MA Security, Intelligence and Diplomacy
Areas of study of the MA Security Intelligence and diplomacy include international security since 1939; intelligence, tradecraft and machinery.
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Course overview
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Sep 2025 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Studies in Intelligence Success and Failure | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Cybersecurity & Globalisation | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Diplomacy | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Dissertation | Core | 45.00 | 7 |
| Foreign Policy Analysis | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Intelligence History, Tradecraft and Machinery | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Politics of Energy and Environment | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Research Design and Methods | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Security Simulation | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Terrorism and National Security | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
Jan 2026 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Studies in Intelligence Success and Failure | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Cybersecurity & Globalisation | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Diplomacy | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Dissertation | Core | 45.00 | 7 |
| Foreign Policy Analysis | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Intelligence History, Tradecraft and Machinery | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Politics of Energy and Environment | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Research Design and Methods | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Security Simulation | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Terrorism and National Security | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
Course outline
The MA in Security, Intelligence and Diplomacy degree combines elements from our existing Security and Intelligence MA and our Diplomacy programmes. Like all of our MA programmes, a diplomacy degree aims to help to prepare graduates for careers in foreign and other ministries, international organisations, international journalism and global civil society organisations or for further research. Areas of study include intelligence and international security since 1939; intelligence, tradecraft and machinery; case studies in intelligence success and failure; international law and diplomacy; foreign policy analysis; global diplomacy; security challenges and other global issues. The modules are taught intensively in lectures, seminars and small group tutorials; they assume little prior knowledge but rapidly bring students to an advanced level of understanding. Buckingham is a small academic community and students have personal and frequent access to their instructors. The programme is also suitable for those without a specific career aim in mind but who wish to acquire an advanced understanding of these subjects.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry level required for this course is as follows:
- a first or second-class honours degree from a recognised university or,
- a recognised professional qualification with relevant work experience
Mature students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
International students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
English levels
If English is not your first language, please check our undergraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
Selection process
Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be contacted by Microsoft Teams, email or phone.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or get in touch via our online form.
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract
Teaching & Assessment
Quality teaching
We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.
Teaching methods
Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of Buckingham’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.
Teaching staff
BUCSIS was established in 2008 as a world-class centre for research into the key Security and Intelligence issues facing the UK and the world in the 21st century. The Centre is headed by a leading academic in the field with former practitioner experience in the shape of Professor Julian Richards, a renowned academic of global affairs and international relations with a diverse international experience. The original founder of the centre, Professor Anthony Glees, continues his association with our work as an Emeritus Professor of the University.
Julian Richards, PhD (Cantab). Joint founder of Buckingham’s Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies, Associate of the Pakistan Security Research Unit (PSRU) at Bradford University, and an active member of the European Ideas Network (EIN). Previously member of the Ministry of Defence.
More information about Julian Richards.
Emeritus Professor Anthony Glees,
More information about Anthony Glees.
Assessment methods
Assessment will take the form of written assignments and examinations and an individually supervised 10,000-word dissertation. Candidates whose total average mark is above 70 are awarded the MA with Distinction; those whose total average mark is between 60 and 69 are awarded the MA with Merit; those whose total average mark is between 50 and 59 are awarded the MA and those whose total average mark is between 40 and 49 are awarded the Diploma.
After Your Course
Graduate employment
Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.
Course Fees
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
Sep 2025 Full-time (1 Year) | UK | £10,300 |
| INT | £16,480 | |
Jan 2026 Full-time (1 Year) | UK | £10,300 |
| INT | £16,480 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Please note that The University of Buckingham has four terms per year. The tuition fees quoted are for the degree (e.g. if you start a degree at Buckingham in January, you will pay the same termly fee for the duration of your degree – you will not be affected by the price increase in September). Students will pay the same termly fee for the duration of their studies, unless studies are interrupted and resumed later. The tuition fee quoted is therefore the total cost of the degree. Fees are normally paid in termly instalments.
Postgraduate loan scheme
A system of postgraduate loans for Masters degrees in the UK is available with support from the UK Government. The loan is available for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.
Postgraduate first-class scholarship
A first-class scholarship is available to both home and international students studying a taught postgraduate degree at the University. The scholarship will reduce tuition fees by 33%. The scholarship will be automatically awarded to applicants who already have a first class honours degree that is recognised to UK standard.
You may also find it useful to visit our External Funding page.
Scholarships and bursaries
We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.
Funded scholarships and bursaries may be awarded across all schools of study, and represent a partial remission from tuition fees. Bursaries are means-tested and are intended for those who need a contribution towards their fees in order to study at Buckingham.
Students applying for this course may be eligible for the following:
UK Students
Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship
International Students
Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship
Sheikh / Mubarak Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Scholarship (Postgraduate)
Accommodation
On-campus accommodation
We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.
Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.
What’s included?
All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.
We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, at one of our open days or a Campus Tour, campus tours include a typical student room.