MA Defence and Security

Lancaster University is a centre for world-leading research on defence and security issues. Our expertise is sought by UK decision makers, policy advisors and commentators. This Master's programme equips you to comprehend, analyse and address today’s defence and security challenges, preparing you to pursue or develop a career in government or the defence industry, think tanks and policy making, journalism, the armed forces or research.

Why Lancaster?

• Lancaster stands at the heart of the UK's national defence and security ecosystem, embedded in a network of research, government and industry organisations
• Lancaster’s Centre for War and Diplomacy and Security Lancaster Institute are hubs of excellence - our experts and visiting researchers and practitioners provide insights via a wide-ranging events programme
• Combine insights from across academic disciplines, from the historical and cultural contexts of global regions to emerging cyber and military technologies, linguistic analysis, conflict ethics and international and humanitarian law
• Build expertise in global defence and security, including insights into the African nations, China, Russia, and USA
• Study a programme co-designed with UK Government and defence sector partners
• Train in methods developed through Lancaster’s think tank and consultancy work, in cutting-edge facilities
• Study in a flexible format alongside full- or part-time work

Work with experts

Lancaster University is a centre for world-leading research and sought-after expertise on defence and security issues in a range of disciplines, from Cyber Security to History, International Relations, Languages and Cultures, Law, Linguistics, Politics, and Security Studies.

We work closely with the defence sector, from consulting on UK government defence planning to membership of the GCHQ North West Partnership for Security and Trust.

We have a close partnership with the National Cyber Force, which unites personnel from intelligence, GCHQ, the MoD, the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.

Our qualifications are designed to support and progress careers in industry, government, intelligence, think tanks, policy making, journalism, the armed forces and research.

Sophisticated tools and insights

The defence and security challenges facing our world are extensive and complex. This MA enables you to build expertise in world regions and actors – such as the USA, China and Russia - and security in Africa, the Indo Pacific and Transatlantic areas. You will combine insights from global cultures, history and linguistic analysis, and assess UK defence and security policy in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Appraise the workings of diplomacy, intelligence and ‘grey zone’ warfare through international relations and international law and engage with the philosophy and ethics of war and espionage. Assess the impact of new technologies on warfare by combining cyber conflict and security studies with historical perspectives.

You will be trained in how to apply your knowledge to real-life scenarios, from responding to emergencies such as the threat of nuclear war and terrorism, to ensuring the UK's energy security and building defence and security policy.

Our experts will guide you in methods such as red-teaming and back-casting, tackling geopolitical challenges by assessing the resources of global powers, their ambitions, political cultures and constraints, and in considering the interplay between actors in given scenarios. Learn how strategy is formed and test how economic, diplomatic, intelligence and military interventions impact the world order.

Tailor your degree

In the final part of the programme you can either complete a major independent project or choose from a range of topical optional modules.

In an independent project you will address a defence and security challenge of your choice, working under the guidance of our experts. You can choose to present your work in a format that is appropriate for your specific brief (for example, a policy report, documentary or dissertation).

Alternatively, you can choose three optional modules from a selection in History, Politics, International Relations and related disciplines. This includes the option to study a foreign language from beginners or more advanced level, choosing from Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Flexible format

This part-time degree is designed so that you can study alongside work and other commitments. It offers a combination of online learning and intensive in-person sessions at Lancaster University.

We offer a suite of postgraduate level awards in Defence and Security:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Defence and Security (60 credits)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Defence and Security (120 credits)
• Master's in Defence and Security (180 credits)

You can choose to take any one of the three programmes as a stand-alone qualification, depending on the level of qualification and commitment that is right for you.

You also have the option to build your qualifications incrementally on a timeframe that suits you. Begin with the Postgraduate Certificate and, when you are ready, carry forward your credits to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma or Master's. Alternatively, begin with the Postgraduate Diploma and progress to the Master's.

Please contact pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk for further information.