Master in International Security Studies (MISS)

Two-year English-language Master's degree programme offers students a complex guide through security, conflict and strategic studies. Responding to the pressing agendas of the current security environment the programme is administered by the team of young academics of the Department of Security Studies. The programme is also part of the double degree scheme organized together with the University of Konstanz (Germany).

The programme respects the multidisciplinary dimension of contemporary security studies that face analytical challenges in traditional as well as non-traditional domains. Therefore, students will obtain theoretical and methodological training allowing them to address security issues ranging from conventional conflicts and wars to unconventional agendas associated with cyber or space realms. 

Graduates of the programme are prepared to pursue careers in security-related posts in government offices and public administration, intelligence agencies, international organizations, NGOs and transnational corporations. Some might also like to pursue a doctorate and an academic career.

Programme Duration: 2 years

Language of Instruction: English

Academic Supervisor: Doc. PhDr. Běla Plechanovová, CSc. (bela.plechanovova@fsv.cuni.cz)

Programme Coordinator: PhDr. Vít Střítecký, M.Phil., Ph.D. (vit.stritecky@fsv.cuni.cz)

Admission Administration: admissions@fsv.cuni.cz

Security studies have been a dynamic field. Throughout the Cold War, it was a field closely wedded to war studies and military science, and it concentrated on questions dealing with nuclear weapons, disarmament, and potential confrontations between the superpowers. After the end of the Cold War, security studies underwent a significant transformation, which, along with the ever-widening understanding of the notions of security, began to move beyond the traditional military domains.

MISS promotes a progressive approach to teaching which, among other things, includes reducing class sizes and an emphasis on seminars. The pedagogical instructors aim to conduct their classes through presentations, discussions or simulations incorporating students. This logically requires thorough preparation through extensive reading of the course texts. The main goal of this is to streamline the teaching process through actively involving the students in class and making it possible for them to present their opinions on and understandings of the material.

The MISS programme is part of the double degree scheme offering a limited number places to the students of both institutions. Based on the selection process organized during the first year several MISS students will have a chance to get the second diploma in Politics and Public Administration during the second year spent at the University of Konstanz.

Study prerequisites

The MISS programme is open only to students who have already completed a Bachelors degree (or equivalent) in a related programme of study.

Graduation requirements

To complete the programme the students must collect 120 ECTS credits, defend their Master’s Thesis and pass the Final State Examination.

Progamme Structure

Tuition fees

• 6 000 EUR per year

Please note that these fees cover only the cost of instruction and examinations, and that students are responsible for paying their own living expenses (food, lodging, etc.).