University of St Andrews - Online
MSc/ PGCert/ PGDip Conflict and Security in Policy and Practice - Online
Online United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
09 Jan 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 18,000 **
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* September entry deadline: September 1, 2026
** MSc fee | PGDip: £12,000 | PGCert: £6,000
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Why study this course?
Focus on policy and practice in a fully online degree unique to St Andrews, where you will study alongside national security and policy professionals from around the world.
Beyond the delivery of expert knowledge on a range of pressing global challenges, this programme develops a practiced-informed pedagogical approach to core issues relating to security and conflict. In addition to deepening your awareness of ground-breaking research in a range of topics, we integrate skills development from the outset in areas such as technical writing, multi-method research, and effective and tailored communication. Blending the delivery of expert knowledge with an applied and active pedagogy, this programme is uniquely tailored to the online learning environment and is an ideal professional development opportunity for those looking to take the next step in their career.
Highlights
- Develop your understanding of key issues in conflict and security, including their geopolitical and societal impacts
- Build your own community of practice, working with peers and practitioners from a diverse range of professional backgrounds
- Develop a strong foundational knowledge of conflict and security studies and take specialist modules to tailor the programme to your interests
- Benefit from a dedicated programme team with cutting-edge and complementary research expertise
- Develop your research, analysis, and communication skills, enabling you to write for different audiences, including policymakers and expert audiences
- Hear from practitioners with real-world experience in conflict and security
- January or September start date for entry into the course
Who is it for?
This programme is designed for students from diverse educational and professional backgrounds with a range of interests. You do not need to hold a previous degree or qualification in conflict, security studies or international relations to study this programme.
You are empowered to select topics that best suit your personal interests, allowing you to develop expertise in areas relevant to your current or future professional practice. The programme's in-built flexibility enables you to learn at your own pace. Modules are designed to work as standalone or alongside others to hone key transferable skills.
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
- St Leonards Digital Education Scholarship
- Snowdon Trust Masters Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarship
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
Modules
Students complete three compulsory core modules and can choose from a range of optional modules to tailor the programme to topics most relevant to their professional development and personal interests:
- students studying towards an MSc take three core modules, five optional modules and complete a research project
- those studying towards a PGDip will complete the full taught component of the MSc, but will not undertake the final research project
- students studying towards a PGCert take the three core modules and one optional module
Compulsory
- Researching Conflict and Peace
- An Applied Introduction to Security
- War & Strategy
Optional
- National Minorities, the State and Conflict
- International Interventions
- Gender and Conflict
- The Future of War
- Innovation and Effectiveness in Defence
- The War on Drugs
- Statebuilding
- Hybrid Diplomacy
Research project
MSc students will complete a portfolio-style individual research project (worth 60 credits) developed in dialogue with their supervisor, combining elements of a literature review and reflective writing tasks, with a policy paper or research report.
The programme is ideal for those at the outset of a career in a range of fields relating to security challenges and the impact of conflict. The applied ethos of the programme prepares students to succeed in policy analysis and policy-making-oriented professions.
This programme has also been designed for those who have already made key steps in their careers but are looking to return to higher education to undertake further study or to deepen their expertise in new areas. By honing their research, analysis and presentation skills further, the programme will enable them to make a career change or take the next step.
- Teaching - A mix of pre-recorded lectures, peer-to-peer learning, digital resources such as interviews and podcasts, and online forum discussions, alongside optional live training opportunities.
- Online support - Regular programme support through web conferencing and direct email contact with dedicated faculty. Full access to the University's library resources, including ebooks, electronic journals and databases. Extensive opportunities for additional training and skills development through our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute.
- Final research project - MSc students complete a portfolio-style individual research project, combining elements of a literature review and reflective writing tasks, with a policy paper or research report.
- Assessment - 100% coursework with no exams. Opportunities to enhance your transferrable skills through literature reviews, policy briefs, reflective essays and horizon scanning exercises.