International Security MA

Duration and mode of study

Two years by Distance Learning.

Start Dates

March and September each year.

Entry requirements

Either a first or a good second class honours degree from a British university or its equivalent, in Politics, History, International Relations or other related subjects. For the distance learning course in particular, we also welcome applicants with relevant professional experience.

Fees

These are the total course fees.

2012/13

Home/EU/International: £6,545

Course aims

This course provides a thorough grounding in international security studies, focusing on developments since the end of the cold war. As the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington demonstrated with shocking clarity, international security remains a vital issue on the global agenda. The search for a stable and just international order has proven elusive, with war and armed conflict continuing in many parts of the world.

The study of international security involves more than states and military conflict; it includes an analysis of the underlying political, economic, social and environmental sources of conflict. This course combines a study of the main theories and concepts in international security with empirical analysis of contemporary security issues such as terrorism, proliferation, failed states and security communities.

Throughout the course, you are encouraged to think critically and analytically about international security, and to consider the complex causes of many contemporary security problems.

Course modules

Core:

International Security
Dissertation

Option modules (three from the following – subject to availability):

The Art of Negotiation
Post-Cold War World Order
America and the World: The Making of US Foreign Policy
Democracy and Legitimacy in the EU
South African Foreign Policy: The Diplomacy of Isolation
International Migration: Political and Social Aspects
Human Rights, Ethics and War in the Post-Cold War Order
EU Enlargement and Democratic Consolidation in Post-Communist Europe
American Interventionism since 1993
The Politics of Human Rights
The British Way of Warfare: Counter Insurgency since 1945
Visions of the Modern American Presidency 1945-2000
Diplomatic Systems
Strategic Studies
The International Politics of Protection
Theories of International Relations
The Ascent to Pre-eminence: The United States’ Emergence as a Global Power 1898-1948

Teaching and assessment methods

Teaching will be based upon use of the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) 'Blackboard'. This allows for a range of innovative and engaging teaching techniques to be used, such as online presentations, podcasts, interactive message boards and Wikis, as well as one to one contact through conventional channels. Modules are assessed by a traditional end of module essay and a range of online activities.

Contact

The Distance Learning Advisor
Department of Politics and International Relations
T: 0116 252 5164
irdl@le.ac.uk
www.le.ac.uk/politics

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