IR5071 Outer Space Security

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

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.

Availability restrictions

Enrolment is limited to students in MLitt programs within the School of International Relations, as well as the MLitt in Legal and Constitutional Studies (subject to availability).

Planned timetable

Thurs 2-4pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr A S Bower

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

Module Staff

Dr Adam Bower

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

Module description

This module examines outer space as a key domain for contemporary global security. Access to space is rapidly expanding, with a growing number of state and non-state actors involved in space launch and satellite applications that are critical enablers of modern life on Earth. There are also emerging opportunities for space mining, tourism, and even human habitation on the Moon or Mars. Outer space is inextricably implicated in the social, political, economic, legal, and military processes that characterise relations within and between communities on Earth. The module applies IR theories and concepts to assess the security dynamics of activities in Earth orbit and beyond. Equally, it uses space activities as a context for thinking about key themes in IR including the nature of strategy and power, forms of security and insecurity, technology and warfare, great power rivalries, the interaction of state and non-state forms of agency, and the development and impact of governance mechanisms.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Seminar (x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

22

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

288

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand the basic physical features of outer space, properties of orbit, and principles of spaceflight
  • Understand the range of contemporary spacefaring actors and activities
  • Assess the role of space technologies and operations in various forms of (in)security
  • Identify and evaluate the legal, normative, and organisational structures that characterise contemporary international space governance
  • Demonstrate further refinement in their research, writing, and presentation skills