COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Defence and Security program at Lancaster University provides a robust blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research expertise to prepare students for careers in government, defence, policy, and related fields. Core modules such as Defence and Security: Applied Scenarios and Defence and Security: Expertise and Analysis focus on developing practical and analytical skills for addressing real-world challenges in security and defence contexts. These modules equip students to assess complex situations, evaluate strategic options, and implement evidence-based solutions. Optional modules allow students to tailor their learning to specific interests, exploring topics such as historical and contemporary conflict, diplomacy, foreign policy, and global power dynamics. Examples include Conflict and Cooperation in the Digital Age, Great Powers Politics, and Warfare in the Medieval World, 1100-1500, offering a historical and global perspective on security issues. The Defence and Security Independent Project enables students to apply research methods to an in-depth study of a topic of their choice, developing critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills. By combining applied learning with rigorous academic study, the program prepares graduates to engage with complex security challenges, understand the ethical and strategic dimensions of defence policy, and contribute to informed decision-making in a range of professional settings, from think tanks and government agencies to research and international organisations.