the United Kingdom
Lancaster University| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA, PG Cert, PG Dip | Full-time, Part-time | 1 - 2 year | - | - | - |
Lancaster University is a centre for world-leading research on defence and security issues. Our expertise is sought by UK decision makers, policy advisors and commentators. This Master's programme equips you to comprehend, analyse and address today’s defence and security challenges, preparing you to pursue or develop a career in government or the defence industry, think tanks and policy making, journalism, the armed forces or research.
Why Lancaster?
Work with experts
Lancaster University is a centre for world-leading research and sought-after expertise on defence and security issues in a range of disciplines, from Cyber Security to History, International Relations, Languages and Cultures, Law, Linguistics, Politics, and Security Studies.
Our qualifications are designed to support and progress careers in industry, government, intelligence, think tanks, policy making, journalism, the armed forces and research.
Sophisticated tools and insights
The defence and security challenges facing our world are extensive and complex. This MA enables you to build expertise in world regions and actors – such as the USA, China and Russia - and security in Africa, the Indo Pacific and Transatlantic areas. You will combine insights from global cultures, history and linguistic analysis, and assess UK defence and security policy in a shifting geopolitical landscape.
Appraise the workings of diplomacy, intelligence and ‘grey zone’ warfare through international relations and international law and engage with the philosophy and ethics of war and espionage. Assess the impact of new technologies on warfare by combining cyber conflict and security studies with historical perspectives.
You will be trained in how to apply your knowledge to real-life scenarios, from responding to emergencies such as the threat of nuclear war and terrorism, to ensuring the UK's energy security and building defence and security policy.
Our experts will guide you in methods such as red-teaming and back-casting, tackling geopolitical challenges by assessing the resources of global powers, their ambitions, political cultures and constraints, and in considering the interplay between actors in given scenarios. Learn how strategy is formed and test how economic, diplomatic, intelligence and military interventions impact the world order.
Tailor your degree
In the final part of the programme you can either complete a major independent project or choose from a range of topical optional modules.
In an independent project you will address a defence and security challenge of your choice, working under the guidance of our experts. You can choose to present your work in a format that is appropriate for your specific brief (for example, a policy report, documentary or dissertation).
Alternatively, you can choose three optional modules from a selection in History, Politics, International Relations and related disciplines. This includes the option to study a foreign language from beginners or more advanced level, choosing from Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Flexible format
This part-time degree is designed so that you can study alongside work and other commitments. It offers a combination of online learning and intensive in-person sessions at Lancaster University.
We offer a suite of postgraduate level awards in Defence and Security:
You can choose to take any one of the three programmes as a stand-alone qualification, depending on the level of qualification and commitment that is right for you.
You also have the option to build your qualifications incrementally on a timeframe that suits you. Begin with the Postgraduate Certificate and, when you are ready, carry forward your credits to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma or Master's. Alternatively, begin with the Postgraduate Diploma and progress to the Master's.
Please contact [email protected] for further information.
2:2 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a related subject such as History, Politics, International Relations, Law, Linguistics, Languages, Politics, Security Studies or Sociology.
We will also consider applications where you have a degree in other subjects or have not studied at university level but have relevant professional experience, including from former or current service personnel and those working in the defence sector or journalism.
If you are not sure if you meet our entry requirements, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you. Please contact us for information.
Additional requirements
We encourage you to use your Personal Statement to demonstrate your interest in this subject and how your experience and skills have prepared you to undertake this programme of study (e.g. the ability to analyse data and evidence, to write reports and/or essays, and to meet deadlines).
Below are some suggested courses at other providers that you may also be interested in:
Accounting, Auditing and Control Master
Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam
Find out more
Higher Diploma of Legal Procurator Diploma of Higher Education
University of Malta Faculty of Laws
Find out more
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course then consider one of these postgraduate preparation courses from another institution:
Graduate Diploma of Engineering (Civil: Structural)
Engineering Institute of Technology
Find out more
Graduate Diploma in Law/Common Professional Examination GDL/CPE
Northumbria University Newcastle
Find out more
There are 566 other courses listed from Lancaster University. A selection of these are displayed below:
Join the StudyLink email list and never miss a chance to turn your study abroad dreams into reality!
Find out more about studying in the United Kingdom
As an international student you may require a valid visa to study at Lancaster University. Read more about the requirements in our Guide to the United Kingdom International Student Visa Requirements.
