Program Overview

---

Program Overview

The International Relations, Conflict and Security MA is a postgraduate program designed to introduce students to the key concepts and theories necessary to understand the features of contemporary international relations, conflict studies, and security issues. The program is open to students from a wide range of undergraduate disciplines and will prepare them for a career in international relations.

Course Information

• Level of Study: Postgraduate
• Mode of Study: 2 years Part-Time, with other options available
• School: Humanities and Social Sciences
• Location: City Campus, Northumbria University
• City: Newcastle
• Start: September 2026
• Fees: Fee Information available upon request

Modules

The program is comprised of four core modules and an independent guided piece of research in the form of a dissertation.

• International Law and Global Justice (Core, 30 Credits)
• Theorising International Relations, Conflict and Security (Core, 30 Credits)
• Contemporary Challenges in Conflict and Security (Core, 30 Credits)
• International Security Governance (Core, 30 Credits)
• International Relations Postgraduate Dissertation (Core, 60 Credits)

Teaching Staff

The program will be taught by experienced academics whose expertise is underpinned by a strong track record of related research activity. The team is one of the most research-active groups in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, publishing widely in well-known academic journals and responding to contemporary issues and developments.

Facilities

In conjunction with traditional lectures and seminars, the program uses a range of technology-enhanced applications, including Blackboard and electronic reading lists, to support student learning. The teaching team also pioneers new approaches to engage students via smartphones and associated apps and via social media, aiming to improve the learning experience.

Research

Research is embedded into the structure of this degree, and from the very beginning, students will experience a mix of research-led, research-tutored, and research-based teaching. The program includes case-study learning, which requires students to engage with real-life cases and use their theoretical learning to make decisions.

Career Opportunities

The MA International Relations, Conflict and Security is designed to give students a firm grounding in theoretical and professional development. Graduates will have a wide range of transferable skills that will enable them to work in a range of conflict and security analysis-related contexts, including careers as political/policy analysts, program/development officers, consultants, risk analysts, advocacy/outreach officers, and journalists.

Entry Requirements

• Standard Entry: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or equivalent.
• International Qualifications: If you have studied a non-UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria by selecting the country that you received the qualification in from our country pages.
• English Language Requirements: International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent).

Fees and Funding

• Full UK Fee: £9,950
• Full International Fee: £19,850
• Scholarships and Discounts: Available, with more information provided upon request.

Study Options

The following alternative study options are available for this course:

• Full Time: 1 year Full Time, starting in September
• Full Time: 16 months Full Time, starting in January

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse, and accessible campus and wider University community. The University works in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to its buildings and facilities across its City, Coach Lane, and London Campuses.

Additional Information

For more information about the program, including module details, study options, and fees, please refer to the University's website or contact the relevant department directly.