MA Global Security and Borders

Queen's offers a range of postgraduate programs, including the MA Global Security and Borders. This program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and specialized expertise in the critical intersection of global security issues and the role of borders in shaping these issues. It prepares students for careers in academia, government, international organizations, security analysis, and related fields.

Curriculum: The MA Global Security and Borders curriculum at Queen's is structured to provide a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the complex relationship between global security challenges and the function, control, and impact of borders. Students delve into topics such as security theories, international security, border studies, migration, terrorism, organized crime, cybersecurity, environmental security, and the politics of borders. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, research methodologies, and policy analysis skills, preparing students for a variety of careers in the field.

Research Focus: Queen's is renowned for its world-leading research across a wide range of disciplines, including areas relevant to global security and border studies. Research strengths might include areas such as conflict and security, international relations, border management, migration studies, terrorism and counter-terrorism, and critical security studies. The university fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling researchers to explore the complex interplay of factors that shape global security and border dynamics.

Industry Engagement: While the MA is primarily an academic degree, Queen's recognizes the importance of practical experience and connections with relevant organizations. The program often includes opportunities for students to engage with government agencies, international organizations, think tanks, security consultancies, and research institutions through internships, placements, guest lectures, and networking events. These connections can be invaluable for career development and provide students with insights into real-world security challenges and border management practices.

Global Perspective: Queen's cultivates a global outlook through its diverse student body and international partnerships. The MA Global Security and Borders program inherently emphasizes a global perspective, exposing students to diverse viewpoints, case studies from around the world, and the interconnected nature of global security threats and border issues. The program often incorporates comparative perspectives on border control, migration policies, and security strategies, and may offer opportunities for study abroad, international conferences, and engagement with international experts. This global perspective is fundamental to the study and practice of global security and border management, where issues often transcend national borders and require international cooperation.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90, with at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Queens University Belfast offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, diversity, and financial need. 

Queens Loyalty Scholarship: The Queen's Loyalty Scholarship is available for Queen's University Belfast graduates who pursue a postgraduate program at the university. It offers a 20% tuition fee reduction for eligible students.

Queens University Belfast International Scholarships: The university provides a range of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application requirements. Examples include the International Office Undergraduate Scholarship, International Office Postgraduate Taught Scholarship, and International Office Postgraduate Research Scholarships.

Vice-Chancellors International Attainment Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship is aimed at international students with exceptional academic performance. It provides a significant reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Queens University Belfast offers scholarships that are specific to certain countries or regions. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from these areas and promote diversity within the university community.

Research Council Funding:For postgraduate research students, there are opportunities to secure funding through research council scholarships. These scholarships are competitive and cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses.

Sports Scholarships: Queens University Belfast also offers sports scholarships for students who excel in sports. These scholarships provide financial support, training facilities, and other benefits to help athletes balance their sporting commitments with their studies.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may vary each year. 

Graduates of the MA Global Security and Borders program are well-equipped to pursue a variety of meaningful and impactful career paths.

Security Analyst: Assess security threats, conduct risk assessments, and provide strategic recommendations to government agencies, think tanks, or private corporations.

Diplomat: Represent countries in international negotiations, contribute to foreign policy formulation, and promote peaceful resolutions to global conflicts.

Border Management Specialist: Collaborate with border agencies to develop effective border control policies, facilitate trade, and address cross-border challenges.

International Relations Specialist: Work with international organizations, NGOs, or research institutions to analyze and address global security and geopolitical issues.

Policy Advisor: Inform and influence policy decisions related to security and international relations within government departments or advocacy organizations.

Academic Researcher: Contribute to academia by conducting research, publishing scholarly articles, and advancing understanding in the field of global security.