Program Overview
The International Relations (Security) PGDip at University of Birmingham is a MA programme in Social Sciences over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of social sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the International Relations (Security) PGDip programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: GBP 14,850 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 6,570 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the International Relations (Security) PGDip programme are prepared for diverse careers in social sciences:
- Policy Analyst
- NGO Programme Manager
- Researcher
- Social Worker
- Diplomat
- Development Consultant
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- 40 credits - Security Studies
- 60 credits - Dissertation MA students to submit a 13,500 word dissertation (not applicable to Diploma Students)
- 40 credits - Asia Pacific Security
- 20 credits - The Politics of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
- 20 credits - Terrorism and Political Violence
- 20 credits - Terrorism and Contemporary Conflict
- 40 credits - US Foreign and Defence Policy
- 20 credits - Civil War, Conflict Management and Peacekeeping
- 20 credits - Developments in Contemporary Political Analysis
- 20 credits - Diplomacy and Statecraft
- 20 credits - Diplomatic History of the Twentieth Century
- 20 credits - Ethical Dimensions of Terrorism, Political Violence and War
- 20 credits - Fear, Cooperation and Trust in World Politics
- 20 credits - Gender and Global Governance
- 20 credits - The Geopolitical Economy of Energy
- 20 credits - Global Environmental Governance
- 20 credits - Global Ethics 1
- 20 credits - Global Ethics 2
- 40 credits - Globalisation and Governance
- 40 credits - International Political Economy
- 40 credits - International Relations Theory
- 20 credits - Post-Conflict Peacebuilding and International Order
- 20 credits - Power in Global Politics
- 20 credits - Rising Powers and Global Order
- 20 credits - Sex, Death, Gender and (in) Security
- 20 credits - Social Theory and Critique: Contested Knowledge
- 20 credits - Social Theory: From Marxism to Post Marxism
- 20 credits - Theory and Ethics of Terrorism and Political Violence
- 20 credits - Conflict, Humanitarian Aid and Social Reconstruction (IDD)
- 20 credits - Migration, Superdiversity, Policy and Practice (IASS)
- 20 credits - Globalisation, International Migration and Citizenship (IASS)
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
For the MA programme you require a good Honours degree or its equivalent. For those whose first language is not English, an IELTS Certificate is required.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 14,850 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 6,570 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 14,850 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 6,570 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact University of Birmingham directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, United Kingdom
University of Birmingham is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Application Deadline 30 August 2025
- Start Date September 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months