Edited by Senior Lecturer Dr. Alan Collins

Issues of security, violence and conflict have become central to international politics and to development policy and discourse. In order to comprehend the modern world, a full appreciation of the realities of conflict and violence, both theoretical and practice-based, has become essential.

This MA degree introduces students to issues and debates within International Security. This includes coverage of both ‘traditional’ security issues such as war and conflict and ‘non-traditional’ issues such as economic security, environmental security, health, identity and migration. Drawing on the Department’s expertise in the field of security, students are also provided with an advanced introduction to key approaches in the study of security including realism, securitization theory, feminist approaches, critical theory and poststructuralism. 

The programme will provide a sound theoretical and policy-oriented basis for understanding security, human security, armed conflict and conflict resolution, and the impact of conflict on international politics and sustainable development. It draws on a multi-disciplinary knowledge base and presents case study material from Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Central and Latin America. Those interested in deepening their understanding of security issues, of causes and patterns of armed conflict, political and policy responses to insecurity and violence, humanitarian interventions in conflict settings, post-war reconstruction and reconciliation, and the impact of human rights and global justice on conflict prevention, conflict resolution and transitional justice, will appreciate this programme.

Programme Details

Part I of the MA consists of 120-credits of compulsory and optional modules that provide training in research skills and theory, allow you to study particular topics with experts in the field, and prepare you for the 60-credit Dissertation which comprises Part II of the scheme. The MA can be pursued full-time or part-time. Full-time students complete Part I over two semesters, in one academic year; part-time students normally complete Part I over four semesters, in two years.

The compulsory modules for this degree are:-

• Critical Security
• Violence, Conflict and Development
• Governance: from state formation to global governance
• Conceptual issues in the theory and practice of social science
• Research process and dissertation

Weblink to Masters modules in Political and Cultural Studies.

Entry Requirements

We welcome students from all over the world with a range of backgrounds and qualifications. The typical entry requirement is a minimum of a lower second class BA degree (with an overall average of at least 55%) or equivalent, in Politics, International Relations or a related subject area.  Overseas students are expected to possess and IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if English is not their first language. Relevant work experience is also taken into consideration.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates are employed in diverse and dynamic vocations such as government and politics, foreign affairs and diplomatic corps; humanitarian organisations; marketing, sales and advertising; commercial, industrial and public Sectors; education; business, law and finance; art, design and culture; journalism, media and PR.

Other books written by academic staff associated with the degree:

For enquiries, please contact Dr. Krijn Peters - email: k.peters@swansea.ac.uk