MA in International Security and Conflict Studies

  • PAC Code:
    DC629
  • Duration:
    1 year full-time
  • Type of degree:
    Full-time

Contact: Dr Maura Conway    maura.conway@dcu.ie
Tel: +353 1 700 6472 Room: C232
Fee information | Indicative Timetable (Weeks 1-12)

Programme Overview

The Programme will provide students with the skills and abilities to understand the pressures giving rise to and created by globalisation. To this end, it will facilitate recent graduates by providing a focused post-graduate degree programme. For students with some years' work experience in the field, the programme will provide a basis for further professional development within their chosen career.

The principal objectives of the programme are:

Programme Description

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 will explore issues of `international terrorism', the causes of conflict, the role of powerful states and the broader international community, the changing role of peace-keeping, European security and conflict resolution processes.

Programme Structure

The MA in International Security and Conflict Studies programme is offered on a full-time basis over one year. First semester modules are all core. In semester two, students take a module in research methods, a second core module and three options. The dissertation is submitted in early September.

Entry Requirements

The programme is suitable both for recent graduates in any discipline and for those with some years' work experience in international organisations, in development, in government, in business or in education. Persons accepted for the MA programme will normally have an honours primary degree or equivalent, although appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may be accepted as equivalent to an honours degree in accordance with the relevant regulations of the University.

Applicants will be ranked by prior academic achievement, their work experience where relevant, and their stated reasons for wishing to take the programme. In respect of the latter, applicants are asked to include a 200-word statement outlining

a) why they wish to take this programme,
b) what in their record and experience makes them suitable for the MA programme, and
c) the impact which they expect the MA would have on their future careers.

Applicants who are awaiting their degree results should indicate both the level of award expected, and their undergraduate record to date. Some applicants may be called for interview.

Our MA programmes have been heavily over-subscribed in recent years. We therefore encourage people to apply all the programmes they are interested in, in order of preference. This will increase your chances of an offer. Our on-line application system allows you rank three separate programmes.

The closing date for receipt of applications is the 30th July, though we recommend that international students apply early and we will make some decisions on international applications at an earlier date where this is necessary to allow applicants secure funding or visas.

International Applicants

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Dates for Submission of Applications 2008

EU Applicants
Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre by 30th July 2008

Non-EU Applicants
Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre. Applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of gaining entry into Ireland are advised to apply as early as possible and no later than 30th July 2008.

Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre
When applying for this programme use the PAC code DC629.

Queries on completed applications can be made by e-mail to DeirdreSheridan@dcu.ie

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Dublin City University Graduate Programme in International Governance work for development agencies such as Trócaire, Goal, Amnesty International, Concern and Oxfam. Our graduates also work in a variety of government departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of An Taoiseach, Department of Justice and various European Union departments. Many also work for major multinational organisations, financial services companies in the media and in international business.

External Speakers Programme

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. Amongst previous guest speakers in DCU have been:

Areas in this Section:

ONUCA Demobilizes Nicaraguan Resistance Forces in Honduras

ONUCA Demobilizes Nicaraguan Resistance Forces in Honduras

Photo courtesy of the UN Photo Library
Photo #85970 - Steen Johansen