ObjectivesThis course provides a thorough grounding in international security studies, focusing on developments since the end of the cold war. As the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington demonstrated with shocking clarity, international security remains a vital issue on the global agenda. The search for a stable and just international order has proven elusive, with war and armed conflict continuing in many parts of the world. The study of international security involves more than states and military conflict; it includes an analysis of the underlying political, economic, social and environmental sources of conflict. This course combines a study of the main theories and concepts in international security with empirical analysis of contemporary security issues such as terrorism, proliferation, failed states and security communities. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to think critically and analytically about international security, and to consider the complex causes of many contemporary security problems.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Either a first or a good second class honours degree from a British university or its equivalent, in Politics, History, International Relations or other related subjects.
Academic titleMA/Postgraduate Diploma in International Security
Course descriptionCourse modules
Core:
-International Security
-Dissertation
Option modules (three from the following – subject to availability):
-The Modes of Diplomacy
-Democracy in East Central Europe
-American Interventionism since 1993
-Diplomatic Systems
-Democracy and Legitimacy in the EU
-Art of Negotiation
-Post Cold War World Order
-South African Foreign Policy
Teaching and assessment methods
The core modules are examined by mixture of assessed essay and unseen examination. The optional modules are examined by a class presentation and an assessed essay. All teaching is by seminars. MA/MSc students who have passed all forms of assessment will be able to proceed to write a supervised dissertation of between 12,000 and 15,000 words in length