MSc Global Security

Program Overview

The MSc in Global Security at the University of Glasgow is a multidisciplinary program that blends insights from international relations, political science, sociology, economics, and law to offer students a deep understanding of the complexities of global security. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the public sector, international organizations, think tanks, NGOs, and security-focused industries. The curriculum focuses on equipping students with a wide range of analytical skills, including the ability to assess security threats, develop policy responses, and understand international conflicts. By combining rigorous academic research with real-world applications, the program fosters a critical approach to security issues, enabling students to examine the impact of globalization, technological advancements, and international cooperation on security dynamics.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc in Global Security offers a comprehensive exploration of global security challenges. Core modules include Global Security and Globalization, International Conflict and Security, Terrorism and Political Violence, and Cybersecurity and International Relations. The program also allows for specialized study in areas such as Security and Development, Human Security, and Peacebuilding. Students have the opportunity to tailor their studies by choosing optional modules that align with their specific interests in security issues, including international law, counter-terrorism policies, and security sector reform. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary perspectives and equips students with the research methodologies and critical thinking skills necessary to analyze the complexities of global security.

Research Focus: The research focus of the MSc in Global Security is centered on the evolving nature of security threats and their impact on global stability. Students engage with cutting-edge research on topics such as international conflict, military strategy, cybersecurity, human rights violations, and displacement crises. Research in the program spans a variety of subfields, including security policy analysis, terrorism studies, peace and conflict studies, and global governance. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects, culminating in a dissertation that explores an area of global security that aligns with their academic interests and career aspirations. The research focus enables students to critically evaluate contemporary security challenges and develop solutions that address complex global security issues.

Industry Engagement: The University of Glasgow’s MSc in Global Security benefits from strong links with various international organizations, security agencies, policy institutes, and NGOs that operate within the field of global security. Students have access to a wealth of industry engagement opportunities, including internships, field placements, guest lectures from professionals, and collaborations with organizations such as the United Nations, NATO, and leading think tanks in international security. These opportunities provide students with the chance to apply their academic learning to real-world security challenges, gain hands-on experience, and build networks with professionals working in the global security sector. The University of Glasgow also offers career development support to help students navigate the job market and transition into security-related roles after graduation.

Global Perspective: The MSc in Global Security provides a truly global perspective on security issues, preparing students to address challenges that transcend national borders. The program examines security from multiple angles, including economic security, human security, and cybersecurity, and emphasizes the role of global governance in managing international threats. Students engage with case studies from around the world, including issues such as global terrorism, climate-induced conflicts, migration crises, and military interventions. The program’s focus on global security ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of how interconnected and interdependent the world has become, equipping them with the tools needed to address security concerns in an increasingly complex international environment. The University’s diverse student body and faculty from around the world also provide a rich, cross-cultural learning experience, fostering a deeper understanding of the global dimensions of security.