International Relations and Global Security top-up

Explore how international policy is shaped and how security strategies are developed, gaining insight that could support career opportunities.

Do you want to prepare for a career with global impact? In a volatile world, we must understand the threats and opportunities facing the international community. Top up your existing qualification (HND, FdSc/Fda, associate degree) or complete your degree in this exciting field.

Global reach: study the international relations and foreign policies of the US, the Middle East and South Asia.
Contemporary curriculum: explore the ways that organised crime and terrorist organisations undermine state power and destabilise the international community.
Career-focused assessment: build a portfolio of experience through our varied assessment types, from writing policy papers to strategic plans, crisis responses and a range of other industry-relevant materials that should help you to showcase your expertise and real-world readiness.

Why you should study this course
- Simulations and dynamic learning: this course aims to offer a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Take part in immersive crisis simulations and learn how to design your own and deploy learnings in real-world settings.


- Project-based learning: work on complex problems, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Your assessments are project-based and designed to be directly relevant to the kind of work you might do in the future.


- Academic community: work closely with our teaching staff who aim to provide a welcoming learning community. Join course directors and their course teams for a regular course hour and have access to student success coaches who will support you throughout your learning journey.


- Employability: develop a strong understanding of global issues and international relations. The knowledge and analytical skills that you build could support aspirations to work with a variety of employers, from media outlets to multinational corporations, the Civil Service to the European Parliament, and from NGOs to think tanks.


Careers and opportunities
Throughout the course, you should develop a broad range of highly valued skills to reflect the changing and dynamic needs of industry, including exceptional communication, project planning, critical thinking and analysis, crisis management, problem-solving, and powerful presentation and listening skills.

On successful completion of the course, you should be a globally and interculturally aware graduate ready to make a dynamic difference in the world. You could find yourself working in the following areas:


• International organisations, like the EU and UN



• Police and intelligence services



• Human resources



• Local authorities banking and finance



• NGO, international security and charities.



Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Coventry University, part of Coventry University Group, is a modern, globally connected university with a mission to create better futures. Founded in 1843 through innovation and enterprise, they continue to work closely with industry to equip their graduates with the real-world skills and creative thinking they need to make a difference.

They're rated overall Gold in TEF 2023, recognising the quality of their teaching and student experience. From academic and wellbeing support to their Phoenix+ programme of employability activities and dedicated Success Coaches, they’re with you every step of the way.

Coventry is also a Top 5 Student City in England (QS Best Student Cities Index 2026), and they guarantee accommodation if you apply through Clearing.

With campuses across Coventry, London, Scarborough, Dagenham, and Greenwich, you can choose to study where it suits you best.