Program Overview

---

MA in International Security and Conflict Studies

Course Details

• Course Code: DC629
• Course Type: Postgraduate
• NFQ Level: 9
• Delivery Modes: Full-Time, Part-Time
• Duration: Full Time - 1 Year, Part Time - 2 Years

Overview

The MA in International Security and Conflict Studies aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to analyze complex issues in international security and conflict. The program explores various topics, including:

• Why do people feel threatened?
• How do certain groups manage to resolve their differences?
• What impact does peacekeeping have?
• How does online radicalization play a role?
• What are the effects of international treaties?

Careers & Further Options

The MA in International Security and Conflict Studies appeals to both recent graduates and individuals who are already well into their careers. The program is suitable for students with diverse academic backgrounds, such as politics, law, history, languages, as well as those with practical experience in fields like policing or security forces.

Graduates from this program pursue diverse career paths, including:

• Diplomat or Field Officer
• Nonprofit Director
• Development or Humanitarian Specialist
• Communication Specialist
• Press Officer
• Policy Officer or Legal Advocate
• Conflict Resolution or Mediation Specialist
• Human Resources & Trauma Specialist
• Journalist
• Policing or Security Forces Professional

Entry Requirements

• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent
• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language

Programme Structure

The program can be completed in one year if studied full-time or in two years if studied part-time. The academic year begins in the middle of September.

As a full-time student, you will take three core classes in the first semester, along with a research methodology class. In the second semester, you will select three classes from a range of topics. You will also need to complete a 15,000-word dissertation, due in September.

If you are a part-time student, you will spread out all the classes (three core, one research methodology, and three optional classes) over two years, typically taking one or two classes each semester. Your 15,000-word dissertation will be due in August of your second year.

Programme Modules (indicative)

Mandatory Modules:

• Research Methodology
• International Security
• Resolving and Managing Conflict
• International Law and Conflict
• Dissertation

Choose 3 optional modules:

• International Security: Critical Approaches
• Environmental Change and World Politics
• Emerging Issues in Security
• Race, Minorities & Indigenous in Int'l Law
• Counter-Terrorism in Europe
• The Governance of Migration in Europe
• International Development Practice
• Russia & The Former Soviet Space
• Irish Foreign Policy
• Conflict, Security and Peacebuilding
• Statehood and Recognition in World Politics
• Political Terrorism
• Politics and Development in sub-Saharan Africa
• Politics of the UN
• Politics of the Middle East and North Africa
• War and Peace in South Asia

Fees and Funding

Fees

• Full time: €7,900 (EU), €17,000 (Non-EU)
• Part time: €4,300 per annum (EU), €8,300 per annum (Non-EU)

How To Apply

To apply for this program, please submit your application through DCU's Student Application Portal. Please note that applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program is full or until the following dates:

• Closing date for non-EU applicants: 1st July 2025
• Closing date for EU applicants: 30th August 2025

Please note that if you are a non-EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programs as study visas are only granted for full-time programs.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the program.

Life On Campus

At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.

DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.

They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten-minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20-minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.

Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

Exceptional Facilities

DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.

These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.

We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.

Campus Life

Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.

There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.

For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.

The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose-built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.

On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.

Accommodation

Information about accommodation on each of our three campuses can be accessed here.

Student Supports

We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.

Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice

The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year

Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules

Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.

Career Services - work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.

Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all-important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.

DCU Glasnevin Campus

Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

Faculty FAQs

Is DCU all one campus?

DCU is a multi-campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.

Click here to see maps of all of our campuses

If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?

Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.

Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?

We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.

Does DCU provide accommodation?

DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.