There are no longer clear distinctions between regional or domestic civil conflicts and issues of global security. Most conflicts have an international dimension and global insecurity has local as well as international causes. This degree explores the causes of conflict, the role of powerful states and the broader international community, the changing role of peace-keeping, European security, international terrorism, and conflict resolution processes, amongst other issues.
The principal objectives of MISC are:
Students on this programme come not only from Ireland and Europe, but a diverse range of other countries. Many come directly from undergraduate studies; our MISC programme provides such students with the option of obtaining a focused postgraduate degree. Others, such as those with military and policing backgrounds, choose our programme to help further their professional development. In the past, we have welcomed serving or retired members of An Garda Síochána (i.e. the Irish police), the Irish Army, the United States Army, the United States Navy and the United States Air Force on MISC.
Our experience suggests that the programme is suitable for students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds and a typical class (max. 20 students) will include those who have studied subjects as diverse as politics, law, languages, history, business, sciences, etc.
Semester 1 modules are all core (i.e. required) as set out in the table below. In Semester 2, students continue to take Research Methods and also undertake a second core module. They also choose three optional modules (i.e. electives) from the list below. The final component of the course is a 20,000-word dissertation, the major portion of which is produced in the summer months under supervision by a member of staff, and due for submission on the first Thursday of September yearly.
Applicants will normally have an honours primary degree or equivalent, but appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may be accepted as equivalent to an honours degree, in accordance with the relevant University regulations.
The MA Programme features seminars and presentations by guest speakers with particular experience and expertise, be it as politicians, officials, academics or diplomats, in foreign policy and international relations. The intention is to facilitate the exploration of key issues in international relations in an informal, interactive environment.
Former guests have included:
In Semester 2, 2011 - 2012 we invited guest speakers to introduce a film, which we then screened and followed-up with a Q&A session. The films in the series were all on the theme of terrorism and political violence, and included Four Lions (2010), Hunger (2008), Paradise Now (2005), and The Battle of Algiers (1966).
Trips and tours are organised regularly by the School of Law and Government, including a trip to the Army Training Centre in the Curragh, a tour of the main legal institutions in Dublin, and (new in 2012-2013) a Northern Ireland tour.
The trips and tours are optional and have an associated cost, but are allied to various electives.
Click here for more details on MA Programme Events and Activities
Graduates from the programme have gone on to work for Irish and other states' government departments, in development agencies, media, diplomatic services, and elsewhere. A number are in the midst of, or have recently completed, PhD research. In previous years, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has offered a limited number of short-term 'stagiaire' posts to top graduates from this course, indicating the high regard in which the course is held.
2.1 (or equivalent experience) in any discipline
Full-time, taught
1 year
EU Fees: c. €6,573
Non-EU Fees: c. €11,200
Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC)
Deadline: 31 August 2012
Application Fee: Credit Card €45 or Bank Draft €50
Our MA programmes are heavily subscribed to. We therefore encourage people to apply to all the School of Law and Government MA programmes they are interested in, in order of preference. This will increase your chances of an offer. The PAC system allows you to rank three separate programmes.
Dr. Noelle Higgins
noelle.higgins@dcu.ie
+353 1 700 6471
Dr Noelle Higgins speaking about the MA in International Relations and MA in International Security and Conflict programmes and her research in international law
The MISC at DCU gave me analytic tools and unique viewpoints that I could not have gained at any US institution. DCU broadened and deepened my understanding of international conflict and well-prepared me for life as a US Naval Officer
I am very grateful to DCU. Each lecturer always made extra time to discuss topics both in class in large groups and on a more individual basis when needed ... I learned how to be analytical, conduct well thought-out research, and also developed the skills to evaluate the geo-political landscape from an impartial perspective while also gaining insight into how the international community works
The MA in International Security and Conflict Studies mixed theory with current and recent events in international affairs offering students a unique sense of perspective. The time given over to class discussions allowed students, Irish and international, to hear of and talk about issues from a variety of perspectives. Strongly recommended