MA International Security Studies

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Leicester

Program Overview

The MA International Security Studies at the University of Leicester is tailored for students who want to understand how wars start, how conflicts are managed, and how states and organisations respond to threats ranging from terrorism to cyber attacks. It suits motivated graduates in politics, international relations, history or related fields who want to build specialist expertise in security policy, intelligence, strategy and contemporary conflict, while developing strong analytical and research skills that employers value highly in government, NGOs and the security sector .

Curriculum structure

In the first part of the programme, you build a foundation in key concepts and debates in security studies, typically through a core module such as International Security Studies that introduces theories of security, strategic studies and national security policy, alongside topics like war, peace and changing balances of power . You are encouraged to explore empirical cases, from traditional interstate conflict to newer threats such as terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, so you start thinking like a security analyst rather than just a student .

As you move through your taught modules, you normally choose from specialist options that might cover areas such as intelligence, strategy and security, regional security issues, or global ethics and security, depending on the current menu of options offered by Politics and International Relations . These modules are seminar-based, so you are constantly debating policy dilemmas, evaluating evidence and presenting arguments—exactly the kind of practice that prepares you for roles in policy analysis or security consultancy .

In the final stage, you complete an independent dissertation on a topic in international security that you design yourself, under one‑to‑one supervision from a researcher active in that field . This is where you bring together theory, methods and case study research—whether that is on counter‑terrorism strategies, intelligence failures, nuclear deterrence, or regional security crises—and produce a substantial piece of work that you can talk about in applications and interviews .
Focus areas (in a string): International security, strategic studies, intelligence, war and conflict, national and global security policy, contemporary security threats .
Learning outcomes (in a string): Ability to analyse complex security problems, apply security and IR theories to real‑world cases, design and conduct independent research, and communicate clear, evidence‑based arguments in written and oral forms .

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Leicester’s MA International Security Studies, you’ll gain hands-on skills through seminar debates on real-world threats like terrorism and cyber risks, plus independent research projects that mimic policy analysis in security agencies. The program’s teaching style—two-hour weekly seminars per module—builds your ability to present ideas, evaluate evidence, and collaborate in group discussions, all backed by the School’s comprehensively resourced library for accessing global security databases and journals . This practical focus, combined with events like research seminars featuring world-renowned speakers, prepares you to think and act like a pro in high-stakes environments: here’s the specifics.

• Seminars foster group projects and debates on modules like International Security, sharpening teamwork, oral presentation, and critical analysis skills in small-group settings .

• Independent dissertation work hones research design, data handling, and long-form writing, often on practitioner-relevant topics like intelligence or conflict strategy .

• Access to a fully equipped library with digital tools for scholarly research, plus student support systems tailored to Politics and IR postgrads .

• Departmental events including ESRC-sponsored seminars, international conferences, and guest talks provide networking and exposure to security professionals—no specific labs, field trips, or internships listed for this program .

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the University of Leicester’s MA International Security Studies launch into dynamic careers where they apply their expertise in threat analysis, policy, and strategy to real-world challenges in government, defence, and global organisations. You’ll find alumni thriving as intelligence analysts, policy advisors in the civil service, security consultants for NGOs, or strategic researchers in think tanks: this program positions you perfectly for high-impact roles that matter .

• Careers and Employability Service delivers tailored 1:1 guidance, CV reviews, interview prep, employer events, and an online jobs portal with security-focused internships and graduate schemes, plus alumni support for life .

• Employment stats highlight strong outcomes for Politics and IR postgrads entering civil service, business, and research; specific salary figures for this MA are N/A, but the qualification boosts prospects in competitive sectors .

• Research partnerships through the Intelligence, Security and Strategic Studies cluster connect you to global policy networks, civil society, media, and advisors, offering indirect access to professional collaborations .

• Long-term value: As a respected UK MA from a research-led department, it holds enduring credibility for advancement in security, defence, and international affairs without specific external accreditation .

• Graduation outcomes: Many secure roles in government service, international organisations, political research, journalism, banking, or teaching, with others advancing to PhD research or analyst positions