Academics

Institute of International and Civil Security

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  • Master of Arts in International and Civil Security

    • Bachelor degrees relevant for admission to the program include: Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Public Policy, International Security, as well as a wide variety of degrees grounding the student in a relevant technical expertise (e.x. Civil Engineering). Candidates with degrees in other pertinent specializations may also be considered. In such cases, candidates may be asked to submit course descriptions along with their transcripts. The degree has a coursework component and a Master Thesis component.
    • In the coursework component the student is required to complete a core curriculum and a program of advanced study in one of two areas of concentration.
    • The period of study concludes with the presentation of a Master Thesis which makes a contribution to the relevant field.
    • For program and admission details click here

  • Introduction

    The 21st century combines the promise of great progress with the resurgence of old dangers and the emergence of new ones. Those dangers include terrorism, warfare, weapons of mass destruction, and natural disasters. Some of these dangers are rooted in technology, others in society, and still others in nature itself. Attaining the strategic vision of the UAE will require deep understanding of those threats, and the knowledge and skills to address them. In response to those needs, the Masters Degree Program in International and Civil Security has been designed:

    • Provide the next generation of UAE leaders with the highest possible academic and practical education in the flied of security studies.
    • Enhance security policy analysis and planning for national leader in the UAE, the Gulf States, and the broader region.
    • Strengthen efforts to prevent and prepare for disasters, whether natural or human-caused.
    • Contribute to raising the profile and prestige of Khalifa University, by making it a leading global and regional center for the study of the Middle East and Civil Security.


    This unique Masters Program is being offered by Khalifa University’s Institute of International and Civil Security. The Institute’s mission is to become a leading academic center for supporting research, teaching and policy analysis in the field of security studies. In addition to what takes place inside the classroom, the Institute hosts speakers, workshops, and other events, and works with other institutions – within government, academia, and the private sector – to advance security research, education, training, and policy-making.

    In the UAE the demand for international, regional, and civil security professionals is expected to increase as the staff and capacity of the UAE federal, emirate, and local government agencies, as well as private sector, increase. The demand for expertise in this field is also growing as a result of national development and growth. National risk is a function of hazards, threats, consequences, and vulnerabilities. As the population, economy and critical infrastructure expands, national vulnerabilities also increase. Some aspects of national development also increase potential hazards such as industrial or technological accidents. A well educated and well prepared civil security leadership and work force is essential to the nation’s ability to prepare for, prevent or mitigate, respond to, and recover from potential disaster situations that are inevitable.

    The regional security track of the proposed Masters program represents a complementary approach that addresses the same needs as the civil security track. A small, and therefore inherently vulnerable, state like the UAE must inevitably look outward as well as inward in order to identify, assess, and address its national security challenges. Students should therefore be in a position to choose which area of study they wish to emphasize. Students pursuing careers in emergency management, for example, would be drawn to the civil security track; students who aim for positions of responsibility in agencies more broadly concerned with national security and foreign policy would choose the regional security track. Both tracks will be offering a level of security studies expertise not currently available in the UAE; the need for local and regional expertise in these areas is substantial and will only grow with the continued rapid development of the country.

  • Career Opportunities

    Security is the insurance policy of the nation.  It is a responsibility that we all must share.  The MA in International and Civil Security program will prepare you to be a leader in this field.  Upon graduation, you will both understand what must be done and have the practical skills to make sure it is done correctly.

    • Policy Analysis
    • Government Service in Foreign Affairs
    • Emergency Management
    • Law Enforcement
    • Military
    • Intelligence and Security
    • Public Health and Environment
    • Public Works and Engineering
    • Information Technology
    • Border and Customs

  • Admissions Information

    • Candidates for the masters programs must have a Bachelors degree with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) score of 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent (e.g. an upper second-class honors degree) in the relevant discipline as specified by the applicable program.
    • Candidates must have achieved a minimum level of proficiency in English in the form of a TOEFL score of 79 iBT or equivalent test score approved by the University (e.g., a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 out of 9).
    • The course may be undertaken on a full-time (18 months, 40 hours/week) or part-time (30 months, 24 hours/week) basis.

    For more information on admission to the M.A. in International and Civil Security click here

  • Program Structure

    Taught Courses Component


    During the taught courses part of the program, full-time study involves registration in 3-4 courses (9-12 credit-hours) per semester. Registration during the Summer term is limited to a maximum of 2 courses (6 credit-hours). Enrollment in credit loads below/above these standard limits requires advance written approval of the Program Chair and the Director of Postgraduate Studies.


    The core coursework is a common curriculum for all students that covers the basic dimensions of both civil security and the broader security context in which civil security planning and policy must occur. It consists of four courses which focus on the major aspects of security including threats and hazards, terrorism, intelligence, and governance. Each core course is three credits, for a total of 12 credits.


    Upon completion of the core coursework, students must take an additional four courses in one of the advanced tracks:

    • The Civil Security Track focuses on preparing current and aspiring civil security professionals.
    • The Regional Security Track focuses on preparing current and aspiring policy analysts and senior civilian and military officials.


    Each concentration course is three credits, for a total of 12 credits.

    Master’s Thesis Component

    Upon completion of the advanced track, students will be required to write a Master Thesis which makes an original contribution to the field. The thesis will be based on original research, supported with evidence from relevant secondary sources. During the Master Thesis portion of the program, full-time study involves approximately 40 hours of effort per week. Students will meet regularly with their Thesis Supervisor and should allow at least two hours weekly for this purpose. The Master Thesis is a 9 credit course.

    Concurrently with the Masters Thesis, students are required to register for IICS 698: Thesis Workshop. This workshop is designed to help M.A. students develop a well-crafted Masters Thesis, sustaining their research and writing agenda throughout the process, and learning about the academic profession as a whole. The Thesis Workshop is intended to be an in depth look at how the students’ particular theses will be developed as well as an overall writing and support group - keeping students in touch and on track while they are writing up their thesis. As such, it is relatively informal. There will be a short presentation at the beginning of each session by the instructor, but the bulk of the class will consist of students sharing their theses, their problems, and their successes for structured and constructive criticism. The Thesis Workshop is a 3 credit course.

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