International Master Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies (IMSISS) University of Trento

Overview

Introduction

The School of International Studies of the University of Trento , a beautiful alpine city in the north of Italy, is excited to join the consortium of universities offering the International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies (IMSISS), offering students a new ‘track’ within the degree from 2020.

The International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies (IMSISS) is a 24 month Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) awarded by a consortium of European universities – University of Glasgow (UK); Dublin City University (Ireland); Charles University in Prague (Czech Republic) and from 2020, the University of Trento (Italy).

Students in this degree program examine both the causes of conflicts and a broad range of contemporary security challenges, such as terrorism, civil war and conflict, mass migration, energy supply security, cybersecurity and new technologies and transnational and serious organized crime. Students will also explore the intelligence and strategic approaches used by governmental and non-governmental actors to combat these threats.

The degree adopts a unique approach to the study of security by combining theoretical, applied, and empirical knowledge and skill sets. Students will have the opportunity to meet with and work alongside a range of academics and researchers from international partner universities and think tanks from around the world, as well as practitioner experts from governmental and industry security and defense sectors.

Why Study IMSISS?

This Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree IMSISS brings together European and international partners to provide an integrated study program engaging with theoretical, empirical and applied approaches to security, intelligence and strategy. You will study in locations across Europe and will have the opportunity to apply for work-based learning placements with practitioner organizations.

International security presents complex, challenging realities for a wide range of actors - from nation-states and international organizations to multinational corporations. Globalization and increased interdependency have radically changed the way we understand security in relation to the state, society, the economy, and even the biosphere. There is a growing demand for greater attention and coordinated responses from the international community, including not only individual countries but also international organizations such as the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN) and security alliances such as NATO. 

To support these organizations there is a need for knowledgeable, well-informed experts with the skills not only to react to crises but to identify and anticipate the threats and challenges that create crises. These experts can and should come from civilian (for example academia, governmental, non-governmental, and private sectors) as well as military backgrounds. Bridging these ‘expert’ security communities and ensuring opportunities for dedicated training and shared knowledge, experiences and best practice is the purpose of the IMSISS degree program.

The University of Trento

The charming city of Trento is located in the Dolomites (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) in the northeast of Italy and is the destination for those IMSISS students selected for the ‘Causes of Conflict’ study track (pathway B). The University of Trento is a dynamic middle-sized University and one of the top Italian universities in terms of both teaching quality and research. It ranks highly in both national and international rankings (1st for scientific production according to the Italian National Agency for Evaluation of the University System and Research; 1st in Italy in the Times Higher Education (THE) Europe Teaching 2018; a top 10 institution in Italy in THE and QS World University Rankings). In recent surveys by La Sapienza University in Rome for Italia Oggi and national newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, Trento was ranked as the city with the best quality of life in the whole of Italy.

The School of International Studies

IMSISS students on the Trento track are based at the University’s School of International Studies, an advanced center for interdisciplinary studies founded as a result of close and continued cooperation between the University’s departments of Law, Humanities, Economics and Sociology and Social Research. Due to the variety and expertise of its staff, the School of International Studies is ideally placed to investigate the root causes of conflicts as well as factors that impact their continuation and resolution. Students will study four core modules dealing with the causes of conflicts from the perspectives of different disciplines (sociology, law, economics/geography, history). These modules include practical elements, and students will also have the opportunity to choose the remaining credits from a variety of optional modules.

Tailored Services

When arriving in Trento, IMSISS students also enjoy access to modern university-run accommodation. The University of Trento has dedicated staff who support incoming students, assisting them both before and during their time in Trento on matters including obtaining visas, reserving accommodation, obtaining residence permits, information sessions, administrative matters, social integration, welcome activities, guided tours, excursions and much more.

The Location

The city is located in an alpine valley around 1 hour’s travel from Verona and Lake Garda and is close to both Austria and Switzerland. The city is also a neighbor of the Italian Alto Adige/Südtirol Province, and consequently the German-speaking areas of Italy. The region has a complex history, including South Tyrol’s pursuit of self-determination between the end of the 1950s and the 1980s. As a result of these historical and geographical features, the University of Trento is particularly committed to scholarship on the maintenance of peace, the self-determination of peoples, the protection of minorities, and the prevention of inter-ethnic conflicts. The School of International Studies regularly cooperates with the Universities of Bozen and Innsbruck and has partnership agreements with a host of local, national, and international think tanks, NGOs, and other organizations.

Events

The School of International Studies contributes to the organization of events for students and researchers, as well as the general public. In addition to Conferences, Research Workshops, and other events for the general public, the School organizes a lively series of Guest Lectures held by academics of international standing, Conversations with professional practitioners working in distinguished international organizations and Professional Workshops and Labs. 

Teaching Methodology

IMSISS is innovative in delivering learning:

• Specialist masterclasses and webinars (online seminars) provided by practitioners and visiting academics give students a broad understanding of security themes.

• The program addresses a wide range of challenging intellectual questions, as well as the policy and ethical dilemmas that arise when state and non-state actors seek to resolve threats ranging from traditional interstate conflict to diverse contemporary issues such as terrorism, organized crime, and insecurity and vulnerability associated with technological and cyberspace advances.

• Students gain experience of the methods and products (linked to intelligence gathering and analysis, diplomacy, and strategic communications) used by states as well as international political and economic/business communities to advance their security.

Advantages

 Students on this degree program have the opportunity to study in locations across Europe – the University of Glasgow, the University of Trento or Dublin City University, and the University of Prague. The student body is highly international, and the degree is taught entirely in English with extensive opportunities for language learning. IMSISS students examine, analyze and learn about the practical implications of a broad range of contemporary security challenges, such as terrorism, civil war and conflict, mass migration, energy supply security, cybersecurity, and new technologies, and transnational and serious organized crime. They also explore the intelligence and strategic approaches used by governmental and non-governmental actors to combat these threats.

The degree offers its students the opportunity to meet with and work alongside a range of academics and researchers from international partner universities and think tanks from around the world, as well as practitioner experts from governmental and industry security and defense sectors.

Admissions

How to Apply

• Access the online application form

• Upload the required documents

• Submit your online application by the deadline

Requirements

• Qualification equivalent to a UK 2:1 honors degree in international relations, political science, or related social science disciplines, or an interdisciplinary degree that includes security/ terrorism/ intelligence as a significant component;

• Primary degrees in other disciplines, including languages, computing science, and humanities are also very welcome, while candidates with practical/professional experience will be strongly considered

• English Language proficiency level

• A language other than Italian at B2 level for the UniTrento study track

Selection Criteria

Assessment of previous studies and their coherence with the MSc

• Motivation

• References

Curriculum

The IMSISS programme is structured around a series of mobility periods across two years where you study at the three universities for one academic semester each. During Year 1 you will undertake a series of core courses reflecting the main themes of the programme and research methods training. You will also have time to undertake initial dissertation research and attend a specialist summer school.

In Year 2 you will choose a specialist concentration containing a range of optional courses. Also included is a fourth flexible study period, during which time you will complete your independent study (dissertation) and may have the opportunity to undertake a work-based learning placement with a relevant associate partner.

The periods of mobility are designed to enable you to engage with a variety of perspectives on the three core themes of the programme and promote valuable knowledge and practical skills based outcomes that will feed into future career opportunities.

For more details please visit the IMSISS program web site.