IR5831 An Applied Introduction to Security

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Module coordinator

Dr N Rossi

Dr N Rossi
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Norma Rossi

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This core module introduces students to international security while emphasising the connection between theory and practice. It presents essential theoretical approaches, highlighting how various perspectives offer different methods for practising security. The module addresses critical issues such as cybersecurity, space security, and climate change, examining how interpretations shape real-world policies. The module has two aims: it enables students to analyse contemporary security issues with conceptual tools and provides cutting-edge empirical knowledge of key dimensions of current security. It bridges security theories and real-world applications by analysing policy responses to empirical issues.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

There are no fixed weekly contact hours, but students will take part in asynchronous discussions, and optional synchronous sessions.

Guided independent study hours

150

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand essential theoretical frameworks to analyse security issues
  • Demonstrate empirical insights into contemporary security challenges
  • Implement a Problem-Based Approach for analysing security problems
  • Demonstrate skills in security policy analysis
  • Effectively communicate arguments and findings in writing.