Security and International Relations, MSc

To help you prepare for joining us in September and to find out more about the department you will be joining, you can follow us via our Facebook page , our twitter feed or our blog . You can contact us through these, keep up to date with important information, and find out when you can visit us or join us at one of our events.

The MSc Security & International Relations covers a range of topical issues, which you will learn to address through various classical and contemporary lenses. The MSc will also assist you in developing a range of communication skills which will help you to tackle the difficult questions that arise in issues pertaining to security, International Relations and the wider political sphere. During your time studying with us, you will develop in confidence and learn to manage a wide range of information improving your overall range of understanding and knowledge.

The academic year will be split into three trimesters and you will complete the following modules during each trimester:

Trimester 1

• Critical Issues: Shifting Perspectives
• Contemporary Security: Theory & Practice
• Research Methods

Trimester 2

• Advanced Principles in International Relations
• Security in the Digital Age
• Human Rights

Trimester 3

• Dissertation

Before arrival, we suggest that you take a close interest in international affairs, read a good broadsheet newspaper and pay attention to contemporary issues arising on the global stage. We expect you to arrive with a sound knowledge of current affairs and a lot of enthusiasm.

Key to your success is making a good start. We therefore urge you to arrive in time to fully participate in your Welcome Week activities in the week commencing Monday 15th September 2025, this is equally important whether you are joining us from a CCCU undergraduate degree or joining from elsewhere.

The following activities will be covered during your welcome:

• An introduction to the Politics/IR teaching team, the School and Faculty;
• An introductory session to our library sources
• Training in CCCU’s Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard)
• Details of each module, assessments and timetable information
• Outside the politics team, you will also be introduced to the Student Union, the Sports Centre, the diverse student societies on offer and much more. Exact details of the welcome week schedule will be made available in good time prior to your start date.

Your welcome and induction will be w/c 15th September 2025 - we look forward to meeting you then.

Community

On the social side, the Student Union (CCSU) has a huge range of clubs and societies – all of which have unique social calendars of their own and offer endless opportunities to make lifelong friends and discover new hobbies. And you can always create your own society and cultivate your own community!

CCSU will be hosting their Welcome Fayre on Wednesday 17 September 2025. Make sure you keep checking the CCSU website for further details and how to get involved.

We understand that you may be nervous about your first few weeks on campus but rest assured - you'll be joining a nurturing and supportive environment where diversity, equality and individuality are part of everything we do.

You can find out more about our welcoming community and making friends

If you are an International Student joining us then please see our International Student Support pages for further information and guidance.

Key themes addressed during the MSc include international relations, contemporary security issues, human rights, and foreign policy analysis . So, getting on top of these topics is key. As well as paying daily attention to national and international news, students are encouraged to prepare for September by obtaining and readings at least 2 of any of the following texts (most recent editions possible):

• International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity, T. Dunne, M. Kurki and S. Smith, Oxford University Press
• The Evolution of International Security Studies by Barry Buzan and Lene Hansen, Cambridge University Press
• Security: A Critical Introduction, Lee Jarvis and Jack Holland, Palgrave
• Understanding Security, Mike Bourne, Palgrave