PGDip Defence and Security at Lancaster University

Programme overview

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 Postgraduate Diploma 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 or the armed forces.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Department: School of Global Affairs | Duration: Full time 10 months, Part time 22 months | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Lancaster, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules: Defence and Security: Applied Scenarios, Defence and Security: Expertise and Analysis.

Career pathways

This Postgraduate Diploma is suitable for those who are pursuing a career in a wide range of sectors and who wish to develop their skills and knowledge by learning from an expert team. In particular you may be working or seeking to work in: Alternatively, you may be planning the transition from a career in the armed forced to a civilian career in the defence sector or looking to build a foundation for further research, such as a PhD.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Academic requirements: 2:2 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a related subject such as History, Politics, International Relations, Law, Computer Science, Linguistics, Languages, Politics, Psychology, Security Studies or Sociology. We will also consider applications where you have a degree in other subjects or have not studied at university level but have relevant professional experience, including from former or current service personnel and those working in the defence sector or journalism. If you are not sure if you meet our entry requirements, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you. Please contact us for information. Additional requirements: We encourage you to use your Personal Statement to demonstrate your interest in this subject and how your experience and skills have prepared you to undertake this programme of study (e.g. the ability to analyse data and evidence, to write reports and/or essays, and to meet deadlines). English language requirements: We require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 8,400 a year (2027/28). Full-time rate (per year) Source

International applicants: GBP 17,400 a year (2027/28). Full-time rate (per year) Source

Duration: Full time 10 months, Part time 22 months

Apply through the official page: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying-for-postgraduate-study/

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