MA Violence, Terrorism and Security at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

A programme examining political violence, terrorism, civil wars and inter- and transnational conflict, and state security responses, drawing on conflict analysis, terrorism studies, security studies and peace science. It is taught in Belfast, a post-conflict society, with access to guest speakers including former combatants, policymakers and researchers.

Faculty: History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics | Duration: 1 year full-time; 3 years part-time | Intake: September 2027 (2027/28 entry) | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students study the concepts, theories and debates on the use of political violence in history and the contemporary world and the role of violence in relation to political power. An optional, subsidised extra-curricular field visit to Brussels (counter-terrorism experts, NATO, EU Commission, NGOs) incurs some additional cost.

Career pathways

Security sector and government agencies, international organisations (e.g. United Nations), NGOs and civil society organisations, security and intelligence agencies, research, academia, media and business.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent in a Social Sciences, Humanities or Arts subject; or a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent in any subject with relevant professional experience. Apply ideally no later than 13 August 2027. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 (taken within the last 2 years) or an equivalent qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,250 a year (2027/28). Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland students Source

International applicants: GBP 24,400 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other students Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 3 years part-time

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