PhD in Global Security

A PhD in global security is an opportunity to investigate in-depth global security issues and develop a rigorous academic research piece. Supported by academics and current security practitioners, students on PhD programmes in global security narrow their focus and study to specific topics and conduct literature and field-based research. Global security PhD topics often focus on niche areas of security and intelligence practice and aim to develop actionable research to improve policies.

Studying a PhD in global security often follows several years of experience in the security industry. Graduates with PhDs in global security often go onto further academic research or lectureships within universities on the subject of security. They can also be employed in government, international organisations and think-tanks as resident researchers.

MPhil/PhD Security and Intelligence Studies by Research – University of Buckingham

The University of Buckingham offers a PHD or MPhil in Security and Intelligence Studies. The doctoral research position is within in the Centre for Security Studies which hosts many prominent academics conducting research into global security issues. The PhD in Security and Intelligence allows students to investigate in depth a specific area of international security based on a submitted research proposal. Previous PhD graduates have investigated the judicial system, security and intelligence agencies, counter-terrorism in Pakistan and the use of soft power as a tool of statecraft in inter-African relations. The MPhil or PhD in Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham aims for students to develop systemic understanding and critical analysis of the current worldwide security context through in-depth independent study. Research can be carried out over three years full-time of six years part-time.

Entry requirements for the MPhil or PhD in Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham are a first- or second-class master’s degree. English language requirements include an IELTS score averaging above 6.5 with 6.0 on all components or a TOEFL score of 87 with minimum component scores of listening 21, reading 22, speaking 23 and writing 21.

Fees for UK and EU students to do the MPhil or PHD in the University of Buckingham are 22,950 GBP. For overseas students’ fees are 41,850 GBP. The university has a wide range of scholarships and bursaries but says students need to have an offer of a place before they can apply for funding.

Intelligence and Security Studies PhD – Brunel University

The PHD in Intelligence and Security Studies at Brunel University in London allows students to research the areas of intelligence organisations, security management and analysis. Hosted in the Brunel Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies, which combines research from law, engineering, politics and history with in-depth academic study of global security. The PhD especially recruits students who have broad working experience in the field of security and intelligence, allowing them to research in-depth on security developments and intelligence policy. Students on the PhD Intelligence and Security Studies at Brunel University work as part of a research team, allowing them to work together on large-scale policy and consultancy projects. Brunel University has a range of academics who supervise students on the Intelligence and Security Studies PHD and can provide additional practical knowledge to the research.

UK applicants to the PHD in Intelligence and Security Studies at Brunel University need a first or upper-second class honours degree and often need a master’s qualification. EU and overseas students need the equivalent. All applicants must submit a written personal statement and pass an interview. English language requirements are a IELTS score 6.5 (with minimum of 6 in all areas), a Pearson score of 58 (51 in all sub-scores) or a TOEFL result of 92 (minimum 20 in all areas).

Fees for the Intelligence and Security Studies PhD at Brunel University are 4,407 GBP for UK students studying full-time and 2,203 for UK students studying part-time per year. International students pay 15,860 GBP for full-time study and 7,930 GBP for part-time for each year. Brunel University does have funding support for some research students.

PhD Study, National Security College – Australian National University

The PhD programme at the National Security College combines knowledge of worldwide security developments and policies with academic research skills Students undertake extensive independent research into the security field directed by a panel of experts in global security. The National Security College sits within the Australian National University (ANU) and provides study and research into crucial national and international security challenges, as well as focusing on the development of innovative security policies. Research at the National Security College has been completed in national, regional and global security, counterterrorism and countering violent extremism and security futures. The college has also seen research completed in national security policy and practice and cyber security.

Admission requirements to study a PhD at the National Security College are a 2.1 honour degree or international equivalent in a relevant programme such as security studies, international relations, political science or the humanities. Applicants also need to submit a theses proposal. English language requirements for non-Australian or English-speaking nationals, or applicants without two years previous study in English, are a IELTS total band score 6.5 with a score of at least 6.0 in all components or a TOEFL score of 570 and a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4.5.

Information on fees should be sought from the college. As the National Security College sits within the Australian National University, students can access a wide range of scholarships. To be eligible for ANU scholarships depends the area of study and type of student applying.

Security Studies PhD – University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers a PhD in Security Studies. The doctoral research programme allows students to investigate global security trends with in-depth analysis. In the first-year students work on developing research skills and conduct a literature review related to their specific research topic. At the end of the year they present a proposal to the Dissertation Committee. The second year focuses on coursework and qualifying exams, whilst also beginning the doctoral theses which is completed in the final year. Students from the Security Studies PhD at the University of Central Florida have been placed in research positions in government agencies and international bodies. The PhD is directed by security practitioners with a wide range of background and knowledge in the security field.

Applicants to the Security Studies PhD at the University of Central Florida require a master’s degree from a university or an accredited professional military education institution. Applicants also need to submit a 2500-word sample writing piece, previous degree transcripts and a 500-word professional statement. Non-native English speakers need a TOEFL score of 90 or a IELTS score of 7.0 or better.

Information on costs and fees can be obtained from the University of Central Florida. The University of Central Florida’s Political Science Department provides funding aid to most students admitted to their programmes. This includes the Presidential and Trustees Fellowships fund which can support students for four years of study.

Security Studies Ph.D. – Princeton School of Public and International Affairs

The five-year PhD in Security Studies at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs is designed for students to undertake rigorous, expansive and in-depth research into the area of global security. The doctoral programme encourages students to explore the causes, effects, history and impact of national and international security events, whilst completing a piece of unique academic research. The Security Studies PhD at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs covers such areas as grand strategies of the major powers, arms competitions and coercive diplomacy. Students can also investigate insurgency, civil war, and regional political instability, military force composition and capability and civil-military relations. The PhD in Security Studies at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs is an in-residence programme, although time away may be taken for field research.

Details of entry requirements and fees can be got directly from the university.

Ph.D. in Public Policy (Online) – National Security Policy

Liberty University has a three-year online PhD in Public Policy with a focus on security. The programme has students develop research and policies on national security, as well as investigating contemporary security trends. With a particular focus on national security, the Liberty University PhD provides students with chance to research national resilience, counter-terrorism and intelligence policy and practice. Students doing the PhD in Public Policy (Security) at Liberty University cover several key subject areas including foundations of statesmanship and public policy, foreign policy, globalization, and statesmanship, policy analysis and statesmanship and introduction to national security policy. The course encourages students to analyse security problems and produce actionable solutions. The doctoral programme is led by current and former public policy and security practitioners.

Admissions requirements for the PhD in Public Policy, National Security Policy at Liberty University are a master’s degree of 3.0. Applicants must also complete and admission application, pay a fee, provide transcripts for previous study and prove English proficiency.

The online PhD in Public Policy, National Security Policy at Liberty University costs 595 USD per credit hour. The course has sixty credit hours. Liberty University has a wide range of scholarships, including potential awards for family heritage, ethnicity, study majors, religious affiliations, disabilities and for members of the armed forces.

Doctoral School on Safety and Security Sciences – Obuda University

Obuda University in Budapest, Hungary, hosts the Doctorial School on Safety and Security Sciences. The aim of the school is to provide technical teaching and research in safety and security, as well as encouraging a challenge to traditional thinking around global security. The school also aims to blend academic research with the development of practical methods that can be implemented in the current worldwide security context. The Doctorial School on Safety and Security Sciences at Obuda University covers research areas such as safety science and human-machine-environment analysis techniques. Research at the school has also been undertaken in the area of critical infrastructure protection research.

Information on entry requirements and fees to undertake PhD research at the Obuda University Doctorial School on Safety and Security Sciences can be sought from the University.