Security & International Relations

Entry requirements

Our standard offer is a 2:2 or above, preferably in directly relatable subjects within the social and political sciences. This can include previous study in the area of international relations, although cognate subjects including history, law, comparative studies, or the broader range of sociology and psychology will also be considered providing undergraduate marks obtained are robust enough. This is in addition to two letters of recommendation, and a brief personal statement outlining interest and areas of specialism being considered, as well as a complete CV.

The University has a well-established Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) structure in operation. Students without previous qualifications may be accepted as part of this process. If you are unsure whether your qualifications are appropriate please contact us directly: ppspostgraduate@canterbury.ac.uk.

If English is not your first language you require an IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5 for most standard undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MSc Security & International Relations will help you tackle the ‘big issues’ on the international stage with confidence and curiosity, equipping you for career paths in local, national, and international arenas thanks to innovative modules and a thesis that allows you to specialise.

On the course you will be introduced to the fundamental principles of international relations, and you will refine your knowledge within specialist classes on what it means to be secure, digital security, and human rights. You will learn in a systematic and engaging way about the origins, evolution and multifaceted character of the international system. Our research active lecturers furthermore provide specialist insights on power, influence and governance within key national, regional and international structures.

Our graduates are well placed to specialise in careers connected to key areas of international relations, enhanced with expertise in security.

Why Study Security & International Relations?

Security is about more than military. Security is central to humankind. This course highlights not only the aspects of security that are fundamental to international relations - war, peace, cooperation, and power, but also those aspects of security that we encounter daily - gender security, race security, food and health security, environmental security, and cyber security.

At Canterbury Christ Church University you will learn in small groups, in which discussions are key to learning. You will be taught by lecturers with PhDs and research topics of specialist expertise. You will leave with key graduate skills, new networks, and a wealth of new knowledge and understanding. Whether you want to work in international politics and use your MSc to gain a foothold, or whether you want to be able to hold your own in discussions pertaining to international current affairs, this course is for you.

All about the course

Through a combination of core and specialist modules, the MSc is constructed around a series of modules that will help you analyse the multifaceted origins, evolution and conflictual development of the international political system.

You will explore the analytical application of a range of the core theories and contemporary concepts that make up the canon of International Relations. You will also interrogate the relative merits and shortcomings of ideologies, political, economic and socio-cultural philosophies, structures of power, and systems of governance in order to better understand the global political system.

Modules are comprised of formal lectures on key themes of International Relations, security and globalisation, and interactive seminars that explore global actors, structures, and policies, making use of a robust range of teaching and learning styles to deconstruct this complex and fast changing subject area.

Based on nationally recognized, award winning teaching styles, graduate classes are engaging and interactive, ranging from simulation games that reflect the actual workings of an international institution or a given security actor, to negotiation-based group work, as well as the analysis of key international policy texts, treaties or conventions.

Students are encouraged to produce work in the form of briefing notes, blogs and pieces of advocacy, all focusing on contemporary challenges to the international structure, ensuring that students completing this course graduate with an advanced knowledge of their chosen area through the most contemporary pedagogic styles.

Fees and funding

See University website