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  • Ancient History
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
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  • Architecture
  • Art
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  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
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  • Building and Surveying
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  • Classics and Classical Studies
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  • Creative Writing
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  • Economics
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  • Engineering
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  • International Relations
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  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
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  • Museum Studies

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  • Physician Associate Studies
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  • Surveying and Construction
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  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

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  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
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  • Classics and Ancient History
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  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise
  • Creative Writing

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  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

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  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

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  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teacher training
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

MA International Security Studies

  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months

Examine current and important issues in international security politics with our flexible MA International Security Studies programme.

The course centres on two core modules, International Relations and International Security Studies, and a methodology module that provides you with the necessary skills to conduct your research. In addition, you’ll have a choice of optional modules – spanning contemporary diplomacy, strategic studies or international law – allowing you to customise your learning experience to your personal interests. 

Critically evaluate key international security issues

You will be provided with a solid academic foundation in issues of international security. Furthermore, this course provides you with the ability to conduct critical, independent research into current and historical issues of international security, drawing on a variety of sources and methods. 

Practical teaching and learning

Teaching and assessment methods vary across modules.

Our International Security Studies module is conducted as a series of seminars. Working in groups, students give presentations on assigned topics which act as an introduction to each seminar’s discussion. The module also includes a film presentation on a relevant topic. 

You’ll be assessed on two pieces of coursework on a specific security political topic, assigned by the module convenor. 

Develop in-depth research expertise

As part of your degree, you'll complete a research dissertation. It's an opportunity to carry out independent research –in a specific topic or issue of personal interest, and supervised by an expert – and contribute new insights to the current scholarly debate. 

Learn more about our experts.

Department of Politics and International Relations at University of Reading

  • Recognised for research quality: 97% of our research outputs are rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, meaning that the University of Reading is 6th highest in the UK for research outputs (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output).
  • Wide-ranging expertise: Our areas of strength include Applied Political Theory, Comparative Politics, Public Policy Analysis, Conflict, Security, Strategy and International Relations. 
  • Research-led, relevant teaching: Our academics regularly feature in academic literature and the media, offering their expertise on current issues.  Learn more about how we engage in real-world politics.
  • Exciting optional modules: Across all of our master's degrees, you’ll have the flexibility to study the subjects you're most passionate about.
  • Wide variety of teaching and assessment methods: Teaching primarily occurs through small discussion-based seminars, supplemented by lectures and other activities. Assessments range from traditional essays and oral presentations to various ‘real-world’ assignments such as policy papers.
For more information, please visit the Department of Politics and International Relations website.

Overview

Examine current and important issues in international security politics with our flexible MA International Security Studies programme.

The course centres on two core modules, International Relations and International Security Studies, and a methodology module that provides you with the necessary skills to conduct your research. In addition, you’ll have a choice of optional modules – spanning contemporary diplomacy, strategic studies or international law – allowing you to customise your learning experience to your personal interests. 

Critically evaluate key international security issues

You will be provided with a solid academic foundation in issues of international security. Furthermore, this course provides you with the ability to conduct critical, independent research into current and historical issues of international security, drawing on a variety of sources and methods. 

Practical teaching and learning

Teaching and assessment methods vary across modules.

Our International Security Studies module is conducted as a series of seminars. Working in groups, students give presentations on assigned topics which act as an introduction to each seminar’s discussion. The module also includes a film presentation on a relevant topic. 

You’ll be assessed on two pieces of coursework on a specific security political topic, assigned by the module convenor. 

Develop in-depth research expertise

As part of your degree, you'll complete a research dissertation. It's an opportunity to carry out independent research –in a specific topic or issue of personal interest, and supervised by an expert – and contribute new insights to the current scholarly debate. 

Learn more about our experts.

Department of Politics and International Relations at University of Reading

  • Recognised for research quality: 97% of our research outputs are rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, meaning that the University of Reading is 6th highest in the UK for research outputs (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output).
  • Wide-ranging expertise: Our areas of strength include Applied Political Theory, Comparative Politics, Public Policy Analysis, Conflict, Security, Strategy and International Relations. 
  • Research-led, relevant teaching: Our academics regularly feature in academic literature and the media, offering their expertise on current issues.  Learn more about how we engage in real-world politics.
  • Exciting optional modules: Across all of our master's degrees, you’ll have the flexibility to study the subjects you're most passionate about.
  • Wide variety of teaching and assessment methods: Teaching primarily occurs through small discussion-based seminars, supplemented by lectures and other activities. Assessments range from traditional essays and oral presentations to various ‘real-world’ assignments such as policy papers.
For more information, please visit the Department of Politics and International Relations website.

Entry requirements

Please note that entry requirements for 2024/25 have not yet been confirmed. The entry requirements for 2023/24 were:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (high 2.2 level or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. All of our programmes are appropriate for students from any disciplinary background, although an arts, business, humanities or social science subject is preferred. Relevant work experience may also be taken into account.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

  • Modules

We will be updating this page with module information over the coming weeks. You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,800

New international students: £22,350

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

International students applying to study this degree may also be eligible to apply for a Chevening Scholarship.

Careers

Our graduates move on to a wide range of roles, including:

  • UK ambassadors
  • military officers
  • members of the SAS or intelligence analysts
  • bankers
  • political analyst
  • university lecturers
  • staff college lecturers
  • journalists
  • officials in international organisations
  • police officers.

Others have pursued careers in industry, teaching, local government administration, charitable foundations or parliament.

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  • Politics and International Relations
  • Strategic Studies
  • War and Peace Studies

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