| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time 2 years part time |
| Entry year | September 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Security Studies |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | 2:2 Honours degree |
|---|---|
Overview
- Learn to think strategically and execute strategies, preparing you to effectively address emerging security challenges.
- Develop critical decision-making and analytical skills and engage with real-world scenarios through workshops, a field trip and a simulated exercise.
- Customise your course with optional modules tailored to your professional interests and aspirations.
- Build a versatile skill set to advance in strategy and security roles and elevate your career.
- Option to choose a traditional dissertation or focus on a work-related topic with a reflective learning portfolio for your final project.
Employability focussed
Top 10 in the UK for Politics
9th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Top 100 in the world for Politics
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
We are in the Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research*
* Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021
Entry requirements
We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in their first degree. While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criterion, 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.
Our students come from many different backgrounds. Some will have just graduated, while many others will be professionals who are looking for additional education and training to help them in their careers.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
In a world where security threats are constantly evolving and strategic decisions are more critical than ever, there is increasing demand for graduates trained in both the theory and practice of strategy.
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. Through a combination of classroom-based modules, a field trip, workshops and a simulated exercise, you will develop critical decision-making and strategic skills. You can also customise the course to your needs through optional modules and even take modules outside the course in other areas such as computer science and data management.
For your final project, you can choose between a dissertation or a reflective learning portfolio, allowing you to apply what you have learnt to a specific case study.
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.
Year 1: 120 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLM233 | Applied Strategy in the Contemporary World | 30 |
| POLM242 | Strategy | 30 |
| POLM243 | Dissertation/Reflective Learning Portfolio | 60 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLM240 | Security Futures | 30 |
| POLM241 | How to Make a Decision | 30 |
| SPAM002 | Security, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies | 30 |
| POLM022 | Challenges and Opportunities in Global Security | 30 |
| POLM308 | Transnational Security and Terrorism | 30 |
| POLM503 | Foreign Policy Decision-Making | 30 |
| POLM144 | The West, Civilisations and World Order | 30 |
| POLM088 | State-building after Civil War | 30 |
| POLM217 | Conflict, Security and Development in Eurasia | 30 |
| POLM890 | The Geopolitics of Russia | 30 |
| POLM344 | Empire and Hierarchy in Russia and Eurasia | 30 |
| POLM244 | Chinese Foreign Policy | 30 |
| POLM082 | International Relations of the Middle East | 30 |
| POLM239 | International Organisation | 30 |
| POLM084 | Conflict, Security and Development in World Politics | 30 |
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
We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students. This includes over £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.
Teaching and research
Teaching
You will be taught by leading scholars in strategy and security who work closely with the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence and other government departments. Teaching will be through a blend of lectures, seminars, group work, a field trip and a simulated exercise designed to teach and confirm practical skills. A supporting speaker series will also provide the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, gaining insights into their expertise and career journeys.
Assessment
The course features a variety of assessments aimed at enhancing both your knowledge and practical skills. For your final project, you have the option to pursue either a traditional dissertation or a reflective learning portfolio focused on a work-related topic, allowing you to apply your learning directly to your career.
Facilities
The Strategy and Security Institute (SSI) at Exeter is located in Knightley, a beautiful Victorian building on the Streatham Campus. While the architecture is historic, the amenities, IT and AV equipment you’ll have access to is state-of-the-art.
Careers
Employer-valued skills
In the MA Applied Security and Strategy programme, you'll gain more than just academic knowledge — you'll develop critical analytical and decision-making skills to tackle real-world challenges. Immersive exercises will nurture key knowledge, skills and behaviours including intellectual enquiry, problem solving skills, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, cultural competence and global citizenship.
Career paths
Through this programme, you will acquire the knowledge and skills essential for advancing in strategy and security related roles within government, public administration, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, transnational corporations, and private security and risk analysis firms. The knowledge you will develop will also set you up for success if you choose to further your education with a doctorate and embark on an academic career.
Career support
As a University of Exeter student, you will also have access to the Career Zone, providing invaluable support and tailored guidance to help you prepare for your career after university.
