International Security MSc/PgDip/PgCert

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International Security MSc/PgDip/PgCert

  • Objectives Suitable for military officers, members of international organisations (including UN agencies and non-government organisations), diplomats, civil servants, police, academics, journalists, politicians, and others who need the capacity to analyse the complex interactions linking contemporary security issues and roles, or those seeking to move into these areas. Takes you on to senior positions in the armed forces, government, international organisations, media and academia. You will be taught by Cranfield University academic staff at the Defence Academy - College of Management and Technology who understand the challenges of translating theory into practice.
  • Entry requirements Normally 1st or 2nd class Honours degree or relevant professional equivalent. Non-graduates will need to make a case for acceptance, based on relevant professional experience, and to demonstrate their ability to achieve the intended learning outcomes at postgraduate level. Students whose first language is not English must attain an IELTS score of 7.
  • Course description In the period since the end of the Cold War, the risk of major armed conflict between states has been compounded by new threats of economic dislocation, crime, drugs, environmental damage, state collapse, non-state actors, anti-elite action, ‘super-terrorism’ and the re-emergence of racial, religious and tribal tension. However, the international system remains the principal framework within which security issues are discussed and resolved.

    Each module represents 100 learning hours, of which 80 are completed at distance using printed materials, CDs and online. All modules, compulsory as well as elective, last ten weeks and require eight hours per week distance learning effort. The remaining 20 hours take the form of seminars and student presentations during three days at one of the residential schools run twice annually. The degree is highly flexible in order to enable students to respond to professional or operational commitments.

    Modules:

    PgCert


    Completion of the first six compulsory modules may lead to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert):

        * International Relations Theory
        * The Nature of Security
        * Security and the Physical Environment
        * Conflict Dynamics: Transformation, Resolution, Prevention
        * Art, Science and Technology of War
        * Symmetric and Asymmetric Warfare.

    PgDip

    A further six modules may lead to the award of a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip):

        * Two compulsory modules on the Law of Armed Conflict
        * Four elective modules chosen from ten:
              o Terrorism: Causes and Techniques
              o Terrorism: The Liberal State Response
              o Intelligence and International Security
              o Disaster Management
              o Information Security
              o War, Conflict and the Media
              o The Northern Ireland Troubles: 1968 to the Present
              o Security in the Middle East
              o Security in Africa
              o Security in the Asia-Pacific Rim

    MSc


    Having successfully completed 12 modules for the PgDip, students may then complete a thesis in any area covered by the course which may lead to the award of the MSc.

    Duration


    PgCert: 2 years. PgDip: 3 years. MSc: 3 to 5 years. However, dependant on other commitments, it may be possible to complete the degree in a shorter time.

    Assessment


    A combination of assignments and examinations.

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