International Security Studies
Programme Coordinator: Dr Holger Stritzel
(Please note: Applications to the ISS programme are now closed for a September 2013 start and will reopen for the following year on October 1st 2013)
The programme of study leading to an MLitt in International Security Studies lasts for one year, commencing in September and ending in the following August. It involves completion of taught courses, with assessed essays and exams, and a 15,000-word dissertation. Between 20 and 30 students from many backgrounds and countries are typically admitted each year to this well established Programme.
The ISS Programme aims to provide students with a solid foundation in theoretical perspectives on and policy approaches to international security. It also seeks to develop more specialized knowledge from the detailed study of particular topics in international security, ranging from specializations in particular geographical regions to vital contemporary issues such as terrorism, great power relations, and global governance.
More detailed requirements for the MLitt and Postgraduate Diploma are set out in the relevant module handbooks. See also the webpage for prospective students for further information about applying for entry to the ISS Programme.
The course work takes place in two semesters involving lectures and tutorials, with assessment carried out through essays and exams. The dissertation, supervised by a staff member, is researched and written over the summer for submission in late August. The dissertation topic is decided in semester 2 after consultation between the student and staff members.
In the first semester, ISS students are required to complete two compulsory core modules: IR5001 (International Security) and IR5003 (Regional Security). In the second semester, students will take two specialized modules of their choosing. Descriptions of optional modules may be found in the University's postgraduate course catalogue. The modules are taught by staff members with special expertise in the fields of study.
Subject to availability, ISS students might be able in the second semester to take one of selected modules in the Middle East and Central Asia (MECASS) and International Political Theory (IPT) MLitt Programmes, in addition to one ISS module.
Please address enquiries to the postgraduate secretary irpg@st-andrews.ac.uk.
For details of the application procedure, please consult the webpage for prospective students.
