Global Security & Borders

Current information: Borders have become a key site and central concern of global security practices and theory, from the Mexican-United States border to the Mediterranean ports of the EU. The many facets of borders are introduced and analysed in this programme: they are understood as containers of identity, sites of power, and points of weakness where the mobility of people (e.g. terrorists, migrants) and things (e.g. drugs, weapons) can disrupt prevailing forms of security. This programme aims to help students navigate this complex terrain by providing a firm grounding in critical border studies. At the core of this programme is the chance for students to apply their academic insights within a work-based environment with borders/security professionals through the Borders Internship module.

Core Modules

Dissertation (60 credits)

Global Security and Borders (20 credits)

Borders Internship (40 credits)

APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN (20 credits)



Optional Modules

Global Terrorism (20 credits)

The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland (20 credits)

The Politics of the Republic of Ireland (20 credits)

Conflict Intervention (20 credits)

Global Political Economy (20 credits)

The Politics and Political Economy of Energy and Low Carbon Energy Transitions (20 credits)

Contemporary Security (20 credits)

Institutions and Politics of the European Union (20 credits)

The UK and Europe (20 credits)

Comparative Territorial Politics (20 credits)

Social Injustice (20 credits)

Virtues, Ethics, and Empire (20 credits)

Global Development (20 credits)

Interest Groups, Lobbying and Advocacy (20 credits)

Diplomacy and Influence in International Affairs (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

A minimum of a 2.2 Honours degree (with minimum of 55%) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a Social Sciences, Humanities or Arts subject.



Given the highly competitive nature of the selection process for this course, please note that where offers are made, the academic standard required may be higher than the minimum requirement outlined above.



Further criteria may be applied since placements are limited. This may include (but is not limited to) ranking applications on the basis of academic performance, alongside a personal statement.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Please Note: due to external international funding deadlines, international/EU applicants must apply by Friday 30th January 2026 at 4pm GMT for consideration. The closing date for UK/Irish applicants (or late international applicants not applying for consideration of international funding) is Friday 27th March 2026 at 4pm GMT. This is due to a limited number of internships available for this course.



Applications received after the closing deadline of Friday 27th March 2026 at 4pm GMT will be regarded as LATE and will be considered only if vacancies exist when all applications received by these closing dates have been processed.



A deposit is required to secure your place. (This condition of offer will be in addition to any academic or English language requirements).



Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

Seminar presentations


Learning journals


Literature reviews


Portfolios


Written essays


Dissertation 15,000 words (60-credits)

1 year (Full-time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

All of the MA programmes offered in the School provide our graduates with the skills to pursue a wide range of careers in the private, public and voluntary sectors. In addition they provide an appropriate basis for those who wish to proceed to Doctoral-level study. Former students on the Global Security and Borders programme have gone on to the following careers:

- Fully funded PhD Programme in the US

- UK Navy

- New York Police Department

- Immigration services in Ireland

- Law School in the US

- Civil Service in Canadian Federal Government

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/