European School of Political and Social Sciences
Master in International and Security Politics
Lille, France
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 7,300 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* The application date range is subject to variations
** Bachelor’s and Master’s fees: €3,300 and €11,640 depending on revenue and household composition
Key Summary
The politics of violence and uncertainty
The master’s degree in International and Security Politics focuses on key international security issues generated by armed conflict, terrorism, climate change, and transnational migration across the world. At the intersection of defense policy, economics, peacekeeping, and international relations, this training program provides a strong understanding of how public and private actors address these issues and try to solve them, as well as expertise for analyzing contemporary forms of conflicts and hostility, locally as well as globally.
Overview
In addition to being an absolute priority for governments across the world, security has colonized our language as much as our everyday lives. Not a day goes by without politicians and media outlets mentioning yet another ‘security issue’. The master’s program in International and Security Politics asks what this tells us about our contemporary world and whether our world has really become more dangerous and uncertain than before.
At the intersection of international relations studies, security and defense studies, political theory, sociology, and history, this program provides a deep understanding of how security and international security transform both conceptually and practically in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world. It does so by analyzing the role of different actors in shaping and addressing security issues that develop beyond the single framework of action of States. The program seeks to provide students with the necessary critical skills for understanding and addressing the social-political mechanisms driving security-related issues (from transnational armed conflicts and violence to environmental and IT security), and the growing uncertainty attached to them.
This program in International and Security Politics will enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose security problems and design appropriate security policy solutions, and to occupy key professional positions in national administrations as well as international and non-governmental organizations. Students will not only benefit from the academic environment of the School, but also from the practical knowledge of security practitioners and experts within various seminars such as a joint seminar with the French Army Command (based in Lille) and the research seminars co-organized with the Collaborative Observatory on Terrorism, Antiterrorism, and Violence (OCTAV).
Choosing ESPOL means joining a dynamic, internationally recognised institution committed to addressing today’s most pressing global issues. Here's why ESPOL stands out:
- Global Perspective: Our programmes are designed to address key international challenges, such as climate change, sustainability, governance, and security, making them ideal for globally minded students.
- English-Taught Programmes: All Master's programmes are fully taught in English, providing an inclusive environment for students from around the world.
- Innovative Curriculum: ESPOL’s interdisciplinary approach combines political science, economics, law, and environmental studies, ensuring a cutting-edge education that prepares students to shape global policies.
- European Hub: Located in Lille, France, ESPOL is at the heart of Europe, offering proximity to EU institutions and a wealth of professional opportunities with international organisations, think tanks, and NGOs.
- Career-Focused: With a strong network of alumni and partners, ESPOL provides pathways to internships and careers in top international organisations, governmental agencies, and environmental NGOs.
- Vibrant Community: A diverse student body and rich campus life, including debates, conferences, and cultural events, create a stimulating environment that fosters both personal and professional growth.
ESPOL equips you to become a leader and change maker, ready to impact the world for the better.
The ideal student for the Master's in International Politics and Security is someone deeply interested in global security challenges such as armed conflict, terrorism, climate change, and transnational migration.
This student should have a keen desire to understand the complex dynamics at the intersection of defence policy, economics, peacekeeping, and international relations. Analytical skills, a critical mindset, and a multidisciplinary approach are essential to navigate the political, sociological, and historical dimensions of security issues.
Ideal candidates are passionate about dissecting both state and non-state actors' roles in addressing these global security concerns, and they aspire to work in fields like public administration, international organizations, NGOs, or the private sector.
This master prepares students to excel in addressing the most pressing global security challenges of our time, such as armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change, and migration. Graduates will gain a comprehensive understanding of how both public and private actors tackle these complex issues and will develop advanced analytical skills to evaluate and influence security policies.
Equipped with an interdisciplinary perspective, students will be prepared to pursue careers in national and international organizations, NGOs, think tanks, and the private sector, or continue their academic journey with a PhD, making a tangible impact on global security and international affairs.
Core Courses
- Politics, society, culture and history
- Armed conflicts and peacemaking
- History of conception of peace
- Public international law
- Theories of security and contemporary challenges
- Sovereignty and the state in international relations
- International policy in practice
- Politics of global justice
Research Courses
- Introduction to Research Design
- Political Science Research Methods
- Statistics and the Political Sociology of Quantification
- Academic Writing Workshop
- Master Dissertation Colloquium
Optional Courses
- Introduction to Political Science
- Critical approaches to international relations
- Public policy analysis
- Global justice
- International migration
- Cybersecurity
- African politics
- European sustainability governance
- Technology and international security
- European social policies+ intensive language modules + career development workshops + master’s dissertation ESPOL makes every effort to ensure that course information is accurate and up-to-date. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change
Féron-Vrau Scholarship
This scholarship finances the first year of a Bachelor’s degree for 20 successful applicants, renewable for years 2 and 3, provided that students meet specific criteria (class attendance, maintaining a satisfactory overall average, not retaking a year, and active involvement in school or community life). French or foreign high school students eligible for CROUS scholarship levels 6 and 7 (with a family income between €0 and €50,000) are eligible.
Amount: Varies based on need and eligibility.
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ESPOL Scholarship
Available to current and future students enrolling in the 2nd or 3rd year of a Bachelor’s degree, or the 1st or 2nd year of a Master’s degree at ESPOL. The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence (minimum average grade of 15/20) and alignment of the student’s career plan with ESPOL’s courses. It is compatible with other scholarships but cannot be combined with those covering tuition fees. Students with disabilities may also apply, even if they do not meet all criteria.
Amount: Between €1,000 and €2,000.
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Scholarships Based on Social Criteria
A higher education grant aimed at students facing financial difficulties. This scholarship is designed to supplement family support and offers significant financial aid to help cover the costs of student life, promoting equal access to education.
Amount: Varies based on financial need.
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France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship aims to attract the best international students to pursue Master's or PhD studies in French institutions. It includes funding for tuition, monthly living allowances, international transport, and other benefits like accommodation assistance. Applicants must be foreign nationals under 30 for Master's level, with priority given to students from emerging countries.
Amount: Monthly amounts vary depending on the level of study and include additional services.
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Other Scholarships
There are many scholarships available based on your level of education, personal situation, and country of origin. Students are encouraged to explore opportunities through platforms like Campus France’s Campus Bourse search engine or through their home country’s government services.
Amount: Varies based on the scholarship.
Graduates of the Master's in International Politics and Security have a wide range of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. They can work for national governments, regional and local authorities, and public administration agencies as policy experts. International organizations, such as the European Union, the UN, and the OSCE, also seek professionals with expertise in security and international relations. NGOs, think tanks, and advocacy groups value graduates for their ability to analyze and influence policy decisions. Additionally, companies, particularly those engaged in international business, increasingly hire experts in global security. Graduates can also pursue an academic career by enrolling in doctoral programs.