Global Security

University of Glasgow
Postgraduate MSc Full-time 12 Months Sociology

About this course

The traditional military threats which defined global security matters for the best part of the 20th century have been quickly replaced by new and re-emerging security challenges. The Masters in Global Security offers you the opportunity to examine conventional and unconventional security threats in the contemporary environment.

WHY THIS PROGRAMME

  • The programme will develop your knowledge of the major security challenges impacting our rapidly changing socio-political environment at a global, national, and local level. These range from interstate conflict, terrorism, insurgency, cyber and hybrid warfare to disease, migration and climate change.

  • You will benefit from the interdisciplinary expertise of our staff who have specialism in a wide array of security-focused issues, ranging from interstate conflict, terrorism, insurgency, cyber and hybrid warfare, to poverty, climate change, migration, and public health.

  • This programme provides you with the theoretical and practical knowledge that can enable you to pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including governmental and non-governmental organisations, international organisations, research agencies, and security and risk analysis companies

  • You will address the complexity of contemporary security threats by acquiring the theoretical knowledge and policy tools required for expert analysis and result-oriented action.

  • Extra-curricular activities include master classes delivered by established academics and high-profile professionals, and career-focused workshops.

  • You will have the opportunity to participate in a study trip to a European city that hosts important security-focused institutions (such as NATO Headquarters) in order to gain first-hand experience with decision-making processes and get valuable insights into job opportunities (previous study trips were organised to Brussels, Paris, and London).

  • You will benefit from networking opportunities and vibrant intellectual development within a highly international and diverse cohort of Global Security students.

  • International Relations at Glasgow is ranked 2nd in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2025.

    PROGRAMME STRUCTURE You will take two core courses and four optional courses. You will also complete a dissertation as a piece of independent research.

    Core courses International Security and Strategic Studies Designing your Security & Area Studies Research Proposal

    Optional courses Conflict Analysis Political Economy of Conflict War-making and Peace-making in the former Soviet Union Media and Conflict in Divided Societies European and International Security Strategies Gender, Race and International Relations Global Migrations: Histories, Structures, Experiences. Humanitarian Intervention: Civilian or Sovereignty International Organizations International Relations of the Middle East Crime and Corruption in the Former Soviet Union Russia, China, and international politics of Eurasia De Facto States in the Post-Soviet Space Russia, China, and international politics of Eurasia Statehood and Nationality in Russia, Central and Eastern Europe Yugoslavia and After: Themes and Controversies The Global Criminal Economy Media, War and Security Qualitative Approaches to the Study of Political Violence

    • Study Options

    This course is available in 2 study options:

    Part-time

    Duration: 24 Months

    Qualification: MSc

    Location: Glasgow

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 12 Months

    Qualification: MSc

    Location: Glasgow

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    1162 Senior police officers
    3319 Protective service associate professionals
    3312 Police officers (sergeant and below)
    2434 Business and related research professionals
    4113 Officers of non-governmental organisations
    1163 Senior officers in fire, ambulance, prison and related services

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    Course Details

    Qualification
    MSc
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    12 Months
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Glasgow
    Scheme
    Postgraduate
    Subjects
    Sociology

    Offered by

    University of Glasgow

    Glasgow

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