LLM/MSc International Relations, Law & Security at University of Strathclyde

Study with us

• learn alongside students from other disciplinary backgrounds
• focus on contemporary policies rather than traditonal areas of concern
• benefit from a unique multidisciplinary experience
• examine the contemporary issues relating to the course topics through legal and political viewpoints

Why this course?

Internationally and domestically, security is among the most pressing concerns facing states. Adding to the complexity, is the increasingly broad definition of 'security' as new challenges emerge – for example in relation to climate change – while 'traditional' ones, such as terrorism, are reconstructed, along with the heightened interdependencies between states and within their critical infrastructures.

This MSc in International Relations, Law & Security introduces contemporary issues relating to the course topics, examining them through legal and political viewpoints. It reflects contemporary policies by taking a broad view of ‘security’, rather than simply focusing on traditional areas of concern.

The programme offers a genuinely interdisciplinary experience, which sets it apart from other MSc courses. The core module is co-taught across the School of Government & Public Policy and the Law School, and you are required to choose at least one optional class from each school. Your experience is further enhanced by learning alongside students from other disciplinary backgrounds.

What you'll study

The course is organised into core and optional classes and a research project dissertation. You'll take two compulsory classes and choose four optional classes from a wide range offered by the School of Government & Public Policy and the Law School. You're required to take least one optional class from each school. Classes in legal research methods/skills are tailored for those with and without a law background.

Learning & teaching

All classes are taught in seminars, which combine theoretical discussion and a strong empirical or policy focus, as appropriate. Seminars consist of a variety of teaching techniques including small-group work, structured debates, presentations, and background lectures.

Classes average 20 contact hours with additional computer laboratory sessions for some methods classes.

Careers

The programme will equip students with the skills and knowledge to pursue professional careers in areas including the following:

• government (whether domestically or in supra-national organisations such as the EU or UN)
• journalism
• police
• armed forces
• international agencies
• non-governmental organisations
• law firms