International Relations (Security) University of Birmingham

The degree provides an advanced understanding of issues in international security since the end of the Cold War. It focuses on security in relation to issues of force and power in international relations, and is placed within the relevant theoretical and empirical contexts of contemporary debates. You can expect to gain an understanding of the wide-ranging nature of security studies, an appreciation of the historical importance of security issues, and an insight into future problems and debates that will affect the stability of the 21st-century world order.

You will develop an understanding of the core concepts that inform the study and practice of security, including: The changing meaning of security and what issues are considered to be security issues, The different concepts that inform the study and practice of security, such as explanations of war, deterrence, balance of power theories, alliance formation and management, and collective security, The concepts that inform the use and control of military force, such as arms races and arms control, coercion, military intervention, and peacekeeping, Classical strategic thought. The range of the security issues of the post-Cold War and post-9/11 periods, including terrorism and local and global insurgency and the challenges these pose. This programme will appeal to a wide range of students who have an interest in security issues and practices, including civilian and military officials (most probably junior or mid-level officials), who want to deepen their understanding and upgrade their qualifications. It will also be of interest to students who seek to develop a deeper understanding of these very important aspects of international relations and of the world we live in.

Entry requirements for this course

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