Security Studies
Home to the internationally recognised Strategy and Security Institute (SSI) and Q-Step Centre.
Top 100 for Politics in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research
Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021
Employability focussed
We have one of the best Politics departments in the UK and offer a range of security studies courses at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. We have significant research strengths in international relations and security, with our courses being particularly relevant to students hoping to work in national and international security, for security services and other similar organisations (such as the UK Home Office’s Homeland Security Group, NGOs, aid organisations, international bodies such as the United Nations or other international agencies.
We provide our students with an advanced understanding of global security, by engaging them in the history, theory, methodology and global issues that affect the stability of world order in the 21st Century. Students have the opportunity to study core issues and traditional thinking and practices around security studies, as well as newer concepts such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cyber security.
Research income has grown with major awards from the Economic and Social Research Council, the European Commission and Leverhulme Trust. The department's strong research culture is reflected in our regular seminars and workshops and visits from internationally renowned scholars.
Choosing the course for you
Overview
MA Applied Security and Strategy is a unique, academically rigorous and professionally focused programme designed to equip you with critical understanding of the theory, history and practice of strategy.
Develop critical decision-making and analytical skills and engage with real-world scenarios through workshops, a field trip and a simulated exercise.
Build a versatile skill set to advance in strategy and security roles and elevate your career.
View the full course details for MA Applied Security and Strategy.
Entry requirements
We recognise that many professionals in defence and security, such as those in the Armed Forces, entered their careers without a first degree. We welcome applications from individuals without a degree who can demonstrate to the Programme Director through their application that they have the requisite experience and academic capability to thrive on the programme.
Duration
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Fee (full-time)
- Home: £12,500
- International: £25,300
Overview
Focus on the challenges faced by organisations and government agencies when responding to humanitarian crises, civil wars and international conflict.
Accredited work placement in the UK or overseas in the development, diplomacy or policy making sectors.
Particularly relevant to students hoping to work for NGOs, aid organisations, international bodies such as the United Nations or other international agencies.
View the full course details for MA Conflict, Security and Development.
Duration
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Fee (full-time)*
- Home: £12,500
- International: £25,300
*Part-time fees are charged pro rata. Please see course entry for details.
Overview
Delivers a broad-based training in major theories of global security combined with a strong grounding in acquiring skills to analyse contemporary challenges and opportunities.
Includes a core, intensive three-day practice-focused module that provides employability specific practice-oriented training for students wishing to pursue a career in security and strategy.
Particularly relevant for students wanting to pursue a career in security and strategy, including within governmental and non-governmental organisations at the domestic and international levels.
View the full course details for MSc Global Security Studies.
Duration
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Fee (full-time)*
- Home: £12,500
- International: £25,300
*Part-time fees are charged pro rata. Please see course entry for details.
Overview
Investigate and contextualise major events, current crises and global trends with a particular focus on security, international relations theory and foreign policy.
Benefit from small group, interactive teaching, with extra-curricular events (such as stand-alone talks given by policy makers, activists and scholars) that are hugely beneficial by giving added perspective of contemporary world politics.
Ideal for working professionals in governments around the world, NGOs, aid agencies, diplomats, think tanks and other international organisations.
View the full course details for MA International Relations.
Duration
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Fee (full-time)*
- Home: £12,500
- International: £25,300
*Part-time fees are charged pro rata. Please see course entry for details.
Overview
Learn how to use scientific methods, statistical techniques, and computational methods (such as the use of algorithms, machine learning and artificial intelligence) and processes to gain actionable insights from large, sometimes unstructured and “noisy”, data.
Unique in the market, the course provides students with crucial data skills in relation to security, defence and law enforcement. Fields with growing demand for experienced professionals.
No previous data science qualifications required.
View the full course details for MSc Security and Data Science.
Duration
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Fee (full-time)*
- Home: £12,500
- International: £25,300
*Part-time fees are charged pro rata. Please see course entry for details.
Overview
An exciting new leadership course delivered with our Triple-Accredited (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA) Business School in partnership with University of South Australia and Carnegie Mellon.
This course is aimed at senior professionals with an international perspective working in defence and space.
View the full course details - Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space.
Duration
18 months.
Fee (full-time)
See course page for fee information.
