Security Intelligence & Strategic Studies - International Master

Students on this degree programme will examine a broad range of contemporary security challenges, such as terrorism, civil war and conflict, mass migration, energy supply security, cyber security and new technologies, and transnational and serious organised crime. Students will also explore the intelligence and strategic approaches used by governmental and non-governmental actors to combat these threats.



The degree adopts a unique approach to the study of security by combining theoretical, applied and empirical knowledge and skill sets. Students will have the opportunity to meet with and work alongside a range of academics and researchers from international partner universities and think tanks from around the world, as well as practitioner experts from governmental and industry security and defence sectors.



Students will examine a broad range of contemporary security challenges, such as terrorism, civil war and intra-state conflict, mass migration, energy security, cyber security, and transnational crime. Students will also explore the intelligence and strategic approaches used by governmental and non-governmental actors to combat these threats. The degree adopts a unique approach to the study of security by combining theoretical, applied and empirical knowledge and skill sets. Students will have the opportunity to meet with and work alongside a range of academics and researchers from international partner universities and think tanks from around the world, as well as practitioner experts from governmental and industry security and defence sectors.



Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available for the programme. Further information and details on how to apply can be found on the IMSISS website: www.securityintelligence-erasmusmundus.eu



Why do this programme?

International security presents complex, challenging realities for a wide range of actors from nation states and international organisations, to multi-national corporations. Globalisation and increased interdependency has radically changed the way we view security in relation to state, society, the economy and even the biosphere.



There is a demand for greater attention and coordinated responses from the international community, including not only individual nation states but also international organisations such as the EU, the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN) and security alliances such as NATO. To support these organisations there is a need for knowledgeable, well informed experts with the skills to not only react to crises, but to identify and anticipate the threats and challenges that create crises. These experts can and should come from civilian (e.g. academia, governmental, non-governmental and private sectors) as well as military backgrounds.



Bridging these ‘expert’ security communities and ensuring opportunities for dedicated training and shared knowledge, experiences and best practice is the purpose of this IMSISS degree programme.



Programme Structure

The programme is structured around four mobility periods across two years. During Year 1 you will undertake a series of core and optional courses reflecting key themes and research design.



In Year 2 you will choose a specialist concentration containing a range of themed courses. Also included is a fourth flexible study period, during which time you will complete your independent study (dissertation) and may have the opportunity to undertake a work-based learning placement with a relevant associate partner.



Each mobility period is designed to provide you with a variety of perspectives on the three core themes of the programme and to develop valuable knowledge and practical skills that will feed into future career opportunities.

Core and optional courses include:

International security & strategic thought (UofG)

Intelligence analysis & policy making (UofG)

European & international security strategies (UofG)

Intelligence & security analysis: theory & practice (DCU)

Political terrorism (DCU)

Conflict, security & peacebuilding (DCU)

Politics of the Middle East & North Africa (DCU)

Arms control & disarmament (Charles)

Economic warfare (Charles)

Radicalisation & deradicalisation (Charles)

Cyber security (Charles)

Space security (Charles)

Ethics & violence (Charles)



For a full range of available courses and concentrations across the three Universities, please see the IMSISS programme website.



NOTE: An optional summer school, provided by OTH Regensburg, includes training on data analytics, social network analysis, and methods of strategic intelligence and analysis, such as the intel cycle and target centric approaches.

For entry requirements for this programme, please click on link below:

https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/internationalsecurity/#tab=3

Applications for this programme are made to The University of Glasgow, please click on link below:

2 years full-time.

Careers

Adult Education

Development Work

Diplomatic Services

EU and International Advisory bodies

EU Institutions

Government Agencies

Government Departments

International Development Agencies

International organisations



The programme will provide students with the training and knowledge to move into national/ international government/ civil service, NGOs, private security sector, media, armed forces, business related activities (i.e. risk analysis) or academia.