International Security Studies - MA
Distance Learning,
International Security Studies - MA
London Metropolitan University
International Relations & Security Studies
Program Overview: International Security Studies MA
The International Security Studies MA at London Metropolitan University is an online degree focusing on practitioner experience, designed to help you establish a career in public, private, or international organisations. You will explore possible solutions to fundamental global, regional, and individual protection and safety issues facing the world today.
Security studies is no longer solely related to war, weapons of mass destruction, and the role of international institutions in maintaining peace and security. This program addresses legitimate contemporary concerns including environmental problems, mass migration, terrorism, transnational organised crime, human trafficking, cyberconflict, and climate change.
The program provides you with a firm foundation to not only understand the structures that enhance or obstruct security, but it also opens up career opportunities in a variety of fields. You will gain a detailed understanding of complex security issues through rigorous academic study combined with practical, real-world applications.
Key Program Highlights
- Online delivery with practitioner-focused learning, enabling flexible study from anywhere in the world
- Comprehensive coverage of contemporary security challenges including climate change, cybersecurity, terrorism, and human rights
- Flexible exit awards available: PG Certificate (60 credits), PG Diploma (120 credits), or full MA (180 credits)
- Substantial 12,000-word dissertation allowing in-depth independent research on a security topic of your choice
Curriculum & Modules
The full MA requires 180 credits, comprising 120 credits from core and option modules plus a 60-credit dissertation. Full-time students take six taught modules across two semesters, with three modules per semester. The curriculum is designed for the 2025/26 academic year and balances theoretical foundations with contemporary security analysis.
International Security Studies
20 Credits (Core)Provides an understanding of security in both international and national settings, covering conceptual approaches such as war, deterrence, arms races, arms control, proliferation, and collective security. Assesses the relevance of security concepts to the contemporary post-Cold War world including global terrorism and climate change.
Human Security
20 Credits (Core)Focuses on the well-being of individuals and communities, identifying threats not confined to armed conflict or understood solely at the state level. Explores issues including poverty, gendered violence, environmental degradation, food insecurity, mass population movement, and human trafficking.
Citizenship
20 Credits (Core)Explores the changing meaning and continuing potential of citizenship, including the modern separation of sovereign state politics from market society. Examines attempts to use representative democracy to democratise society and the implications for security.
US Foreign Policy
20 Credits (Option)Acquaints students with the constitutional, institutional, political, and theoretical frameworks of contemporary US foreign policy. Critically examines the American foreign policy process, the role of global issues, and the complexities faced by US decision makers.
Religion in International Relations
20 Credits (Option)Engages with contemporary debates on the various roles of religion in international relations. Evaluates differing interpretations of the political importance of religious actors, groups, and ideologies since the end of the Cold War.
International Security Studies Dissertation
60 Credits (Core)A major piece of independent research allowing you to apply knowledge and analytical techniques to a topic of your choice. The 12,000-word dissertation develops research, analytical, and time-management skills and counts for one third of the overall MA grade.
Elective & Option Modules
Admission Requirements
The International Security Studies MA welcomes applicants with a strong academic background and a genuine interest in global security challenges. To be considered for this program, you should meet the following academic and language requirements. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on your application.
Academic Requirements
- Minimum DegreeA second-class honours degree (2:2) from a UK university or international equivalent
- Relevant DisciplineDegrees in politics, international relations, history, law, or related social science fields are preferred
- Professional ExperienceRelevant professional experience may be considered in exceptional circumstances for candidates without standard qualifications
- Accreditation of Prior LearningUniversity-level qualifications or relevant experience gained prior to starting may count towards your course through APL
- International QualificationsEquivalent international qualifications are accepted; contact Uni4Edu to verify your country-specific credentials
English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic)Overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 72 overall
- PTE AcademicAccepted; contact Uni4Edu for minimum score requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
London Metropolitan University offers a range of scholarships and financial support options for international postgraduate students. Many scholarships are automatically applied to eligible students, reducing the financial burden of studying in London. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on maximising your funding opportunities.
International Bright Futures Scholarship
Tuition fee reduction (automatically applied)Automatically applied to all eligible international fee-paying students starting a full-time degree. This scholarship includes a tuition fee reduction for the duration of your studies and requires no separate application.
International Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship
Up to GBP 4,000 tuition fee discountAvailable to students from the USA, Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Offers a tuition fee discount plus potential guaranteed accommodation in central London for selected recipients.
International Students House & London Met Postgraduate Scholarship
Full tuition waiver plus accommodationA prestigious award providing a full tuition waiver, free return flights to and from London, and fully equipped accommodation at International Students House for eligible master's candidates.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the International Security Studies MA are well prepared for a wide range of roles within government, internationally-focused NGOs, not-for-profit and private sectors, as well as institutions such as the European Union, NATO, or the United Nations. London Metropolitan University reports a strong graduate employment rate, with the majority of graduates securing employment or further study shortly after completing their program.
Potential Career Roles
Potential Employers & Sectors
Rankings & Recognition
London Metropolitan University is a recognised public university based in London, United Kingdom, featured across multiple global and national ranking systems. While not positioned among the top-tier globally, the university is valued for its inclusive approach, diverse student community, and practical, career-oriented education.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences | THE World University Rankings | #501-600 |
| Liberal Arts & Social Sciences | EduRank | #83 in UK |
| Business | THE World University Rankings | #301-400 |
| Political Science (Research) | EduRank | Top 50% globally |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
Woman and Child Abuse - MA
London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
April 2025
Gross Tuition
20000 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Liberal Studies
University of Toledo, Toledo, United States
Earliest Intake
October 2026
Gross Tuition
37119 $
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
Erasmus Mundus Human Rights Policy and Practice
University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
June 2026
Gross Tuition
18250 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Heritage and Archaeology BA (Hons)
University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
June 2025
Gross Tuition
23290 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Applied Humanities Degrees
University Of Arizona, Tucson, United States
Earliest Intake
May 2026
Gross Tuition
39958 $
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
