Master of Arts in International and Civil Security
About This Programme
A 30-credit part-time master's (open to UAE nationals) in international relations and security, civil security and regional security, with Civil Security and Regional Security tracks.
Course Highlights
- Open to UAE nationals only, structured part-time for working professionals
- Core in international relations and security, civil security, social-science research methods, and regional security and the terrorist threat
- Electives across cybersecurity, critical-infrastructure protection, nuclear security, intelligence, and policy analysis
- 12-credit thesis workshop and master's thesis
What You'll Study
On-campus, part-time study designed for working UAE-national security professionals, combining 18 credits of core and elective coursework with a 12-credit thesis workshop and master's thesis.
Core Courses
- IICS 601 Introduction to International Relations and Security Issues3 credits
- IICS 602 Introduction to Civil Security3 credits
- IICS 603 Social Science Research Methods3 credits
- IICS 604 Regional Security and the Terrorist Threat3 credits
Electives (select 2)
- IICS 621 Technology and International Security3 credits
- IICS 622 Technology and Civil Security3 credits
- IICS 623 Regional Security Challenges and Policy Options3 credits
- IICS 625 Globalization and Middle East Security3 credits
- IICS 645 Policy Analysis3 credits
- IICS 646 Intelligence and National Security3 credits
- IICS 649 Cybersecurity and its Implications for Statecraft3 credits
- IICS 690 Critical Infrastructure Protection Design3 credits
- IICS 691 Nuclear Security3 credits
Thesis Workshop and Master's Thesis
- IICS 698 Thesis Workshop3 credits
- IICS 699 Master's Thesis9 credits
Entry Requirements
Some programmes are nationality-restricted (e.g. Nuclear Engineering; International and Civil Security).
Careers
Designed to advance UAE-national professionals into leadership roles across national and civil security, defence, intelligence, and critical-infrastructure protection.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
CAA (MoE)
Programme Details
Award
Master of Arts in International and Civil Security
Start Date
August 2026 (Fall; Spring intake for many programmes)
Typical Offer
Open to UAE nationals only. A bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, relevant professional experience in the security field, plus English proficiency.
Duration
3 years
Qualification
Masters
Subject Area
Security Studies
Campus
Abu Dhabi
Course Type
Master of Arts
Study Pattern
Part time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 150,000/yr
Apply online via ku.ac.ae with transcripts, references and a statement of purpose. Scholarships are assessed automatically at admission. Master's awards may cover tuition in full or in part and carry no stipend; PhD awards are competitive and merit-based, and may carry a full or partial tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend whose amount Khalifa University does not publish.