Conflict and Security in Policy and Practice (MSc, PGCert, PGDip) - online at University of St Andrews

Programme overview

A fully online part-time programme in conflict and security policy and practice, taught alongside national security and policy professionals. It covers human security, armed conflict, political violence, peacebuilding and civil-military engagement, with a focus on policy-relevant skills.

Department: School of International Relations | Duration: Part-time online: MSc 3 to 5 years; PGDip 2 to 4 years; PGCert 1 to 2 years | Intake: January and September (January 2027 deadline Friday 8 January 2027; September 2027 deadline Wednesday 1 September 2027) | Study mode: online | Location: St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

MSc students take three core modules (Researching Conflict and Peace; An Applied Introduction to Security; Introduction to War and Strategy), five optional modules and a portfolio-style research project. Options include Gender, Conflict and Security, Drug Trade Politics and Policy in the Americas, Imagining the Future of War, The History of Terrorism and Counterterrorism and Human Rights. PGDip is the taught component only; PGCert is the three core modules plus one option. Assessment is coursework only.

Career pathways

Suited to careers in policy analysis and policy-making and to professionals seeking to deepen expertise in security and conflict. Graduates of the School have joined organisations such as the Ministry of Defence, Reuters, the Royal Navy and Deloitte, and many go on to PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in any subject from the UK or the international equivalent. Applicants without a degree are considered with at least five years of relevant professional learning, and may be admitted to the PGCert first with progression to the full Masters. Application documents: CV, 500-word personal statement, 2,000-word single-authored academic writing sample (or a 2,000-word essay on the drivers of conflict in contemporary international relations), one signed reference, and transcripts and degree certificates. English language (international applicants, IELTS Academic; equivalents accepted): overall 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component (postgraduate taught profile 3-D). Also accepted: PTE Academic 79 overall (76 in each skill), TOEFL iBT (pre-2026 scale) 91 overall (reading 19, writing 23, listening 19, speaking 22). Applicants from some countries and those with a degree taught in English at a qualifying institution may not need a test score. Test scores are normally valid for two years.

GBP 18,000 for the whole programme. Estimated total fee for the MSc at £1,500 per 15 credits, for January 2027 entry; September 2027 fees not yet set. Part-time students pay per module. Source

Intake: January and September (January 2027 deadline Friday 8 January 2027; September 2027 deadline Wednesda

Duration: Part-time online: MSc 3 to 5 years; PGDip 2 to 4 years; PGCert 1 to 2 years

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities