MSc Global Security Studies

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in their first degree in a relevant subject area. While we normally only accept applicants who meet this criteria, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.

Applications from sector professionals, or applicants with relevant experience seeking academic qualification, or the opportunity to enhance skills or knowledge in this field are encouraged.

Course content

In the context of today’s numerous challenges and opportunities in global security, there is a high demand for students with a strong expertise in global security combined with analytical and/or problem solving abilities – skills that are a particular focus in the study of global security.

The MSc Global Security Studies draws on the strengths of our Politics department, particularly within security, strategy, global politics and international relations.

It will provide a broad-based training in major theories of global security combined with a strong grounding in acquiring skills to analyse contemporary challenges and opportunities. It will allow students to focus on particular issues and areas and to develop their knowledge and skills for future careers in security and strategy, including within governmental and non-governmental organisations at the domestic and international levels.

Students will be able to select optional modules across the range of modules in security, international relations and global governance, and politics. Students may pick up to 60 credits from any of the optional modules offered in Politics, International Relations and Global Governance, and Security.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Fees

2025/26 entry

UK fees per year:

£12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time

International fees per year:

£25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

^{*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.}

Teaching and research

With the exception of the dissertation and capstone module, each module on this programme is normally taught through academic lectures expanded through seminar discussion, presentations, group work, reading and essay assignments.

You will have an individual supervisor for your dissertation, which is a 15,000 word extended essay on a topic of your choice (following discussion and approval from your supervisor).

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Careers

Employer-valued skills

The programme will furnish students with the capacity to assess contemporary global security challenges across a broad range of areas. It will foster critical thinking through a range of writing and group-work presentations; a mix of academic with practice-based learning, including through the capstone module; and develop confidence through interaction and exposure to senior leaders across a range of fields. 

In addition to the academic and knowledge-based skills provided by this programme’s subject material, your studies will also develop personal skills which are highly valued by employers, such as:

• Advanced independent thinking, with the ability to undertake self-directed learning and time management to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment
• Experience of working as an individual on challenging material
• The ability to reflect on your learning, evaluate personal strengths and weakness, and map out a plan of personal development based on those reflections
• Competence with standard IT applications, and an understanding of efficient and effective ways to obtain information from library, database, and online sources.
• Experience of working as a participant and/or leader of a group, and of contributing effectively to the planning and achievement of that group’s objectives
• Experience of giving presentations to others in your field
• The ability to construct a rigorous argument, and defend that argument citing relevant sources, both in written form and orally.

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Related courses

View all Security Studies courses