პროგრამები

The University Of Georgia

Program name:	Security Studies (Eng)
Study Level:	Graduate
Program leader:	Shalva Dzebisashvili
Study language:	English
Qualification:	Part I - Master of Security Studies Part II - Master of Research in Security Studies
Program capacity - I ნაწილი:	60
პროგრამის მოცულობა II ნაწილი:	60
Program permission:	Enrollment of students in Part I of the second cycle of academic higher education (master’s programmes) is carried out: • on the basis of the results of the Unified Master’s Examinations or in accordance with Order No. 224/N of the Minister of Education and Science of Georgia (29 December 2011); • on the basis of successfully passing examinations in English (written) and in the field of specialty (oral, in English); • on the basis of administrative registration and an order of the Rector. A person who completes Part I of the second cycle of academic higher education (master’s programmes) is entitled to continue studies in Part II, subject to the provision established by Order No. 65/N of the Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia (15 May 2026): a person enrolled through the master’s examinations in the Part-I, comprising 60 credits, of a master’s educational programme of no fewer than 120 credits, who completes that part, is entitled to continue studies at the same higher education institution in the second part, comprising 60 credits, of the same master’s educational programme of no fewer than 120 credits without taking the master’s examinations, provided that no more than 5 years have elapsed since enrollment in the Part-I. After the expiry of this period, to enroll in the Part-II, comprising 60 credits, of the same master’s educational programme of no fewer than 120 credits, the person is required to take the master’s examination. To enroll in the second part, comprising 60 credits, of the same master’s educational programme of no fewer than 120 credits at another higher education institution, a person who has completed the first part, comprising 60 credits, of a master’s educational programme of no fewer than 120 credits at a higher education institution is required to take the master’s examination. In addition, enrollment of persons who have completed Part I (60 ECTS) of the same master’s programme at another higher education institution is carried out: • on the basis of successfully passing an interview in English (written) and in the field of specialty (oral, in English). English language competence: the compulsory English language competence required for admission to the programme is set at B2 level, confirmed by one of the following: a) successful completion of the university examination (with a minimum threshold of 70%); b) an internationally recognized English language certificate: • IELTS: 5.5–6.5; • TOEFL iBT: 87–109; • Cambridge English: 160–179; c) submission of a document confirming study in English at the bachelor’s level.
Program goals:	Part I The aim of Part I of the Master’s Programme in Security Studies is to provide graduates in the field of international politics and relations with systemic knowledge and critical understanding of security policy, both theoretically and in terms of the factors relevant for practical policy implementation. Graduates of the programme will be able to critically understand a broad range of conflicts and wars and their causal factors, as well as access and analyze the relationship between security and state policy. Graduates of the programme will be able to work in the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government, Parliament (committees), the State Security Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, foreign intelligence, international organizations operating in Georgia, embassies, and local analytical organizations. Part II The aim of Part II of the Master’s Programme in Security Studies is to prepare an independent researcher in the field of security studies who possesses the theoretical, conceptual and methodological foundations of research in international security, security policy and defence and can apply them in researching current issues in the security field as well as in assessing policies critically. The programme aims to enable a graduate to conduct a complex analysis of thematic issues in international security, independently plan and conduct research, select and use methodological approaches and research techniques in accordance with the research aim and tasks. The programme also aims to enable a graduate to assess national capabilities and resources in the context of global security, critically analyze the implemented security policy and develop substantiated recommendations. Graduates of the programme will be able to work in the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government, Parliament (committees), the State Security Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, foreign intelligence, international organizations operating in Georgia, embassies, and local analytical organizations in research and analytical activities.
Methods for Attaining Learning Outcomes:	Interactive lectures Discussion/debates Explanatory method Method of working with a book Searching for relevant material in electronic format or in the library Simulation Critical analysis Presentation delivery Verbal or oral method Case study and analysis Short analytical papers
Learning outcomes:	Knowledge and understanding Part I After completing Part I of the programme, the graduate: Systemically and thoroughly explains main theories in the field of international relations and the relationship between security challenges and political decisions; Systemically considers factors relevant for the field of security, including the complex nature of defence policy and the defence system, their organizational features and existing challenges; Explains the causes, forms and consequences of conflicts in the context of international security; Explains the interests of the main actors in global security environment (incl. the United States and the European Union), the institutional mechanisms of the policies pursued, and development trends. Part II After completing Part II of the programme, the graduate: Explains the significance and impact of the resource factor on the forms of national security and defence policy; Thoroughly explains the influence of the military industry on policymaking in both national and international contexts; Links thematic issues of international security with relevant theoretical, analytical and methodological approaches. Skills Part I After completing Part I of the programme, the graduate: Assesses state interests by priorities in the context of global security and evaluates the dilemma of using the military instrument in foreign and domestic policy; Uses legal and normative/regulatory mechanisms in determining sectoral policy; Critically assesses the instruments of state power, the significance of the military instrument, the factors determining it and the effectiveness of its use; Defines strategic approaches in the field of security and foreign policy and applies the basic principles of strategy; Prepares substantiated analytical reports and accounts on current issues in the security field. Part II After completing Part II of the programme, the graduate: Determines, according to a specific case, the size of specific resource requirements for security and defence policy, including a programme budget model; Develops and uses research design and relevant methodological approaches, methods of data collection and analysis, in accordance with the research aim and tasks; Draws substantiated conclusions based on the critical analysis of academic and professional sources; Presents research results in depending on a format of communication and audience. Responsibility and autonomy Part I After completing Part I of the programme, the graduate: Upholds the principles of professional ethics and academic integrity when carrying out learning and professional activities. Part II After completing Part II of the programme, the graduate: Independently plans and conducts research activities while upholding the standards of academic work with sources and the general norms of research ethics.
Date of approval:	09-26-2022
Approval protocol number:
Date of program update:	06-29-2026
Update protocol number:	08/26
Program details:
Teaching Process Characteristics:	Part I of the Master’s Programme in Security Studies (60 ECTS) includes mandatory core courses in total of 36 credits and elective courses in total of 24 credits. Part II of the Master’s Programme in Security Studies (60 ECTS) includes mandatory core courses in total of 48 credits and elective courses in total of 12 credits.

Patt I - Program Core


Code	Subject	ECTS	Semester
IREL5310	Security Aspects of European Integration	6	1
IREL5110	Theories of International Relations	6	1
IREL6133	U.S. Security Policy Priorities	6	1
IREL6120	International Conflict Analysis	6	2
IREL5131	Peace, War and Security	6	2
IREL5320	Strategy and Defence Planning	6	2
	Total ECTS to be taken:	36

Patt I - Program Elective


Code	Subject	ECTS	Semester
IREL5230	Theory and Practice in Diplomacy	6	1
IREL5360	War and International Law	6	1
IREL6153	Global Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism	6	2
IREL5325	Human Right and International Law	6	2
IREL5255	Intelligence, Counterintelligence and National Security	6	2
IREL5380	Introduction to Information Security	6	2
IREL5326	Transnational Migration	6	2
	Total ECTS to be taken:	42

Part II - Program Core


Code	Subject	ECTS	Semester
IREL5330	Defence Resources Management	6	3
IREL6227	Research Design	6	3
IREL6228	Research Methods	6	3
IREL6264	Master Thesis in Security Studies	30	4
	Total ECTS to be taken:	48

Part II - Program Elective


Code	Subject	ECTS	Semester
IREL5340	Conflicts, Non-conventional Warfare and Special Operations	6	3
IREL5240	Global Energy and Environment Studies	6	3
ECON6052	Global trade	6	3
IREL5350	Military–industrial complex	6	3
IREL5235	South Caucasus in Global Politics	6	3
	Total ECTS to be taken:	30

Matrix Of Privequisites

Point	GPA	The university assessment	The general assessment in Georgia
97-100	4,00	A+	A	Excellent
94-96	3,75	A
91-93	3,50	A-
87-90	3,25	B+		Very good
84-86	3,00	B	B
81-83	2,75	B-
77-80	2,50	C+	C	good
74-76	2,25	C
71-73	2,00	C-
67-70	1,75	D+	D	Satisfactory
64-66	1,50	D
61-63	1,25	D-
51-60	1,00	E	E	Sufficient
Not passed
41-50		FX	FX	Insufficient
≤40		F	F	Failed

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