Program Overview

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Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asian Security Studies (MLitt) 2025 entry

Overview

Develop an in-depth understanding of the political and security dynamics of the Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia.

Application Deadline

Thursday 7 August 2025

Starts

September 2025

Duration

One year full time

School

School of International Relations

Fees

• UK: £14,850
• Rest of the world: £29,990

Why Study This Course?

This course offers an advanced grounding in the security of the Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia. It explores the security, politics, economics, history and culture of these strategically significant areas.

• Prepare for professional work in diplomacy, government, NGOs, or international business or as preparation for PhD study
• Undertake language study in Arabic, Persian or Russian at undergraduate level
• Benefit from real-world experiences as the programme regularly brings in practitioners and outside experts

Teaching

A mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Class Sizes

Lectures typically involve 20 to 30 students, and tutorials 5 to 15.

Dissertation

A 15,000-word dissertation with ongoing support.

Assessment

Exams and coursework.

Modules

The St Andrews degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.

You will pick three optional modules. Unless you pursue a language track, you are expected to take at least one of your optional modules in the Middle East subject area, and one optional module in the Caucasus or Central Asia subject areas.

Those doing a language track have an option to take undergraduate language modules chosen from Russian, Arabic or Persian. These modules depend on staff availability and timetabling compatibility.

If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.

Compulsory

• Core in Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asian Security Studies: focuses on major themes in the study of international security and applies them to the study of the Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia.

Optional

• Central Asia in World Order
• Conflict in the Middle East
• Conflict, Security and Democracy in the Greater Caucasus (30)
• Contemporary Gulf Politics in a Changing Global Context
• International Relations of the Modern Middle East
• International Society and Central Asia
• Iran and the World since 1921
• Political Order and Violence in the Middle East

Dissertation

The final element of the MLitt is a 15,000-word dissertation. The dissertation should focus on an area of Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asian security studies in which you are interested.

Each student is supported by a relevant supervisor from the School who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process.

The completed dissertation must be submitted by the end of August.

What It Will Lead To

Careers

Recent graduates from the MLitt in Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asian Security Studies have gone on to work for:

• leading political risk consultancies
• think tanks in the UK, Europe, and Washington, DC
• local NGOs in the Middle East
• the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Kazakhstan, the world's largest regional intergovernmental security organisation
• governments, in diplomatic or analysis posts

We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at.

Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.

Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can also support you with academic and professional skills development. The University's Entrepreneurship Centre offers start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.

Elevate Your Career

Alumni of Modern Languages postgraduate programmes have gone on to work in a variety of global, commercial, financial and research institutions, including:

• AKE International
• Mercy Corps
• Morgan Stanley
• World Bank

Further Your Education

Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in a PhD programme at St Andrews.

Why St Andrews?

The School of International Relations is ranked top in Scotland and first for politics in the UK. The School is recognised globally for its quality teaching, stimulating research, and leading academics.

The School has particular expertise in:

• area studies – including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central, South and East Asia
• foreign policy
• international organisations and regimes
• peace and conflict studies
• political theory
• terrorism and political violence

More than 60 members of staff teach courses and supervise postgraduate students.

Alumni

When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.

Entry Requirements

• A 2.1 Honours degree. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
• English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.

The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.

Application Requirements

• CV
• personal statement indicating your knowledge of the programme and how it will benefit you (500 words)
• sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words)
• two original signed academic references
• academic transcripts and degree certificates

English Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.

Scholarships and Funding

We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:

• GREAT Scholarship
• St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
• St Leonard's funding opportunities
• Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)

International Relations scholarships

Curriculum Development

As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.

Tuition Fees

The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.