited for anyone with a Bachelor’s degree interested in topics such as violence, climate change, societal and economic safety, power politics, and diplomacy. 

The course explores theoretical approaches and aspects of contemporary protection initiatives; it offers an analysis and strategy-centric curriculum delivered by dedicated faculty; and it provides career-focused training preparing students for roles in a wide range of safety-related and dispute-management organizations. The course is delivered in English and requires one year (12 months) of study to accrue 60 ECTS.

International Geostrategy and Jihadist Terrorism Masters – INISEG Instituto Internacional de Estudios en Seguridad Global & L’Università Telematica Pegaso

The Madrid-based International Institute of Studies on GS, in conjunction with Italy’s Pegasus University, offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to broaden students’ understanding of terrorism and global safety. 

The Masters in International Geostrategic Studies aims to provide a well-rounded understanding of defense issues, public safety, defense policies, contemporary defense theory, disputes and international relations, intelligence agencies, jihadism and criminal organizations, military industry, and business. 

This multidisciplinary master’s course adopts a leadership and management strategy, covering concepts, processes, and approaches necessary for integrating safety, strategy, and operations of all types of organizations, with a specific focus on counter-terrorism.

International Security Masters – George Mason Academic Institution

The MA in International Security offered by George Mason Academic Institution is designed to equip students for the challenges of contemporary political instability. National security procedures are tasked with managing overseas issues resulting from a globalized society. Graduates are prepared for a career focused on mitigating foreign threats to the nation by emphasizing international relations and the tactics employed to maintain these relationships. 

The George Mason Academic Institution sets itself apart from many other courses through its focus on international issues and international relations matters. The degree course underscores the threats from advanced technology and tourism, aiming to mitigate them by educating students in suitable risk management tactics and diplomatic methods. The International Security courses are offered at Mason’s Arlington, Virginia campus, with both part-time and full-time enrolment options available.

International Security Studies MA – University of Arizona

The GSS course at the University of Arizona prepares students from all over the globe for roles in administration, intelligence, global political research, and diplomatic service, among other disciplines linked to international relations. 

The GSS qualification from the University of Arizona comprises four courses totaling 12 units. Topics covered include Conflict in the Middle East, climate change, Russian foreign affairs, American foreign policy, national defense, international safety, geopolitical economy, European security, terrorism and terrorist organizations, energy security, and Japanese and Chinese nationalism.

International and Security Politics Masters – European School of Political and Social Sciences

The Masters in International and Security Politics delves into significant GS challenges such as armed conflict, terrorism, environmental crises, and migration. The comprehensive course furnishes students with a thorough understanding of how governmental and non-governmental actors approach and endeavor to address these issues, coupled with competencies for evaluating contemporary forms of conflict and hostility, both at local and global scales, at the intersection of military strategy, economics, peacebuilding, and international relations. 

Additionally, successful completion of this course opens a plethora of career opportunities in NGOs, think tanks, trade unions, EU organizations and institutions, OSCE, and public administration.

Summarizing Table

Institution	Course Name	Location	Key Subjects	Full/Part Time
Oxford Brookes University	International Security MA	Headington, Oxford, UK	National Defense, Human Security, Research Methodology	Yes
Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University	Security Policy Studies MA	Washington, DC, USA	Homeland Security, Defense Planning, International Security Organizations	Yes
University of Groningen	International Relations: International Security MA	Groningen, Netherlands	Violence, Climate Change, Societal and Economic Security, Power Politics and Diplomacy	Full Time
INISEG Instituto Internacional de Estudios en Seguridad Global & L’Università Telematica Pegaso	International Geostrategy and Jihadist Terrorism Masters	Madrid, Spain & Italy	Defense Matters, Public Safety, Defense Policy, Contemporary Defense Theory, Jihadism and Criminal Organizations	Not Mentioned
George Mason University	International Security Masters	Arlington, Virginia, USA	International Relations, Risk Management Tactics, Diplomatic Methods	Yes
University of Arizona	International Security Studies MA	Arizona, USA	Conflict in the Middle East, Global Warming, Russian Foreign Affairs, American National Defense, Terrorism	Not Mentioned
European School of Political and Social Sciences	International and Security Politics Masters	Not Mentioned	Armed Conflict, Terrorism, Environmental Issues, Immigration	Not Mentioned
American University in the Emirates	Master of SS and Information Analysis	Emirates	Security and Intelligence, Intelligence Analysis, Homeland Security	Not Mentioned
University of Southern Denmark	MSc in International Security and Law	Odense, Denmark	Conflict’s Political, Juridical, and Ethical Dimensions	Not Mentioned
University of Malta	Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security	Valletta, Malta	Dispute Settlement Procedures, Human Rights, Justice and Security	Not Mentioned

Conclusion

The wide variety of master’s programs in International SS we have explored demonstrate the significance of this field and its multidimensional nature. These programs offer specialized insights into different facets of security, from traditional national defense to contemporary challenges like climate change and terrorism. 

The courses are structured to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to make meaningful contributions to GS, whether through policy-making, intelligence analysis, diplomatic service, or other related roles. The institutions hosting these programs are spread across various geographies, reflecting the global nature of the security challenges we face today. 

Regardless of the specific focus or location, each of these programs underscores the need for strategic thinking, effective risk management, and a nuanced understanding of international relations. Prospective students should choose a program that aligns with their career aspirations and interests, and that provides them with the best foundation to contribute positively to GS in the future.