Global Security (MSc)

Student testimonials

Callum Davis, MSc Global Security 2012-13

After completing my undergraduate degree in politics I decided that in order to improve my career prospects, I had to attain a further qualification in a more contemporary area of politics. Through weeks of looking through different course and university options, I decided the Global Security programme at the University of Glasgow was the most attractive course for what I wanted. I contacted the School of Social and Political Sciences with many questions related to the degree, each of which was answered quickly and informatively. I decided to apply and was delighted to be accepted.

As part of the course, a field trip is available for students, that involves experiencing a host of EU institutions and NGOs. It was a very interesting experience, demonstrating the excellence of the University that we had the opportunity to hear from such influential people.

I have found the programme to be exactly what I wanted. The modules are intensive and engaging, and I have benefited especially from the quality of the discussion from other students and the discursive structure of the classes in general.

The master classes and guest lectures have been of an exceptional standard, with the School able to get very influential people to present on issues related to class topics, which allows for students to engage with relevant issues on a level that very few other degrees could offer.

Furthermore, as my main reason for choosing to do a master's programme was to improve my career options, I was very impressed with the opportunities the Global Security course was able to offer, with a range of internships and collaborative dissertations available to students.

Christopher Brooks, MSc Global Security 2011-12

I applied to Glasgow University because of its internationally respected reputation. I knew that a qualification from Glasgow would carry weight wherever I went in the future.

I live locally and know the city and the area around the university. I think it’s a great student city and would whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone.

In the MSc Global Security, I liked the number of pathways you could choose depending on your interests. If you have an idea of what you want to do in the future the pathways give you the ability to pick a route that’s more suitable. I really enjoyed the sheer variety of topics covered. Every class was different and interesting. I learned to think about the security issues we all face everyday such as employment and what type of society we live in, as well as conventional security threats.

The master classes offered an interesting insight from scholars, experts and politicians into the workings of the security world. I especially enjoyed a visit from Gordon Brown’s political advisor in which we could question him closely on all manner of subjects.

I feel very lucky to have come into a course in which there are people who are really motivated and supportive. This counts as much for the teaching staff as for my classmates. It’s a refreshing and inspiring environment to work in.

Alister Forman, MSc Global Security 2011-12

Knowing very little about the University, I chose to attend one of the postgraduate open days to get a better feel for the city and the University. It was my first time in the West End, a really bohemian part of the city in which I immediately felt at home. Glasgow is an eclectic and diverse city and it continues to surprise me, I find it immensely appealing. With the development of the postgraduate social space, it will be good to see the University catering more specifically to the requirements of the postgraduate community.

The range of optional courses in the MSc Global Security is absolutely second to none; this was one of my main reasons for choosing it. The truly interdisciplinary courses draw from expertise across the University to offer a stimulating and engaging programme that is contemporary and relevant in character.

The pathways came highly recommended and gave me the opportunity to sharpen the focus of my programme. This has really challenged me to think about what the most important issues are in the world today and, as such, has completely transformed my opinions on the problems that really matter.

The Master Classes are an integral part of the programme. Focussing on a range of contemporary issues from food security to anti-nuclear strategy, they provide an insight into the sorts of areas you could go into after the MSc. Having the opportunity to listen to experts brought together with non-academic practitioners, you really feel you are at the cutting edge of some of the central debates in Security Studies.

The workload is challenging but no less than you’d expect at this level of study. In global security you quickly realise that there are no easy answers, but that is part of the attraction in doing it! The balance of assessments makes the challenge more interesting, with the opportunity to tailor your studies to issues of personal interest. In addition, the style of assessment is quite broad across the programme - for example you can try your hand at policy aspects, commentary pieces and group work - this makes the work more engaging and gives you a more comprehensive skillset.

One of my favourite things has been the wide range of extra-curricular seminars through GHRN and the Global Security Roundtable. These are frequently given by very high profile speakers on some of the most contemporary issues.

I think at postgraduate level you come to have a greater appreciation for and interest in the work that takes place in your field of study and in the University at large. It is a privilege to be taught by some of the smartest people we have ever met, and refreshing to be taught in fun, engaging and innovative ways.

Helen Swan, MSc Global Security 2011-12

Having completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Glasgow I already knew I loved the campus, and that the course would be really well put together with fantastic teaching staff. The campus is always lively and buzzing with student activity, providing a great atmosphere with lots to do.

A great thing about my MSc programme is its interdisciplinary nature. My fellow classmates come from a variety of degree disciplines and this makes discussion more rounded and interesting. The mixture of ages and experience is also great as everyone has something different to offer.