International Security Studies
Programme Coordinator: Prof. William Walker
(Please note: Applications to the ISS Programme for 2012-2013 close on January 15th 2012)
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.
Study for the Postgraduate Diploma in International Security Studies lasts 9 months, from September to June, and involves taught courses only.
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 (September to January and February to June in 2011-12) 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. The modules offered in 2011-12 are likely to include IR5007 (Terrorism and Liberal Democracy), IR5035 (‘Traditional Security Agenda’ in the 21st century), IR5038 (International Politics of Nuclear Weapons), IR5039 (Political Economy in Conflict), IR5040 (Emergent Great Powers) and IR5041 (Social Identity and the Making of Community). The School may decide not to run a module if the level of demand is low. Descriptions of these 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 Professor William Walker (ISS Coordinator) at wbw@st-andrews.ac.uk.
For details of the application procedure, please consult the webpage for prospective students.
