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.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
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.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
International Security MScL modules
All students will take all of the following compulsory modules:
Module Title | Credits |
---|---|
SEC8101 Researching Security: Interdisciplinary Methods | 20 |
SEC8026 Global Security: Politics, Space and Society | 20 |
SEC8102 Security Dissertation | 60 |
All students will take two of the following modules:
All students will take two of the following modules:
With the approval of the Degree Programme Director and depending upon the academic background of the candidate, alternative optional modules to those listed above may be selected.
How you’ll learn
Teaching methods will depend on the optional modules you choose. You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:
- lectures
- discussion workshops and seminars
- seminars
- groupwork
- guest speakers
- policy and legal drafting simulations
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Poster
- Portfolio
- Problem-solving exercises
- Research proposal
- Written exercise
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Our academics bring expertise across a broad spectrum of expertise across Law, Politics, Sociology, and Geography, with a particular emphasis on critical global and societal challenges.
Their specialisms include technology regulation, international and public law, international human rights, and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
Additionally, they engage deeply with political and societal studies, such as youth subcultures, political violence, migration, counterinsurgency, urban governance, and feminist approaches to foreign and defence policy.
Professor Benjamin Farrand, Professor of Law and Emerging Technologies
Professor Kyle Grayson, Professor in Security, Politics and Culture
Dr Elena Katselli, Reader in Public International Law
Professor Jocelyn Mawdsley, Professor in European Politics
Dr Karenza Moore, Reader in Sociology
Dr Gethin Rees, Senior Lecturer in Sociology
Dr Matthew Richmond, Lecturer in Political Geography
Dr Dimitris Skleparis, Senior Lecturer in Politics of Security
Professor Rhona Smith, Professor of International Human Rights
Dr Elliot Winter, Senior Lecturer in Law
Dr Katharine AM Wright, Senior Lecturer in International Politics
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.
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
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
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.