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MA Conflict and International Security
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Year of entry
2025/26 -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
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Year of entry
2025/26 -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
Analyse contemporary issues of war, conflict and security in the context of politics within and between societies.
You’ll gain a grounding in the study of organised violence and an appreciation of the challenges faced by politicians and military personnel. Learn to think critically about a wide range of political ideas, institutions and events and how they relate to issues of security and conflict. You can also choose to apply your academic knowledge in a practical way with a work placement project.
Our MA Conflict and International Security course is designed to build on a wide range of student backgrounds and experience.
Learn from our experts
Hear and engage with a variety of perspectives and ideas on diverse topics within politics and international relations.
Staff in our Department of Politics and International Relations are directly engaged with contemporary issues in UN, UK, EU and American politics. They have written on, or given media statements regarding:
- the war in Ukraine
- ISIS fighters
- the politics of the UN
- political settlements after war
- proxy wars.
Members of our team provide policy advice to governments and international organisations around the world.
Recognised for research quality
97% of our research outputs are rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, meaning that the 澳门六合彩开奖记录 is 6th highest in the UK for research outputs (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output).
Cutting-edge debates
Interactive small group teaching is central to the MA Conflict and International Security programme. Your voice will be heard and valued in these sessions, allowing you to engage in rich discussion with lecturers and peers.
As you move through the programme, you’ll become an increasingly independent learner and reasoner.
Guided independent study
You’ll receive training in either qualitative or quantitative research methods. This will equip you to conduct an independent piece of research – the dissertation – with guidance from a supervisor, during the summer.
You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with your academic tutor regularly, to ensure you’re getting the best out of your time at Reading.
Tailor your degree to your interests
We offer a range of specialisms allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests. You can also choose to study a language with the Institution-Wide Language Programme.
Guest speakers
We regularly invite guest speakers to deliver lectures, allowing you to gain insight into the different opportunities available to you after graduation and a chance to build your network.
Previous speakers include:
- John Bercow, former Speaker of the House of Commons
- Alastair Campbell, former political aide
- Dame Andrea Leadsom, former Leader of the House of Commons
- Sir Vince Cable, former Liberal Democrat Leader
- Matthew Barzun, former United States Ambassador to the UK.
Work Placement
Put your academic knowledge to practice and build your network with a work placement in an external organisation focused on international relations or international security. You will gain invaluable first-hand experience and independent problem solving, working within a professional environment . Further develop your independent and critical research skills through a written reflective research report which counts towards your final mark.