Master in Global Security Borders Ma

For Master in Global Security Borders Ma, applications for the Apr 2027 intake are due by Jan 15, 2027; the tuition fee is 28,391 USD per year.

Borders have evolved into the primary focal points of contemporary global security, acting as complex sites where state sovereignty, identity politics, and the movement of both people and goods are constantly contested. From the high-profile barriers of the Mediterranean to the intricate security landscapes of the United States-Mexico frontier, borders represent the 'weak points' where global order is most visibly challenged.

This MA programme offers an intellectually rigorous engagement with these dynamics, providing students with a firm grounding in critical border studies. It is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between abstract political theory and the lived realities of security, migration, and human rights. By examining how security practices are deployed at the edge of the state, the course invites you to interrogate the contingency of global power structures.

A Practical Approach to Policy

Distinguishing itself from traditional security studies, this programme emphasizes the application of academic insight within a professional context. At its heart lies a semester-long Borders Internship, which places students directly into government departments or non-governmental organizations. Here, you will not only study the mechanisms of security but actively contribute to them by crafting policy-oriented briefing papers and engaging with practitioners who shape real-world outcomes in conflict transformation, border management, and international cooperation.

Queen's University Belfast is a historic and research-led university located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded as Queen's College Belfast in 1845 and established as an independent university in 1908, Queen's combines a long heritage with modern ambitions. The campus sits within a designated conservation area and serves a diverse community of around 24,915 students, including roughly 3,500 international students, creating a lively and inclusive environment for study and social life.

Academically, Queen's is a Russell Group member with strong disciplinary strengths and a clear focus on employability. The university hosts four flagship Global Research Institutes addressing Global Peace, Security and Justice; Cyber Security; Health Sciences; and Food Safety, offering students opportunities to engage with impactful research. Career-facing initiatives such as Degree Plus and targeted employer workshops enhance internships, placements and graduate prospects, while sustained investment in campus infrastructure has delivered new teaching facilities, a student centre and a cutting-edge clinical simulation centre for health-related programmes.

For international students, Belfast offers an affordable and welcoming city experience with rich cultural life and efficient transport links across the UK and Ireland. University support services help with arrival, visas and accommodation, and a variety of clubs, societies and volunteering options make it easy to build networks and gain practical experience. Queen's is a strong choice for students seeking rigorous teaching, active research opportunities and clear pathways into careers in the UK and beyond.