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There are a growing number of new threats to international security, ranging from civil war, terrorism and transnational crime to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

This programme provides you with a theoretical and empirical understanding of the international security environment of the post-Cold War era, including the origins of conflicts and peace, the emergence of new security threats, and the many different agencies involved in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacemaking today.

The MSc aims to be empirically relevant by teaching you how to apply theoretical concepts to contemporary conflicts and current affairs.

The MSc International Security There are a growing number of new threats to international security, ranging from civil war, terrorism and transnational crime to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This programme provides you with a theoretical and empirical understanding of the international security environment of the post-Cold War era, including the origins of conflicts and peace, the emergence of new security threats, and the many different agencies involved in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacemaking today.

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How to Apply

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any discipline.

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.

We will also consider your application if your overall grade of final achievement is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.

If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

Evidence of significant, relevant work experience in one of the following sectors: NGOs, Government Departments, and Think Tanks (minimum of six months in a paid role);

A postgraduate qualification in any discipline.

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.

Admissions Option 2

Postgraduate Online Event

See modules and class list

Curriculum

Funding Information

Home: part-time (two years) - £9,350 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.

Program Tuition Fees Option 2

Bristol graduates are in high demand and have an excellent record of employment following graduation. Students of our MSc programmes go on to pursue varied and interesting careers.

Many sectors - such as the civil service, NGOs and charities - require an MSc and some volunteering or internship experience. Graduates from our programmes have gone on to work for Refugee UK, Shelter, Barnardo's, Amnesty International, government departments and the European Parliament, among others.

Career Opportunities

Program delivery

Social Sciences

Political Science

International Security

Founded in 1876, the University of Bristol has a global reputation for high-quality education and research. We are one of the UK’s top 10 universities and rank 54th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025). We offer a wide range of programmes in the social sciences, with a high percentage linked to professional and research-informed practice. We welcome students and staff from around the world, creating an exciting and diverse community within each of our schools.

MSc International Security

Introduction

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Admissions

Postgraduate Online Event

Curriculum

Year 1

Program Tuition Fee

Career Opportunities

Program delivery

Duration

About the School

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