International Relations and Security MA

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Liverpool

Program Overview

This MA gives you a strong, research-informed understanding of how global politics, conflict, and security challenges shape the world, making it an ideal choice if you want a career in diplomacy, security analysis, NGOs, or policy-research roles. It is designed for students who want to explore both traditional and contemporary security issues while building advanced analytical and research skills drawn directly from the University’s internationally recognised Politics department.

Curriculum Structure

The programme is a 1-year full-time (or 2-year part-time) degree that blends theoretical foundations, practical research training, and specialist optional modules before culminating in an independent dissertation.

Year of Study (Single-Year Taught MA)

In the early part of the programme, you develop your analytical foundation through core modules such as:

POLI510: Studying Politics and International Relations – where you explore political analysis, global power structures, and theoretical tools used across IR and security studies.
Research Methods in Politics / Social Sciences – giving you practical skills to design research, analyse political data, and critically evaluate security-related issues.
(Source: University of Liverpool Module Catalogue – Politics PGT Modules)

As you move further, you choose optional modules that let you specialise in areas such as:

International Relations and Security,
Conflict Resolution,
Political Communication,
Global Governance,
Human Rights and International Order.
These seminars are interactive, discussion-based, and designed to help you apply theory to current international tensions, geopolitical events, and real security dilemmas.
(Source: University of Liverpool – International Relations and Security MA)

The programme concludes with a dissertation supervised by an academic expert, allowing you to conduct original research — whether on war, peacebuilding, cyber-security, global institutions, terrorism, diplomacy, or other security-related themes.

(Source: University of Liverpool – MA Dissertation Requirements)

Focus Areas

“International relations theory; traditional & critical security studies; conflict resolution; global governance; political communication; international organisations; human rights; foreign policy; research methodologies.”

Learning Outcomes

“You will develop the ability to critically analyse global political and security challenges, apply IR and security theory to real-world cases, conduct rigorous independent research using political-science methodologies, and communicate complex ideas with clarity and authority.”

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Liverpool, this MA isn’t just about reading theory — it combines interactive teaching with access to expert faculty, a strong academic department, and university-wide resources. Students learn to apply modern political-science methods to real global issues, while having the institutional infrastructure needed for serious research, writing and analysis.

Here are concrete experiential-learning assets and opportunities you’d benefit from:

Flexible specialist pathways within a research-active department: The programme allows you to choose pathways such as “International Relations & Security,” “Conflict Resolution,” or “Political Communication,” letting you focus on topics that interest you and study under faculty with internationally recognised expertise in non-state violence, conflict, security theory and IR.
Interactive seminars and small-group teaching: Rather than just lectures, teaching is structured around seminars and classroom discussion — ideal for deep debates, critical thinking and applying theory to real-world security and global-political issues.
Training in social-science research methods and application to IR/security topics: The curriculum emphasises the application of research methods to the study of IR and security, helping you build analytical, empirical and theoretical skills to study international dynamics rigorously.
Access to the University’s library and research infrastructure: As a postgraduate student, you’ll have access to Liverpool’s academic resources — books, journals, databases — essential for literature reviews, data gathering, and dissertation-writing.
Support for independent research via a dissertation or major project: The programme ends with a dissertation or major research project, giving you first-hand experience of designing a research question, collecting and analysing data (or texts), and producing a substantial academic output — invaluable if you aim for research, policy-analysis, or further studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MA are well-placed to step into roles such as Policy Analyst, Security / International Affairs Researcher, Diplomatic Service Officer, or Think-Tank / NGO Researcher — because the course offers a robust grounding in global politics, security theory, and research skills along with active employability support. With the backing of a respected Russell-Group university and strong graduate-prospect performance, this degree gives a solid platform for both immediate employment and long-term careers in global affairs.

Here’s what supports and outcomes you can expect:

Comprehensive career-support from the University: The university’s dedicated Careers & Employability team — via its Career Studio — offers CV and cover-letter guidance, interview prep, employer networking events, job/placement listings and career-planning support. This continues even after graduation.
High employability performance among graduates: According to the university’s recent reporting, they saw a rise in graduates entering “high-skilled employment or further study” 15 months after graduation.
Access to internship and placement schemes: Students can use programmes such as “Liverpool Interns” — which offers flexible, paid internships with organisations across the Liverpool region — to gain practical experience, build professional networks and enhance their CVs.
Broad sector and employer applicability: Thanks to the degree’s focus on international relations, security, conflict and governance, graduates are eligible for a wide array of sectors — including diplomacy, public policy, NGOs, security analysis, international organisations, consultancy and research institutes. The MA’s optional pathways let you tailor study to your desired sector (security, conflict resolution, governance).
Strong academic credentials and long-term value: As a member of the Russell Group and holder of a “Gold” Teaching Excellence rating, the University of Liverpool offers a degree that’s well respected in academic and international spheres — giving long-term credibility whether you choose to work or pursue higher research degrees.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MA, many graduates opt to continue into doctoral-level study — e.g., a PhD in International Relations, Security Studies, Global Governance, Conflict & Peace Studies, or related social-science fields. The MA’s strong research methods training and flexible structure make it excellent preparation for high-level academic research, policy analysis, or think-tank careers.