International Security: Conflict, Crime and Justice MScL

Highlights about course

Program Level

Master's

Duration

Tuition Fees

£25,100

Intake

September

Overview

Gain an advanced understanding of the key concepts, theories, and debates central to international security and its ramifications.

On our International Security MScL programme, you’ll study different perspectives and approaches to security and its associated global challenges.

Our unique interdisciplinary programme combines perspectives from geography, politics, sociology and law. You’ll also draw upon ‘traditional’ fields of security and defence, digital security and new technologies, human security, and securities of place.

You’ll be taught by experts from across Geography, Politics, Sociology and Law and will study a range of modules on topics including:

  • Crime and policing
  • National defence strategies
  • International criminal law
  • International human rights
  • Geopolitics
  • International organisations, legal framework and treaties
  • Social media regulation
  • Digital and cybersecurity laws and policies
  • Migration and mobilities

Our experts draw upon real-world scenarios to advance your knowledge of international security. Their challenge-oriented approach to security studies will challenge you intellectually and equip you with the skills needed for your career.

The field of international security offers a range of exciting career opportunities. Whether you’re just starting your career journey or are taking your career to the next level, our programme will help you reach your goals.

We’re living in a period of geopolitical instability. There’s renewed focus on the legitimacy and effectiveness of international institutions, and questions emerging about the role of law in the global arena.

This has resulted in an increased demand among policymakers, civil society, and private stakeholders for a better understanding of the security implications of contemporary developments.

Together we’ll engage with these questions, investigate potential interdisciplinary solutions, and examine their broader implications and consequences.

Important information

We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

What you’ll learn

With particular focus on conflict, crime and security, you’ll:

  • gain an in-depth understanding of the concepts, theories, debates and legal frameworks that shape the field of international security
  • develop expert knowledge of interdisciplinary social science research methods and approaches and learn how to apply them in practice
  • explore a range of case studies across regions, applying theoretical concepts to real-world examples of international security issues.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

How you’ll learn

Your development

Over the course of your masters you’ll develop a range of professional, research and practical skills highly desired by a range of employers.

You’ll learn how to:

  • work across multi-disciplinary teams
  • critically evaluate key arguments and themes
  • synthesise information from a variety of primary and secondary sources
  • enhance your ability to communicate both orally and in writing to different audiences
  • plan, conduct and communicate your own research and work

Your future

We work with our career service as well as recent graduates to host a number of events throughout the year to support your career development.

Industry Links

We have strong links with industries, law firms, sectoral regulators and governments allowing us to help our graduates in establishing direct connections within the industry.

Our graduates go on to careers in a range of different sectors, including within:

  • Local and national government
  • International organisations (e.g. International Organisation for Migration, UN, OECD)
  • Voluntary and non-governmental organisations (charitable bodies, think-tanks and advocacy groups)
  • Public and private legal practice
  • Journalism
  • International development
  • Regulation and compliance

Further Study

Students on this programme develop advanced research skills. This is excellent preparation for those interested in further academic study and research.

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

  • 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
  • 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
  • Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
  • Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
  • Top 125 for Social Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
  • Top 150 for Politics and International Studies – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
  • Top 200 for Law – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
  • Top 200 for Sociology – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
  • Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024 

Facilities

You’ll have access to common student workspaces in the Henry Daysh Building which has a cafe on its ground floor and is home to Geography, Politics and Sociology (GPS).

Access to kitchen facilities and social areas are available across the building.

Read more about the Henry Daysh Building

You’ll also have access to the facilities in the Windsor Terrace Law School, including facilities such as a:

  • dedicated Postgraduate Taught hub with common room
  • computer lab
  • kitchen
  • general student common room.

Students are also welcome to attend events organised by our research clusters.

Read more about the Newcastle Law School

You can also book study and meeting rooms and access a range of support services for your studies in the Philip Robinson library, opposite the Newcastle Law School and a five-minute walk from GPS.

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Academic entry requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree, or international equivalent. Applicants who hold non-standard qualifications and/or have other relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.  

Degrees from all disciplines will be considered but we especially encourage students with a background in the following subjects or similar:  

  • Politics 
  • Sociology 
  • Law 
  • International Relations 
  • Sociology  
  • Criminology  
  • Human geography 

There may be circumstances where professional experience in the field may be considered alongside an undergraduate degree in a relevant field. 

About University

Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed Malaysia)

Malaysia

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