Conflict and Security in Policy and Practice – online

Entry requirements

• A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in any subject from the UK or the equivalent international qualification. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
• We will also consider applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree. In these circumstances we expect candidates to have at least five years of relevant professional learning.
• The Admissions team will holistically assess your application and determine the best route of entry for you. In some cases, this may be onto the PGCert in the first instance, from which students who attain a certain level in their modules will have the opportunity to progress to a full Masters degree.

Students are also required to have a desired level of English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.

The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.

Application requirements

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.

Months of entry

January

Course content

Why study this course?

Focus on policy and practice in a fully online degree unique to St Andrews, where you will study alongside national security and policy professionals from around the world.

Beyond the delivery of expert knowledge on a range of pressing global challenges, this programme develops a practiced-informed pedagogical approach to core issues relating to security and conflict. In addition to deepening your awareness of ground-breaking research in a range of topics, we integrate skills development from the outset in areas such as technical writing, multi-method research, and effective and tailored communication. Blending the delivery of expert knowledge with an applied and active pedagogy, this programme is uniquely tailored to the online learning environment and is an ideal professional development opportunity for those looking to take the next step in their career.

Who is it for?

This MSc is designed for students from diverse educational and professional backgrounds with a range of interests. You do not need to hold a previous degree or qualification in conflict, security studies or international relations to study this programme.

You are empowered to select topics that best suit your personal interests, allowing you to develop expertise in areas relevant to your current or future professional practice. The programme's in-built flexibility enables you to learn at your own pace. Modules are designed to work as standalone or alongside others to hone key transferable skills.

Highlights

• Develop your understanding of key issues in conflict and security, including their geopolitical and societal impacts
• Build your own community of practice, working with peers and practitioners from a diverse range of professional backgrounds
• Develop a strong foundational knowledge of conflict and security studies and take specialist modules to tailor the programme to your interests
• Benefit from a dedicated programme team with cutting-edge and complementary research expertise
• Develop your research, analysis, and communication skills, enabling you to write for different audiences, including policymakers and expert audiences
• Hear from practitioners with real-world experience in conflict and security

Why St Andrews?

The School of International Relations is recognised globally for its quality of teaching, stimulating research and renowned academics. We have ranked 1st in the Guardian University Guide for Politics/International Relations since 2015, and 1st in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide since 2022.

The School is also renowned for its research and teaching focus on conflict, peace, and security, which is the largest of our three research themes. This includes research on a broad range of topics, including human rights, the political economies of peace and violence, post-war reconstruction, terrorism, insurgency and many more.

Within the School, there are a series of research centres dedicated to studying topics relating to conflict and security, such as:

• The Institute for the Study of War and Strategy (ISWS)
• Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS)
• The Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence

Careers

The programme is ideal for those at the outset of a career in a range of fields relating to security challenges and the impact of conflict. The applied ethos of the programme prepares students to succeed in policy analysis and policy-making-oriented professions.

This programme has also been designed for those who have already made key steps in their careers but are looking to return to higher education to undertake further study or to deepen their expertise in new areas. By honing their research, analysis and presentation skills further, the programme will enable them to make a career change or take the next step.

Support

The University of St Andrews is committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at. The Careers Centre can help connect you to an extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.

The International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can also support you with academic and professional skills development. The University’s Entrepreneurship Centre offers start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.

Fees and funding

The University of St Andrews is committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:

• St Leonards Digital Education Scholarship
• Snowdon Trust Masters Scholarship
• GREAT Scholarship
• St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
• Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)