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International Security MA

1 year full-time, starting in September 2025

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Explore the fast-changing and multi-faceted subject of international security. Learn about topics including cybersecurity, counterterrorism and peacekeeping.

International security has evolved enormously in the 21st century. Because of this, the way governments and organisations prepare for threats like terrorism, human and drug trafficking, and territorial and sovereignty disputes must adapt, too.

This course aims to prepare you for the new landscape of international security. With a focus on contemporary security issues, you’ll look at politics and policymaking in the international arena, and the role of global actors within it.

You'll gain important insights into the diverse dimensions of international security through in-depth study of up-to-date practices and challenges. You’ll also consider how major security threats impact societies and individuals, and the policy decisions that can prevent and minimise their effects.

Topics you’ll cover include:

  • interstate and intrastate wars
  • conflict, peace and peacekeeping
  • terrorism and counterterrorism
  • intelligence
  • failed states and state building
  • cybersecurity
  • political violence
  • climate challenges

This course is suitable for you if you have a degree in an appropriate subject, such as public policy, government, international affairs, international relations, history or sociology, and a keen interest to expand your knowledge and career prospects.

It's also suitable for you if you want to specialise in security issues, whether you're working in an NGO, government or the private sector, or other relevant fields such as commerce, industry and teaching.

Watch our webinar about this course

Learn from experts in the field

Studying in our Department for Politics, Languages & International Studies will provide you with the opportunity to work with leading researchers. Their first-hand research experience will allow you to gain new perspectives on this complex subject area. Their expertise spans areas like cyberspace politics, gender politics, biological and chemical warfare, and global governance.

Gain important career skills

You’ll have the opportunity to gain:

  • in-depth knowledge of the new international security environment of the 21st century
  • a detailed understanding of the theories and methods underpinning international security
  • the ability to analyse current security challenges and practices and their impact on research and policymaking
  • a strong foundation for an international career in administration, diplomacy, research and policymaking

Graduate prospects

Studying this course will provide you with an excellent grounding for working in international organisations, government agencies, multinational corporations, NGOs, and public bodies.

Graduates have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of organisations, including:

  • Foreign Relations Officer, Office of the Narcotics Control Board
  • Policy Advisor, DEFRA
  • Analyst, UI's Europe Programme
  • NATO consultant, Washington DC
  • Global Operations Officer, Drum Cussac Group

2025/26 Academic Year

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 1 year. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2026. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Year 1

Semester 1

You'll choose one optional unit.

Compulsory units

  • Research methods in political science and international relations

    10 credits

  • War, politics and society: from the mainstream to the critical margins

    10 credits

Optional units

  • European Union politics in a changing world

    10 credits

  • Gender theory

    10 credits

  • International terrorism

    10 credits

  • Statecraft and geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region

    10 credits

  • The global politics of cyberspace

    10 credits

  • The resurgence of reactionary politics

    10 credits

  • Theoretical approaches of international politics and foreign policy

    10 credits

Semester 2

You'll choose three optional units.

Optional units

  • Contemporary comparative Russian politics

    10 credits

  • Democracy v technocracy: modernity and risk

    10 credits

  • Gender, security and transitional justice from Global South to Global North

    10 credits

  • Genocides, human rights' violations, and transitional justice

    10 credits

  • Memory cultures and memory politics

    10 credits

  • The politics of Asia and the world

    10 credits

  • The politics of gender inequality

    10 credits

  • The politics of organised crime

    10 credits

  • The politics of the environment

    10 credits

  • Theories of conflict and conflict resolution

    10 credits

Summer

Compulsory units

  • MA in International Security dissertation

    30 credits

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.

Learning

  • Research project
  • Design projects
  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Seminars
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Examinations
  • Oral presentation

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

You are expected to spend approximately 35 hours per week studying, with around 8-10 hours of this being structured classes.

This will be made up of a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops. You will work as an individual and as part of small groups.

Assessment breakdown

You will experience a balance of different forms of assessment designed to support your professional development. This will include coursework, essays, presentations, examinations, and a dissertation.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Read our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

A woman (Jess Russell) stood in a park.
‘I gained skills beyond a qualification. The diversity of the international cohort enabled me to engage with like-minded individuals from all over the world.’
— Jess Russell MA International Security (Graduating year, 2023)

Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as European Studies, International Relations, Modern Languages, Politics, History, Economics or Sociology.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for International Security MA full-time

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses.

Extra costs

If you receive an offer, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £1,000 when you accept to secure your place. This will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information

  • Course title
    International Security
  • Final award
    MA
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    TDUPL-IS01
  • Department
    Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    31 August 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    31 July 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator
    The Office for Students (OfS)

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