The 36-credit M.S. in National Security Affairs and International Relations in the Department of History and Political Science is designed to provide students with theoretical, research, and applied skills in the emerging academic field of national security affairs. Students in this program will build a core understanding of critical issues informing the field of national security today, including the assessment and analysis of the threat of terrorism in the US and beyond and the analysis of intelligence collection. The M.S. in National Security Affairs and International Relations is offered online worldwide.
National security affairs is one of the fastest growing professions with positions open in the public sector in the federal, state and local governments and in the private sector. This program is designed for professionals in the field seeking career advancement, those who aspire to enter the field, individuals in related professions, and those retired from the military and government seeking consulting and other positions. Examples of potential students include personnel in the military, federal, state and local governments, law enforcement, corporations, and academia, as well as recent college graduates.
The program consists of a core of 7 courses (21 credits). Pedagogically, the program core focuses on building the critical analytical skills graduates need to succeed professionally and academically in the field of national security affairs. The ability to critically analyze intelligence information and global security issues, interpret historical and contemporary issues informing the field, and perform textual analyses, defines the program core's most important learning outcomes.
M.S. in National Security Affairs and International Relations in the Department of History and Political Science is designed to provide students with theoretical, research, and applied skills in the emerging academic field of national security affairs. Students in this program will build a core understanding of critical issues informing the field of national security today, including the assessment and analysis of the threat of terrorism in the U.S. and beyond, and the analysis of intelligence collection. Students will also develop a deep understanding of the international context in which U.S. national security issues are shaped.
The program consists of a core of 7 courses (21 credits). Pedagogically, the program core focuses on building the critical analytical skills graduates need to succeed professionally and academically in the field of national security affairs. The ability to critically analyze intelligence information and global security issues, interpret historical and contemporary issues informing the field, and perform textual analyses, defines the program core's most important learning outcomes.
Following completion of the program core, students must complete 15 credits of coursework from the list of available electives. The majority of the elective offerings were developed specifically for the national security and international relations program, with a small number drawn from closely related fields. The elective list contains both courses that emphasize domestic security and courses that have a broader international focus, resulting in sufficient breadth of subject matter to allow students to tailor their choices around particular academic or professional interests.
Students interested in Cyber Security can choose to take a specific concentration in this area. Students who choose this option must complete 9 credits from the Cyber Security concentration and 6 credits from the elective list. Before choosing this option, students must secure permission from the Department of History and Political Science. After a consultation, it will be determined whether the student can enter the Cyber Security concentration, or if additional foundation courses will be required in order to enter and successfully complete the concentration.
Core Courses (21 credits)
Electives (15 credits)
Optional Cyber Security Concentration
In addition to successfully completing all course work, students must pass a tabletop examination to be awarded the M.S. in National Security Affairs and International Relations. When a student has completed all coursework, has maintained a minimum of 3.0 GPA with no "incomplete" grades, and is a "student in good standing" with no disciplinary actions pending or disciplinary tasks to complete, the student will be eligible to take the tabletop examination. The tabletop exam is an assessment of the student's ability to integrate the knowledge and skills gained through course work.The exam tests the student's written ability to critically analyze and apply conflict assessment, theory, and research methodology to hypothetical conflict situations. The exam also tests knowledge of material specific to the academic curriculum.
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study International Security and Development (Extended) at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MA in International Security and Development introduces students to issues and debates within International Security. This includes coverage of both ‘traditional’ security issues such as war and conflict and ‘non-traditional’ issues such as economic security, environmental security, health, identity and migration.
Issues of security, violence and conflict have become central to international politics and to development policy and discourse. In order to comprehend the modern world, a full appreciation of the realities of conflict and violence, has become essential.
Drawing on the Department’s expertise in the field of security, International Security and Development students are also provided with an advanced introduction to key approaches in the study of security including realism, securitization theory, feminist approaches, critical theory and poststructuralism.
Students enrolled on the MA in International Security and Development benefit from the College of Arts and Humanities' Graduate Centre. The Graduate Centre fosters and supports individual and collaborative research activity of international excellence and offers a vibrant and supportive environment for students pursuing postgraduate research and taught masters study including those in International Security and Development. The Centre provides postgraduate training to enhance academic and professional development and facilitates participation in seminar programmes, workshops and international conferences.
The full-time International Security and Development course structure is split across the year with three modules taken in each academic semester (a total of six modules) and then a dissertation over the summer. Students study four compulsory modules, the research module and one optional module. The dissertation is written on a specialist research topic of the student's choosing.
Part-time study in MA in International Security and Development is available.
The Extended MA (EMA) in International Security and Development is a 240-credit postgraduate qualification that is equivalent to 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) and is thus a recognised Masters qualification throughout the European Union. The EMA is a standard UK MA plus an additional 60 credits (30 ECTS) and this additional coursework is undertaken in one semester at a partner institution overseas. The EMA in International Security and Development is therefore not only an EU recognised postgraduate qualification it also adds a study abroad experience thus enhancing the qualification’s employability credentials.
The partner institution for EMA International Security and Development is the Department of International and Area Studies at The University of Oklahoma. The Department of International and Area Studies is an exciting and rapidly growing academic unit within the University of Oklahoma. It has approximately twenty faculty members and, critically for this EMA in International Security and Development, their expertise lie within the fields of security and development. The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus is located approximately 20 minutes south of Oklahoma City on a breathtaking campus. Created in 1890 The University of Oklahoma enrols more than 30,000 students, it has achieved the Carnegie Foundation’s highest tier of research activity classification, and is ranked in the top 400 universities in the world according to the Times Higher rankings.
- To develop advanced knowledge and understanding of International Security and Development.
- To develop critical, theoretical and analytical skills, improve written and oral communication skills.
- To acquire research skills in International Security and Development.
Modules on the MA in International Security and Development typically include:
• Violence, Conflict and Development
• Critical Security
• International Security in the Asia Pacific
• Civil Society and International Development
• Approaches to International Relations
• War, Identity and Society
• Governance: From State Formation to Global Governance
• War in Space
• State of Africa
• Human Rights and Humanitarian Intervention
• Rights Based Approaches to Development
Students interested in International Security and Development, from a politics, international relations, development studies, law, humanities, social science, international business or related background. Students interested in preparation for postgraduate research, MPhil or PhD, or who wish to develop skills and knowledge related to International Security and Development.
Career expectations are excellent for International Security and Development graduates. MA in International Security and Development degree holders may move on to doctoral study or enter employment sectors such as the diplomatic corps, the armed forces, intelligence and risk analysis, relief and humanitarian organisations, law and finance, government and politics and international business.
The following research groups at Swansea provide a distinct international and multi-disciplinary forum for the advancement of the
study of international security and development including:
• International Relations & Security
• Development Studies
• Cultural Political Economy
• Policy and Governance
• International Communication
Regular research seminars and lectures are run through these groups and also through the Research Institute for Arts and Humanities (RIAH) which students are encouraged to attend.
“I am now in my fourth year at Swansea University and can honestly say that I have enjoyed every moment. My undergraduate years were so good that I choose to stay on for another year to complete my Masters in International Security and Development and this is a decision I certainly do not regret. I feel like my degree has provided me with the tools needed to thrive in the world of employment, and the MA in International Security and Development I am now studying towards will only improve my chances of getting a high end job.”
Chris Harber, International Security and Development, MA
This degree aims to deliver an understanding of the contemporary security and intelligence environment in western democracies, focusing particularly on the law enforcement environment in the UK.
As well as the MA, studied over 12 months, these programmes are available:
There is a national and international need for graduates to acquire the skills to analyse security and intelligence matters. Emphasis is placed on relating academic and historical analyses to contemporary problems and policy questions especially in the UK but also to western states in general. This course uniquely uses a degree of “practice” expertise within those delivering the programme.
This MA is aimed at both those seeking professional skills and those requiring a more general grounding in this subject. Graduates will be able to demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of security and intelligence issues. For the Law Enforcement intelligence community in particular, this programme offers one component of “professionalisation” within the growing and increasingly significant career pathway of intelligence within the overall arena of policing in the contemporary UK.
The five modules and dissertation on an agreed topic fit together to deliver a strong contemporary security and intelligence focus for students by:
Drawing on the extensive practitioner experience of some of the fellows of the University of Buckingham Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS), it examines carefully and in detail the security and intelligence tradecraft and machinery which interface with these threats, paying due attention to a number of plans for reform both in the UK and beyond.
BUCSIS was established in 2008 as a world-class centre for research into the key Security and Intelligence issues facing the UK and the world in the 21st century. The Centre is headed by a leading academic in the field, Professor Anthony Glees, and is supported by a research and teaching team led by Dr Julian Richards, a Security Studies specialist with a long experience of working in the UK government on defence and security policy issues. More information about BUCSIS.
Our MA Intelligence & International Security examines the trends that continue to shape intelligence and geo-strategic developments in the 21st century. You will develop an awareness of the ways in which intelligence issues manifest themselves in security issues in peace and war. You will also gain an understanding of ethical dilemmas associated with intelligence activity.
Our course will enable you to examine the nature, processes, roles and case studies of intelligence and their interaction with developments in international security. In examining the trends that continue to shape intelligence and geo-strategic developments in the 21st century our course offers a unique multidisciplinary approach based on the strengths of the department. We aim to provide a framework in which to understand the nature and role of intelligence in its relationship to wider issues in war and international security; an understanding of the processes, practices and institutions that have characterised intelligence in the modern era; an understanding of the problems connected with intelligence collection,assessment and ability to predict events in world affairs; and an appreciation of the particular ethical concerns generated by intelligence related phenomena.
Our course is for graduates and professionals with an interest in understanding the nature and role of intelligence. It is designed to have broad-ranging appeal if you are interested in pursuing graduate studies in intelligence and security studies. You will also find this programme of interest if you are a graduate in politics, history, international relations and strategic studies; if you have practical experience in the intelligence community and wish to reflect on the wider issues and implications of your experience; or are a professional in defence, diplomacy and foreign affairs.
Teaching
Per 40-credit module, you will have 40 hours of lectures, semianrs and feedback, as well as 340 hours of self-study. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work. For the dissertation module, you will have 12 hours of supervision to complement the 588 hours of self-study.
Assessment
Most 20 to 40-credit modules are assessed through a combination of essays (3000-6000 words), presentation, oral vivas, and/or exams.
The dissertation module assessment will be based on a 80% dissertation assignment (up to 15,000 words) and a 20% dissertation proposal.
War Studies Graduates go on to work for NGOs, the FCO, the MOD, the Home Office, NATO, the UN or pursue careers in journalism, finance, academia, the diplomatic services, the armed forces and more. Recent posts held by our alumni include Threat Analyst, Director of Political Violence Forecasting, Research Advisor at NATO Defence College, Foreign Policy Fellow.
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study International Security and Development at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MA in International Security and Development introduces students to issues and debates within International Security. This includes coverage of both ‘traditional’ security issues such as war and conflict and ‘non-traditional’ issues such as economic security, environmental security, health, identity and migration.
Issues of security, violence and conflict have become central to international politics and to development policy and discourse. In order to comprehend the modern world, a full appreciation of the realities of conflict and violence, has become essential.
Drawing on the Department’s expertise in the field of security, International Security and Development students are also provided with an advanced introduction to key approaches in the study of security including realism, securitization theory, feminist approaches, critical theory and poststructuralism.
Students enrolled on the MA in International Security and Development benefit from the College of Arts and Humanities' Graduate Centre. The Graduate Centre fosters and supports individual and collaborative research activity of international excellence and offers a vibrant and supportive environment for students pursuing postgraduate research and taught masters study including those in International Security and Development. The Centre provides postgraduate training to enhance academic and professional development and facilitates participation in seminar programmes, workshops and international conferences.
The full-time International Security and Development course structure is split across the year with three modules taken in each academic semester (a total of six modules) and then a dissertation over the summer. Students study four compulsory modules, the research module and one optional module. The dissertation is written on a specialist research topic of the student's choosing.
Part-time study in MA in International Security and Development is available.
- To develop advanced knowledge and understanding of International Security and Development.
- To develop critical, theoretical and analytical skills, improve written and oral communication skills.
- To acquire research skills in International Security and Development.
Modules on the MA in International Security and Development typically include:
• Violence, Conflict and Development
• Critical Security
• International Security in the Asia Pacific
• Civil Society and International Development
• Approaches to International Relations
• War, Identity and Society
• Governance: From State Formation to Global Governance
• War in Space
• State of Africa
• Human Rights and Humanitarian Intervention
• Rights Based Approaches to Development
Students interested in International Security and Development, from a politics, international relations, development studies, law, humanities, social science, international business or related background. Students interested in preparation for postgraduate research, MPhil or PhD, or who wish to develop skills and knowledge related to International Security and Development.
Career expectations are excellent for International Security and Development graduates. MA in International Security and Development degree holders may move on to doctoral study or enter employment sectors such as the diplomatic corps, the armed forces, intelligence and risk analysis, relief and humanitarian organisations, law and finance, government and politics and international business.
The following research groups at Swansea provide a distinct international and multi-disciplinary forum for the advancement of the
study of international security and development including:
• International Relations & Security
• Development Studies
• Cultural Political Economy
• Policy and Governance
• International Communication
Regular research seminars and lectures are run through these groups and also through the Research Institute for Arts and Humanities (RIAH) which students are encouraged to attend.
“I am now in my fourth year at Swansea University and can honestly say that I have enjoyed every moment. My undergraduate years were so good that I choose to stay on for another year to complete my Masters in International Security and Development and this is a decision I certainly do not regret. I feel like my degree has provided me with the tools needed to thrive in the world of employment, and the MA in International Security and Development I am now studying towards will only improve my chances of getting a high end job.”
Chris Harber, International Security and Development, MA
On the MSc in Cyber Security course at Swansea University your studies will include themes including cryptography, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, the security and privacy of personal data, cyberterrorism, cybercrime and mobile security to name but a few. In the Cyber Security course, Swansea Computer Science takes a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, bringing together modules on diverse topics such as penetration testing, formal modelling, information security management, cryptography and AI in order to equip our students with a suitable mindset for a career in cyber security. The department's cyber security lab provides the perfect backdrop for exploring the security landscape, allowing Cyber Security students and staff to carry out experiments in network security, mobile security, and to explore threats and defence mechanisms in the context of the Internet of Things.
Our increasingly connected world presents continual new and serious security threats. From privacy violations (hacking, monitoring communications, leaking sensitive data, stealing and publishing private information) through to the drugs trade, sex trafficking and terrorism, Computer Science can provide the techniques required for mitigating such risks, in order to provide secure, reliable and trustworthy systems.
Taught component: The MSc in Cyber Security offers a range of modules, taught by internationally renowned researchers and covering topics such as: Cryptography and Network Security, Penetration Testing, Information Security Management, Embedded Systems Modelling and Verification Techniques, Web Application Development, Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts, Advanced Topics: AI and Cyber Security Invention and Innovation in Computing.
Dissertation component: A further four months duration is spent undertaking a substantial research project (60 credits), which will involve using and exploring cutting edge techniques for specifying, developing, verifying and accessing systems against security criteria. Cyber Security Students will benefit from our broad range of industrial partners and internationally leading research expertise.
Possible Future Pathways: Cyber Threat Analyst - Penetration Tester PhD Researcher - Data Security Analyst Secure Web Developer - Verification Engineer.
Modules on the Cyber Security course may include:
The Department is well equipped for teaching, and is continually upgrading its laboratories to ensure equipment is up-to-date – equipment is never more than three years old, and rarely more than two. Currently, students use three fully networked laboratories: one, running Windows; another running Linux; and a project laboratory, containing specialised equipment. These laboratories support a wide range of software, including the programming languages Java, C# and the .net framework, C, C++, Haskell and Prolog among many; integrated programme development environments such as Visual Studio and Netbeans; the widely-used Microsoft Office package; web access tools; and many special purpose software tools including graphical rendering and image manipulation tools; expert system production tools; concurrent system modelling tools; World Wide Web authoring tools; and databases.
As part of our expansion, we are building the Computational Foundry on our Bay Campus for computer and mathematical sciences. As a student on the MSc in Cyber Security, you will study at the Bay Campus in the new Computational Foundry, a dedicated £32 million building for computational studies, providing the latest labs, resources and ecosystems for world leading, interdisciplinary research.
All Computer Science courses including the MSc in Cyber Security will provide you the transferable skills and knowledge to help you take advantage of the excellent employment and career development prospects in an ever growing and changing computing and ICT industry.
94% of our Postgraduate Taught Graduates were in professional level work or study [DLHE 14/15].
Jobs include:
Developed in conjunction with Deloitte UK, our Cyber Security MSc provides you with knowledge of the very latest cyber security principles, practices, tools and techniques. The programme is provisionally certified by GCHQ, taught by a team of specialist staff in purpose-built cyber security computer laboratories. The involvement of the Industrial Advisory Group (Airbus, BT, Deloitte UK and Rolls-Royce) in designing the course and supporting its delivery and development ensures the teaching remains current and supportive of the real challenges cyber security specialists face in the rapidly changing cyber domain. You will gain a holistic perspective of cyber security, including the underpinning technology of the cyber domain and the role of linguistics, psychology and sociology in dealing with new cyber challenges. If you are interested in a challenging and worthwhile career in a rapidly expanding and vitally important area of computing then this is the course for you.
• Taught by Industry Experts
developed and delivered in collaboration with cyber security professional from Deloitte and DMU teaching staff you will gain the knowledge and skills in the latest cyber security principles, practices and tools
• Purpose built Cyber Security Centre
access to our dedicated Computer Security and Forensics laboratories will give you the opportunity to work in industry standard facilities which will allow you to develop and enhance your skills in cyber security
• Specialise your learning to your area of interest
combine modules from across Cyber Security, Cyber Technology, Digital Forensics and Software Engineering, allowing you to tailor the course to your areas of interest
• Industry placement opportunity
you can chose to undertake a yearlong placement opportunity gaining valuable experience and skills as well as networking opportunities to build your industry contacts
• Graduate prospects
employed as cyber security specialists in a range of roles within organisations including IBM, Deloitte, Airbus and BT
• Foundations of Cyber Security
• Cyber Threat Intelligence
• Host and Network Security
• Penetration Testing and Incident Response
• Cyber Engineering
• Digital Forensics Principles and Practice
• Malware Analysis
• Legal, Ethical and Professional Practice
• Cyber Security Project/Dissertation
Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials and laboratory work. A strong emphasis is given to real world problems. Assessment is by a combination of coursework, projects and laboratory-based assessments.
You will be taught and supported by experts in cyber security including staff from DMU's Cyber Security Centre, as well as professionals from Deloitte. We will need to expand on this later on when we can get more info from academics
The time allocated to study is around 30 hours per week, carried out in block teaching.
The course teams within the Cyber Security Centre have unrivalled expertise in cyber security. The team includes former Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) of large telecommunications companies, internet banks and cloud service providers, an ex vice president of one of the largest cyber security companies in the world, information assurance specialists with extensive experience working in various UK defence organisations, leading digital forensics experts and respected government advisors. Several of the team are regular media commentators on forensics and security. Professional input throughout the course will come from Deloitte and their cyber security professionals.
The Cyber Security Laboratories are among the best equipped facilities of this type in the UK. Developed in consultation with leaders in the industry, they are designed to meet the highest forensics and security standards.
The laboratories contain 65 high-spec, specially customised PCs configured with multiple operating systems, virtualisation and removable hard drives, as well as specialised servers, wired and wireless networking equipment and a wide variety of other hardware and software components.
The laboratories are also the base for our Cyber Security Centre (CSC), a multidisciplinary group of academics and industry experts who focus on a wide variety of cyber security and digital forensics issues. Their mission is to provide the full benefits to all of a safe, secure and resilient cyberspace.
The laboratories play a vital role in the group's research and development work. Whether you are a first year undergraduate or a PhD student, within the laboratories you will be working with the latest tools and techniques at the forefront of computer forensics and security research.
To learn more about this course and DMU, visit our website:
Postgraduate open days: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/open-evenings/postgraduate-open-days.aspx
Applying for a postgraduate course:
Funding for postgraduate students:
Intelligence and security issues are at the top of the political agenda following the terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001 and the insurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan.
And the increased availability of intelligence material means that it is possible to place these issues within their historical context.
This course is the longest-running non-governmental postgraduate course in the UK in the area of contemporary intelligence and security issues.
This programme can also be studied by part-time Distance Learning. MA Intelligence and Security Studies (Distance Learning) is currently only open to serving professionals in the armed forces, policing organisations and other related bodies. For more information please contact the Programme Leader, Dr. Dan Lomas ([email protected]).
The course is taught through a combination of:
Module performance is usually assessed by two essays of 3,500 words (50% each). In addition, MA students are required to submit a 14,000 word dissertation.
Our graduates follow a range of careers in the civil service, the armed forces, the media, think tanks and research institutions. Some pursue further study at doctoral level.
You will develop a wide range of skills on the course (writing, communication, presentation and analytical skills) that are transferable to a variety of careers in the civil service, the armed forces, international or non-governmental organisations, think-tanks and research institutions. You can also pursue further study at doctoral level.
You are encouraged to attend the European Security, Terrorism and Intelligence (ESTI) seminar series. Convened by Dr Christopher J. Murphy, ESTI aims to bring together scholars with a research interest in European security, terrorism and intelligence and to transcend such artificial disciplinary boundaries in order to examine security, terrorism and intelligence issues together, in both their historical and contemporary dimensions.
Recent speakers have included Professor Keith Jeffery, author of MI6: The History of the Secret Intelligence Service, and Mr Michael Herman, author of Intelligence Power in Peace and War.
The University has its own research group for security issues called the Centre for European Security (CES). The group builds on the active research programme provided by the European Security, Terrorism and Intelligence (ESTI) network at the University of Salford. If your doctoral research is in security and intelligence issues you can become an associate member of this group. For more information see our website at http://www.espach.salford.ac.uk/page/es_research_centre
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