National Security Studies

This module has been constructed to provide students with an introduction to the conceptual and practical policy aspects of the recent UK and other national efforts to deliver a comprehensive national security approach. The course provides a contemporary, comparative and historically informed perspective on national security strategy. Students will actively learn about comparative national security approaches, exploring several case studies from the perspective of both larger and smaller states in different regions. Over the course of the 20 weeks, participants will hear a range of perspectives on the strategic, theoretical, and operational aspects of national security policymaking.

The programme incorporates a mix of teaching approaches including lectures, presentations, and seminars, enabling students to interact with colleagues and policymakers. Participants will benefit from the insights and experiences of individuals possessing extensive practical experience within the UK and wider international policy environment with the intention of providing a holistic grounding in key issues in the field of national security.

Examples of key issues that are addressed are (but not limited to):

• UK National Security Strategy and international comparators

• Defence and National Security Comparative national security approaches

• Cyber Security Leadership and cross-governmental responses to security challenges

• Inter-agency perspectives on delivering a National Security approach Counter Terrorism and National Security Strategies

• The ethics and oversight of national security

• Intelligence and national security

• Air and Space Power in National Security

• National Security Strategy for Small States Countering Serious and Organised Crime

• Public-private partnerships in National Security