Why study this course?
This course offers an advanced grounding in the security of the Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia. It explores the security, politics, economics, history and culture of these strategically significant areas.
On this course you will:
- prepare for professional work in such fields as diplomacy, government, NGOs, media, political risk consultancy or international business, or as preparation for PhD study
- undertake language study in Arabic, Persian or Russian at undergraduate level
- benefit from real-world experiences as the programme regularly brings in practitioners and outside experts
Teaching
A mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Class sizes
Groups usually range from 6 to 20 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word dissertation with ongoing support.
Assessment
A mix of coursework and exams.
Modules
The course structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
You will pick three optional modules. Unless you pursue a language track, you are expected to take at least one of your optional modules in the Middle East subject area, and one optional module in the Caucasus or Central Asia subject areas.
Those doing a language track have an option to take undergraduate language modules chosen from Russian, Arabic or Persian. These modules depend on staff availability and timetabling compatibility.
If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Core in Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asian Security Studies: focuses on major themes in the study of international security and applies them to the study of the Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia.
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Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asian Security Studies optional modules may include:
- Central Asia in World Order
- Conflict in the Middle East
- Conflict, Security and Democracy in the Greater Caucasus
- Contemporary Gulf Politics in a Changing Global Context
- International Relations of the Modern Middle East
- International Society and Central Asia
- Iran and the World since 1921
- Political Order and Violence in the Middle East
Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered. They allow only limited numbers of students to ensure relatively small class sizes.
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The final element of the MLitt is a 15,000-word dissertation. The dissertation should focus on an area of Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asian security studies in which you are interested.
Each student is supported by a relevant supervisor from the School who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process.
The completed dissertation must usually be submitted by mid-August.
What it will lead to
Careers
Typically, graduates from the MLitt in Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asian Security Studies have gone on to work for:
- leading political risk consultancies
- think tanks in the UK, Europe and Washington, DC
- local NGOs in the Middle East
- the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Kazakhstan, the world's largest regional intergovernmental security organisation
- governments, in diplomatic or analysis posts
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.
Our Careers Centre can also support you with academic and professional skills development. The University's Entrepreneurship Centre offers start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.
Further study
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in a PhD programme at St Andrews.
Why St Andrews?
The School of International Relations has long been ranked first in Politics and International Relations in the UK. It is recognised globally for its quality teaching, stimulating research, and leading academics.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“I chose to come here as I had not seen any other university combine these three regions in that manner (Middle East, Caucasus, Central Asia). Studying this programme has helped me expand my horizons and realise what possibilities and opportunities are out there.”
- Cologne, Germany
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours degree. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
- CV or résumé
- personal statement indicating your knowledge of the programme and how it will benefit you (500 words)
- sample of academic written work (2,000 words)
- one original signed academic reference
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £15,590
- Rest of the world: £31,450
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics: ask the School
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 12 August 2025