
Global Security and Borders MA
Queen's University BelfastBelfast, United Kingdom
Course overview
Current information: Borders have become a key site and central concern of global security practices and theory, from the Mexican-United States border to the Mediterranean ports of the EU. The many facets of borders are introduced and analysed in this programme: they are understood as containers of identity, sites of power, and points of weakness where the mobility of people (e.g. terrorists, migrants) and things (e.g. drugs, weapons) can disrupt prevailing forms of security. This programme aims to help students navigate this complex terrain by providing a firm grounding in critical border studies.
At the core of this programme is the chance for students to apply their academic insights within a work-based environment with borders/security professionals through the Borders Internship module. Please Note: due to external international funding deadlines, international/EU applicants must apply by Friday 30th January 2026 at 4pm GMT for consideration. The closing date for UK/Irish applicants (or late international applicants not applying for consideration of international funding) is Friday 27th March 2026 at 4pm GMT.
This is due to a limited number of internships available for this course. Applications received after the closing deadline of Friday 27th March 2026 at 4pm GMT will be regarded as LATE and will be considered only if vacancies exist when all applications received by these closing dates have been processed. A deposit is required to secure your place.
(This condition of offer will be in addition to any academic or English language requirements). Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder.
Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.
Key highlights
- Borders Internship module with borders and security professionals
- Firm grounding in critical border studies
- Examines borders as sites of identity, power and vulnerability
- Covers mobility of migrants, terrorists, drugs and weapons across borders
- Case studies range from the Mexico–US border to EU Mediterranean ports
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:2 — or above; 55%
Scholarships
International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship
Year one award of between £2000 and £5000.
Up to £2,000The Burdett Trust MSc Nursing Scholarships
For Home Students: Tuition fees £7,665 Stipend £10,250. For International Students: Tuition fees £24,295 Stipend £17,000
Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship - Postgraduate Taught
Value: 50% of tuition fees paid for up to a maximum of two years.
Up to 50% of fees
Careers this course leads to
- Border security analyst
- Migration policy officer
- Security policy researcher
- Immigration and border agency officer
- Intelligence analyst
- NGO programme officer (migration and refugees)
Cost of study
UK/Home: £7,700 (NI/ROI), £10,400 (GB) | International: £23,000
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Queen's University Belfast, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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