The M.A. in International Relations, Security, and Strategy program focuses on the study of international relations (IR), global security issues, and strategic decision-making. It explores the intricacies of geopolitics, conflict resolution, global governance, and international diplomacy, with an emphasis on security studies and the strategies employed by countries and organizations to protect their interests.
The course prepares students to understand and analyze global security challenges, such as terrorism, armed conflicts, nuclear proliferation, cybersecurity, and the strategic concerns that influence international relations.
Course Duration
- Duration: Typically 2 years (4 semesters).
- Some universities may offer 1-year accelerated programs, while others may have part-time or online options that offer more flexibility.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an M.A. in International Relations, Security, and Strategy, candidates must meet the following basic requirements:
A. Educational Qualification
- A Bachelor’s degree in any field, but typically, students from backgrounds in Political Science, History, Law, Economics, or Sociology are preferred. However, applicants from other disciplines are also welcome.
- Some institutions may require minimum marks (usually 50-60% in the undergraduate program), but this can vary depending on the university.
B. Entrance Exams
Many universities require candidates to take an entrance exam for admission. The exams usually test knowledge in areas like general knowledge, current affairs, political science, and international relations.
C. Additional Requirements
- Personal Interview (PI) and/or Group Discussion (GD) may be conducted as part of the selection process.
- Work experience in related fields (such as diplomacy, international organizations, security, or research) can be a plus but is not mandatory.
Syllabus of M.A. in International Relations, Security, and Strategy
The syllabus of the program includes core courses, elective subjects, and sometimes a dissertation or research project. Here’s an overview of typical subjects covered:
A. Core Subjects
- Introduction to International Relations
- Theories and concepts of international relations, such as realism, liberalism, constructivism, etc.
- The role of states, international organizations, and non-state actors in global affairs.
- International Security
- Study of traditional and non-traditional security issues, including military strategy, nuclear security, terrorism, cybersecurity, and conflict resolution.
- Global Governance and Institutions
- The role of international organizations like the United Nations, World Trade Organization (WTO), NATO, World Bank, etc., in shaping global politics and security.
- International Law and Human Rights
- The principles of international law, humanitarian law, and how they govern relations between states, conflict zones, and human rights issues.
- Strategic Studies and Defense Policy
- Understanding military strategy, defense planning, the importance of military alliances, and the formulation of national security policies.
- Conflict and Peace Studies
- Analysis of regional conflicts, peacekeeping operations, and diplomatic solutions to international conflicts.
- Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Analysis
- Theories and practice of diplomacy, foreign policy decision-making, and the strategies employed by states to protect their interests.
- Geopolitics
- Study of geographical factors in shaping political and strategic relationships between nations, including the impact of resources, borders, and regional powers.
- Emerging Security Threats
- Exploration of cyber threats, biological warfare, climate change, and global health security as non-traditional security challenges.
B. Elective Subjects
Elective subjects can vary by university but may include:
- Counterterrorism and Intelligence
- Energy Security
- Cyber Warfare
- Regional Security (Asia, Middle East, Africa, etc.)
- Global Economic Security
- Environmental Security
- International Trade and Development
C. Dissertation/Research Project
- Many programs require students to complete a dissertation or research project on a topic of their choice, which allows them to delve deeply into a specific issue in international relations or security.