Why study this course?
- Allows students to study critical and traditional security approaches.
- Ensures that students grasp the cutting-edge debates taking place in security studies.
- Invites students to think originally and ask alternative questions.
- Provides opportunities for students to apply a wide array of theoretical lenses.
- Encourages students to focus on empirical case studies and global security issues.
Teaching
Delivered through lectures, tutorials, and seminars.
Class sizes
Groups range from 1 to 30 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word project with regular support.
Assessment
A mix of coursework and exams.
Modules
All International Security Studies MLitt students take two compulsory and two optional modules over the course of the programme. You may, with permission, take modules from other MLitt programmes in the School.
For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.
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- Critical Security Studies: examines the challenge to traditional conceptions of security presented by the emergence of critical security studies since the end of the Cold War.
- International Security: focuses on important issues and significant debates in security studies.
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- Emergent Great Powers: offers a comparative analysis of India and China's emergence as great powers. It examines historical and theoretical perspectives, foreign policies, and future challenges.
- International Law and International Security: analyses how international law shapes decision-making in security matters. It discusses a variety of case studies ranging from the International Criminal Court to the use of force.
- Leaders, Psychology and Foreign Policy: examines the psychology of political leaders, including information processing, personalities, and group dynamics influences on their foreign policy choices.
- Political Economy of Conflict: provides a political economy perspective on conflict in a developing economy.
- Security and Development in East Asia: investigates growth and development in East Asian states, and seeks to understand if there is a uniquely Asian approach to security and development that produces distinctive regional patterns.
- Spaces of Securitization: explores how securitization unfolds in theory and in practice by investigating the ‘spatial turn’ in international relations.
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The final element of the MLitt is a 15,000-word dissertation. The dissertation should focus on an area of international 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.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.
What it will lead to
Careers
Students who graduate from the MLitt in International Security Studies frequently find employment in the foreign service, non-governmental agencies and security consulting, or advance to a PhD to pursue an academic career.
Further study
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in a PhD programme at St Andrews.
Why St Andrews?
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.
“This programme is perfect for anyone interested in the multidisciplinary field of security. The interactive nature of the classes let me learn from experts while developing my own perspectives in seminar discussions with fellow students. The course academically challenged me in new ways, boosting my confidence in independently researching and tackling the complex issues in international security politics. The wide variety of modules encouraged me to adopt a global and timely outlook, enabling me to study conflicts and urgent debates as they unfolded on the international stage. Events like the ISS Masterclass provided the unique opportunity to learn from expert scholars actively driving this research field forward. Reflecting on my time on the programme, I would say I have learned more in this one-year degree than in my previous three years at university combined. Now, I approach my future career with newly invigorated confidence and passion.”
- Frankfurt, Germany
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Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours degree. A background in political science and international relations is strongly encouraged. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
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
- personal statement indicating your knowledge of the programme and how it will benefit you (500 words)
- sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words maximum)
- two original signed academic references
- 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: £14,850
- Rest of the world: £29,990
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:
- Snowdon Trust Masters Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarship
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
Marc L Carter International Security Studies Essay Prize
The Marc L Carter International Security Studies Essay Prize is awarded annually for the best ISS essay or equivalent assessed work.
The prize is named after Marc Carter, a passionate educator who believed in multi-disciplinary teaching, student-centred learning, and the transformative power of education.
Nominations will be made by staff members only, and recipients will be determined by a review panel in the ISS programme. The prize carries with it a £200 monetary award.
Contact us
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: 17 March 2025