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Study International Relations and Security Studies in Europe
International relations and security studies programs examine the behavior of states, international organizations, and non-state actors in the international system — and the security challenges that shape and threaten that system.
International Relations and Security Studies programs in Europe from 7 universities · updated for 2026
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European programs draw on a rich mix of IR theories (realism, liberalism, constructivism, critical security studies, Copenhagen School securitization theory) and apply them to live European and global security dynamics: Russia's war against Ukraine, NATO expansion and burden-sharing debates, EU common security and defense policy, hybrid warfare and information operations, nuclear deterrence, terrorism, and the security implications of climate change and migration. The security studies dimension covers both traditional hard security (military strategy, deterrence, arms control) and non-traditional security (energy security, cyber security, human security, food security). Students develop skills in policy analysis, strategic studies, and the ability to produce clear, evidence-based assessments of security situations — the fundamental competency of think tank, government, and international organization roles. Career realism: international relations is competitive for the most sought-after roles, and differentiation through specific regional expertise, language skills, and policy-relevant analytical work matters.
What You Actually Study
Core areas within International Relations and Security Studies
IR theory: realism, liberalism, constructivism, critical security studies, and the English School in interpreting international security dynamics
European security architecture: NATO, OSCE, EU CSDP, and the bilateral and multilateral frameworks shaping European security since 1989
Conflict analysis and war studies: causes of interstate and intrastate war, escalation dynamics, conflict termination, and post-conflict peacebuilding
Hybrid warfare and information security: Russia's use of information operations, cyber-attacks, and non-linear warfare in European security contexts
Non-traditional security: human security frameworks, climate-security nexus, energy security, food security, and the securitization of migration
Why Europe for International Relations and Security Studies?
What makes European programs distinctive for this specialization
European IR programs operate in proximity to the institutions shaping European and global security: NATO headquarters in Brussels, OSCE in Vienna, the European External Action Service, and the UN system in Geneva. The war in Ukraine, ongoing debates about European strategic autonomy, and NATO burden-sharing have made European security an active area of policy research with genuine career demand. Think tanks including IISS, SIPRI, ECFR, and Chatham House provide internship and early-career pathways for European IR graduates. Language skills in Russian, Arabic, French, or German — more naturally developed in European programs — are significant differentiators for analytical roles.
Where It Leads
Career paths for International Relations and Security Studies graduates
Policy Analyst at a security and foreign policy think tank, government foreign affairs department, or parliamentary foreign affairs research service
Security Affairs Specialist at NATO, OSCE, EU CSDP structures, or a national defence ministry contributing to strategic analysis and security planning
International Organization Programme Officer at the UN Secretariat, DPPA, or regional security organization working on conflict prevention or peacebuilding missions
Intelligence Analyst at a national intelligence or security service applying geopolitical and security analysis to threat assessment
Academic Researcher or Lecturer in international relations or security studies pursuing doctoral study and contributing to the IR literature
Salary & Career Outcomes
What graduates in this area realistically earn
€28,000 – €60,000 (think tank analyst and policy officer roles; international organization positions; government roles vary by seniority; EU institution roles follow EU grade scales)Typical Salary Range
How to Break In
What programs and employers are actually looking for
International relations and security studies programs are competitive at the most selective schools. Applications should demonstrate specific analytical engagement with security issues — not just general interest in global affairs — and ideally regional or thematic specialization. Language competency beyond English is explicitly valued: knowledge of Russian, Arabic, Mandarin, French, or German opens regional specializations and differentiates applicants. Prior internships at think tanks, government research units, or international organizations distinguish applications. Research experience, a strong undergraduate dissertation in IR or a related field, and clarity about the career goal (think tank, government, academic research) help identify the right program tier.
Programs Covering International Relations and Security Studies
Programs with strong content in this specialization, from verified European sources
Law and Global Security
Mykolas Romeris University Vilnius, Lithuania
Bachelor's English 3,5 years
EU: €3,176 Per yearNon-EU: €3,176
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Law and Global Security Mykolas Romeris University
This bachelor's program offers a comprehensive legal education with a strong international and security-oriented focus. Students study foundational subjects such as constitutional, criminal, civil, administrative, and procedural law, while also exploring global topics like human security, migration, anti-corruption, cyber law, and environmental law. The curriculum incorporates legal reasoning, critical thinking, and global institutional analysis. Students enhance language skills and can choose electives like Arabic or Mandarin. The program includes practical components through a global crisis simulation, an internship, and a final bachelor thesis and exam.
To apply for this bachelor's program, applicants must submit a secondary school diploma with final grades, a passport copy, and a motivational letter that is written independently without AI assistance. English proficiency at a B2 level is required, which can be proven through TOEFL iBT (72–94), IELTS (5.5–6.5), PTE (59–75), or Duolingo (100–125). Alternatively, applicants can take the university's free online English test. A minimum GPA of 60% of the maximum is needed. Students with a gap of three or more years since graduation may be asked to take additional tests. All documents must be clear, high-quality color scans.
Security Policy and Diplomacy Mykolas Romeris University
This master's program offers an interdisciplinary approach to international politics, diplomacy, and national security. It covers key areas such as political economy, cybersecurity, crisis management, and diplomatic law. Students engage in practical simulations and explore both philosophical and strategic aspects of crisis response. The curriculum culminates in a master's thesis, with electives available in intelligence operations and civil mobilization. Foundational courses may be required for students without a political science background.
To apply for this master's program, candidates must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent with a minimum of three years of study and a GPA of at least 60% of the maximum possible. Required documents include academic transcripts, a motivational letter written without AI, proof of English language proficiency at B2 level, and a passport copy. Language skills can be demonstrated through standardized exams or the university’s free online test. Applicants may be asked to complete additional evaluations. Exemptions apply for native English speakers or those who studied fully in English. All documents must be submitted as high-quality, full-color scans.
Berlin School of Economics and Law Berlin, Germany
Master's English 2 years
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International Security Management Berlin School of Economics and Law
This master's program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to global security issues. It covers research methods and explores international and global security challenges, risk management, and regulatory frameworks. Students study ethics and normative theories, cybersecurity and data protection, and crime control in an international context. The curriculum also includes economic perspectives, leadership skills, and key topics like international conflict management and human rights. In the final stage, students examine current issues in international security and choose from annually updated electives to tailor their learning to specific interests.
This master's program requires a completed university degree with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at the B2 level according to the CEFR, with a minimum score of 6.5 in all categories. A letter of motivation and a curriculum vitae, both written in English, are also required as part of the application.
Business and Security Analytics Vistula University
This program blends business, management, and data analysis with cybersecurity foundations. Students gain skills in marketing, finance, ICT, analytics, and organizational security. Core topics include business simulations, project management, and ethical practices. The program offers two specializations: Security Analyst (focusing on criminology, counterintelligence, and crisis management) and Business Analyst (with courses in finance, PR, and Big Data). Graduates are prepared for careers in security, data analysis, and business strategy.
Applicants must have completed secondary or higher education. All required documents must be submitted in Polish or English, with sworn translations into Polish (or English initially, with Polish to follow upon arrival). Original documents must be brought when enrolling. English proficiency at a B2 level is required, proven by certificates such as TOEFL (72+), IELTS (5.5+), TOEIC (700+), or equivalents like FCE, CAE, or CPE.
Cyber Security and Computer Networks Vistula University
This bachelor’s program offers a robust foundation in mathematics, programming, databases, and digital technologies, expanding into advanced topics like distributed systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Students can specialize in one of six areas: Database Engineering, Web Technologies Engineering, Cybersecurity and Computer Networks Engineering, Information Systems Engineering, Computer Game Development Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence in Engineering. Each path provides focused modules combining theory and hands-on practice. The program also includes team projects, seminars, and mandatory internships to develop professional experience. Final semesters are dedicated to diploma projects and specialization advancement.
Applicants must have completed high school or higher education and submit original qualification documents with sworn translations into Polish (or English initially, with Polish required upon arrival). Documents are accepted in English or Polish. A B2-level English certificate is required, such as TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS 5.5, TOEIC 700, or equivalents like FCE, CAE, or CPE. Original documents must be presented upon arrival at the university.
Cyber Security Engineering Tallinn University of Technology
This program provides a structured foundation in IT and cyber security. Students begin with general studies covering ethics, communication, logic, and electronics. Core studies introduce essential IT knowledge such as programming, networking, system administration, and databases. Special studies dive deeper into cyber security topics like malware, secure programming, and social engineering. The program also includes electives in programming, cryptography, forensics, and machine learning. A 24-ECTS internship offers practical experience, and the program concludes with a graduation thesis to apply acquired knowledge in real-world contexts.
Applicants must have at least 60% of the highest possible CGPA in either secondary or higher education. Admission includes an online test assessing logic, algorithmic thinking, and applied mathematics. The test consists of five exercises and must be completed within a 5-hour time window (not an indication of test length). A minimum score of 60 is required to qualify for the interview. The motivation letter should explain the applicant's interest in IT and cyber security, work experience, coding and OS familiarity, and personal achievements, with proper citations. The interview assesses English skills, test results, and overall motivation. Admission is granted if the applicant scores at least 60 points on both the test and the interview.
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