Master of Science in Security Studies (MSS)

MSS is positioned for professionals seeking deeper insight into security, strategic studies, and the evolving policy environment shaping defence and international affairs.

DeliveryWeekend format

AudienceMilitary and civilian professionals

FocusSecurity, strategy, and policy thinking

Programme Overview

The Master of Science in Defence and International Politics and the Master of Science in Security Studies programmes are the flagship Master’s Degree programmes of the College and undoubtedly, one of a kind in Ghana and the sub-region. Since the inception of the programmes in 2014, the College has trained personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces and Armed Forces of Allied African countries.

Personnel from other security agencies and members of the general public from institutions across the public and private sectors have also been trained including the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Prisons Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, the National Security, the National Investigation Bureau, EOCO, Parliament of Ghana, personnel from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and many more. This rich pool of our student body drawn from diverse backgrounds and experiences engenders rich discussions and in-depth expose to issues of security and defence management. Over 1,000 students have been trained on the Masters programmes since its inception in 2014.

Within the broad framework of the College’s mandate, the programmes aim at equipping students with the frameworks and tools for analytical thinking, good judgment, leadership and other critical managerial skills.

The specific objectives of the programmes are to:

Achieve the highest professional standards in Defence and Security Management, and International Politics.
Equip graduates with specialized knowledge and skills to play a meaningful role in management and provide professional leadership in Defence and Security.
Meet the demands and aspirations for continuing education of serving military officers and officers of other security agencies, and qualified civilians in Africa and globally.

Admission Requirements

A good Bachelor’s Degree (Second Class Lower or better) or equivalent professional qualification from a recognized institution and a written statement of career objectives in relation to the programme. Personnel with working experience in peace and security related organization are encouraged to apply. Females are also encouraged to apply.

Other Requirements

Original copy of relevant transcript(s);
Certified copies of relevant certificates (certified by the awarding institution);
A statement of motivation (500 words).

Note: Short listed applicants will be invited for interview

Structure and Duration

The MSc programmes run for one full academic year. A maximum of seven courses are taught each semester. During each semester, students are issued with topics for class assignments and term papers, to prepare and submit written responses at programmed dates. Term papers constitute part of students’ assessment. Students are also required to attend seminars and do presentations and submit a dissertation at the end of the programme.

The programmes are open to both civilians and the military. It is run every other weekend from Friday to Saturday on semester basis. A semester normally spuns 16 weeks and is structured as follows:

13 weeks of Teaching

1 week of Revision

2 weeks of Examinations

The maximum duration for the completion of the programmes, including re-registration is four semesters.

Student Learning Outcomes

This inter-disciplinary and custom-designed MSc programmes offer the special occasion for looking at defence, international politics and security issues through the lenses of defence strategy, national security, governance, development, and diplomacy, drawing on real-life case studies. It is designed for defence and security professionals looking to improve their skills in the context relevant to theoretical, concepts and models, as well as graduates with a career in government, the armed forces, security and defence related fields.
Graduates will gain special insight into the theories and concepts of defence, international politics and security; and the various institutions and actors in defence and security. The programmes aim to develop reflective practitioners who understand the multiple forces at work in interstate defence and security situations, who can operate effectively in highly unstable settings and who can implement programmes aimed at reconstructing civil society.
Graduates will be well equipped to lead change as foreign-service and military officers, government managers, international NGO staff, peace advocates, community workers, and as mediators and negotiators of conflict.

Courses

Required Courses and Core Courses for both Programmes

MDIP 600/MSS 600: Dissertation

MDIP/MSS 601: Research Methodology

MDIP 602/ MSS 605: African Politics and Political Economy

MDIP 603/ MSS 611: Theories and Concepts of Defence

MDIP 605/ MSS 601: Theories and Analysis of Security

MDIP 607/ MSS 603: International Politics and Diplomacy

MDIP 609/ MSS 607: International Law, Human Rights & Conflict in Africa

Elective Courses for MSc in Security Studies (MSS)

MSS 608: Theory and Practice of Intelligence

MSS 612: Terrorism and Counterterrorism

MSS 616: Cyber Security

MSS 628: Artificial Intelligence and Security

Duration and Delivery

One (1) academic year -: These are 2-semester programmes with a possible two semester extension. The programmes will be organized on weekends (Friday 5pm-8pm and Saturdays 9am-7pm). Classes will be held on alternate weekends at the college premises (in-person). There will be no classes on Public Holidays.