Science & International Security MA

Our unique Science and International Security MA explores how science—from chemistry and nuclear physics to cyber capabilities, nanotechnologies, artificial intelligence, genomic technologies and cutting-edge biotechnologies—transforms the nature, political stakes and impacts of warfare. Central to the degree is studying the complex interplay of science and security from multiple perspectives, including political, sociological, historical, philosophical, legal, ethical and economic viewpoints. The interdisciplinary and multi-faceted MA offers an unusually powerful opportunity to sharpen your critical analytical and reflective abilities and develop independent thinking. This prepares you for a range of careers and leadership roles in security and defence, non-proliferation, arms control, and international security.

Key benefits

• Designed to provide a postgraduate-level introduction to science and security studies for students who have little or no specialist background in the field.
• An introduction by leading experts to novel and contentious topics, viewpoints and approaches through vigorous, reasoned debate and analysis.
• An opportunity to structure your studies around your interests, through a wide range of optional modules and choice of your dissertation topic.
• A chance to develop a range of transferable skills at advanced level - such as critical analysis and reflection, intellectual independence, time management, written and verbal communication - that will enhance your employability, aid your professional career development and help prepare you for postgraduate research.
• You will be taught by some of the very best academics in the field hailing from all around the world. Departmental staff are internationally acknowledged experts in their areas of specialisation. They are active researchers and routinely use their latest findings in their teaching.
• Be part of a vibrant, highly international and multicultural community of students.
• Opportunities to network with high-profile visitors, such as government ministers, ambassadors, generals, experts and academics, who frequently give talks in the Department, and to apply for internships on our research projects and with other closely-linked London-based institutions such as the Verification Research, Training and Information Centre (VERTIC), the Royal United Services Institutes (RUSI) and International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
• Linked with the Department’s Centre for Science & Security Studies, you will be welcomed into a long-standing specialist community and global network of alumni experts.
• An opportunity to study at a global centre of excellence, located in the heart of London, that enjoys close relationships with other academic institutions, think-tanks, non-governmental organisations and policy-making bodies in London and around the world.
• A proven record of employability in a wide range of careers, including in academia, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, national civil and military public service, politics, journalism, public advocacy, risk analysis and many others.

“My degree was academically challenging and covered key fundamentals, whilst also providing me with practical resources to apply this knowledge. I was also able to gain transferable analytical skills that helped me get my current job role in cyber security.”

Abigail, AlumniShow more

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