International Security and Risk

Program Overview

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About this course

Develop the skills to tackle complex political challenges, such as cyber threats, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, on this MSc International Security and Risk degree at the University of Southampton. You’ll use advanced research on risk analysis and decision-making to understand and inform global security policy. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and practical skills to become a security specialist.

This UK master’s course combines security studies, cyber security and risk analysis to reflect a global political environment that demands new thinking.

On this course we take a multidisciplinary approach to teach the skills and understanding you'll need to work in the modern political landscape.

You’ll have the chance to develop new solutions to these complex challenges by undertaking wide interdisciplinary study. You'll examine the key security issues facing the world today, including:

• cyber threats
• terrorism
• weapons of mass destruction
• the challenges posed by states and non-state actors

With a focus on understanding the real-world policy implications of these security challenges, you'll have the chance to develop practical, policy-relevant proposals.

Using advanced research on risk analysis and decision-making, you'll learn how to apply advanced interdisciplinary skills and knowledge in addressing global security issues.

You’ll consider historical, social, scientific, technological and military factors as you examine the issues of modern security.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

Your course leader is Theresa Capelos, Lecturer in International Security and Strategy. His research interests focus on decision-making and crisis management. Read Dr Capelos staff profile to find out more about his work.

Learn more about this subject area

Politics and international relations

Investigate governance, democracy, citizenship and the links between power and protest. Learn how to question political decision-making to help understand some of our biggest challenges, from climate change to economic inequality.

Michal Samon

Read Michal's story

The best parts of my master’s course were the engaging class discussions on contemporary security challenges.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

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Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject, such as:

• social sciences
• economics
• history

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score

6.5

reading

6.0

writing

6.0

speaking

6.0

listening

6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

Course structure

This is full-time master’s course. Your studies will last 12 months, from September to the following September.

For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of your course.

Each semester is made up of a combination of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.

For the rest of the course, you’ll work independently on your research project and dissertation. You’ll have regular meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules :

Contemporary Security Challenges

The module provides an overview of the main security challenges facing the world today. Drawing on classic and contemporary literature from International Relations and other academic disciplines, together with case studies, we consider such questions as: ...

Foundations of Cyber Security

This module aims to give an overview of cyber security. The module will equip students with a clear view of the current cyber security landscape considering not only technical measures and defences, but also the other subject areas that apply, including l...

MSc Dissertation in Politics & International Relations

The researching and writing of a 12,500 – 15,000 word dissertation provides you with the opportunity to integrate and hone a variety of skills acquired and extended during your studies, and to significantly deepen your knowledge of a topic of your choice....

Principles of Risk Management

The management of risk and uncertainty, in any organisational context, rests upon a broad-ranging skillset comprising an understanding of relevant concepts and an ability to think critically about management procedures. This ‘front end’ module equips stud...

Security Theory (15)

This module provides an overview of theoretical perspectives on security, broadly defined. Drawing on classic and contemporary literature from International Relations and other academic disciplines, we consider the nature of security as a state-of-being o...

You must also choose from the following modules :

Challenges of Governance

China and Global Politics

This course seeks to examine the international relations of the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) addressing how and why China has reached its status within the international system today. As the world’s second largest economy, China is also a nuclear powe...

Development and International Relations

This module will examine the main points of contention regarding the South, its position in the international economy and changes that have occurred over the last few decades. Students will be asked to critically evaluate the reasons for the economic stas...

International Social Policy

This module will review and discuss the state of the art in research on social welfare and human well-being and the one, and on social policies addressing these issues on the other hand. In the first part students will explore how previously dominant econ...

Migration Policy in Practice

The course covers key theoretical debates in international migration and discusses migration policies as practiced.

Risk Taking and Decision Making

The ability to make effective decisions in the face of risk and uncertainty is essential to success in today’s fast changing world. This module seeks to equip you with the knowledge of decision-making processes and models that will help you achieve this o...

The Political Psychology of Crises and Conflicts

Theories of Leadership

This module examines different approaches to political leadership through a variety of lenses, mostly grounded in historical and contemporary political theory.

Learning and assessment

Learning

The learning activities for this course include:

• lectures
• seminars
• independent research

Assessment

We’ll assess you through:

• written exams
• coursework
• a dissertation

Dissertation

You’ll research and write a 12,500 to 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice, to be agreed with your supervisor.

The dissertation is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show specialist knowledge of a particular area relating to your studies.

You’ll have regular support meetings with your supervisor throughout the process.

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Networking
• EDI leadership
• Adaptability
• Problem solving
• Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

government departments and agencies,

Think Tanks.

Careers directly related to this course:

• Diplomatic service officer
• Government social research officer
• Intelligence analyst
• International aid worker
• Policy officer
• Political risk analyst
• Public affairs consultant

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• Armed forces operational officer
• Border force officer
• Broadcast journalist
• External auditor
• University lecturer
• Risk manager
• Solicitor

See more

Example job titles of Southampton MSc International Security and Risk graduates*:

• Business analyst
• Intelligence analyst
• Anti money laundering administrator
• Audit trainee
• Civil servant
• Commercial assistant
• Research associate
• Research executive
• Risk management consultant

See more

Job prospects for MSc International Security and Risk graduates

£31k

Average professional salary

89%

In a skilled profession or further study

100%

Graduate employment rate

Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £25,400.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Economic, Social and Political Sciences.

Find out more about the Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

Program Outline

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Careers:

There's a wide range of international security jobs for graduates, with career routes including:

• cyber defence
• risk analysis
• policy development
• intelligence assessment
• conflict resolution
Organisations that would benefit from your skills include:
• government departments and agencies
• international organisations
• non-governmental organisations
• think tanks
You’ll also be in a great position to continue your studies at PhD level.

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Tuition fees Fees for a year's study: UK students pay £9,250. EU and international students pay £24,200.