2026-2028 Applications Now Open!
We’re delighted to announce that applications to join the 2026-2028 cohort of the Security, Intelligence & Strategic studies programme (beginning in September 2026) are now open!
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are available to applicants this year, with the deadline for Scholarship applications being 8th January 2026 at 1300 UK time. The deadline for self-funded applications (International, EU, and UK) is 21st August 2026 at 2359 UK time.
This will be the first cohort that includes our new Study Pathway incorporating the University of Belgrade, whereby students will study at Glasgow, Dublin and then Belgrade. This is in addition to our existing Glasgow-Trento-Prague and Glasgow-Dublin-Prague Pathways.
These three Pathways are structured around five major security themes, and students are invited to co-create their own flexible learning journey. The five themes are:
- Emerging Technology & Digital Resilience examines how cyber security and advancements in AI, nuclear technologies, bio-medical innovations, weapons systems, satellite development and space exploration affect the security of both the physical and digital worlds.
- War, Conflict & Peace Studies investigates the effects of interstate and civil wars on states and societies (with a renewed focus on shifting norms in contemporary geopolitics), while also exploring solutions and strategies to promote peace and stability.
- Radicalisation, Terrorism & Organised Crime acknowledges the pervasive nature of these issues and explores the connections between crime and terrorism, as well as the socio-cultural factors driving radicalisation and extremism in politics and society.
- Intelligence, Strategic Planning & Public Diplomacy explores the challenges associated with intelligence gathering and analysis, strategic planning, policy formulation, and diplomatic efforts for achieving global, national and regional security objectives.
- Human & Environmental Security addresses the protection of individuals and ecosystems from threats like climate change, natural disaster, and resource scarcity, while ensuring sustainable development and wellbeing.
As part of the degree, students will undertake a mandatory 6-week minimum internship or alternative experiential learning experience – this is made possible through extended network of partnerships with private, public, and third sector organisations.
We will have more information on the new Study Pathway, an updated academic calendar, updated internship information available on the website soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at imsiss@glasgow.ac.uk, or through our Instagram (@erasmusimsiss) where you will also find a story highlight with FAQs from previous application cycles which you might find useful.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship Funding Secured
The IMSISS Consortium, led by the University of Glasgow, is delighted to announce that the International Masters in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies degree programme has successfully been awarded new funding from the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme.
This is a tremendous outcome and will mean that IMSISS will be able to continue to provide scholarships for students applying for entry between 2026 and 2029.
With this funding, IMSISS will be able to award 70 fully funded scholarships to students from around the world, offer enhanced employability and skills development opportunities to students, and further develop relations with university partners globally.
We will also be launching a new 3rd study pathway incorporating our new Degree-awarding partner, University of Belgrade. This will enable students to study at Glasgow, Dublin and Belgrade.
What this means?
This success could not have been achieved without the hard work of our Erasmus Mundus team, the Programme Director and colleagues from Glasgow and our overseas consortium partners, including new partners for this new edition of IMSISS.
The refunding of IMSISS under Erasmus+ demonstrates the continued strength of the University of Glasgow, as the leading Erasmus Mundus coordinator in the UK HEI sector, in fostering international partnership.
We are very grateful to all of IMSISS Partners for their continued support, and look forward to continuing to develop this world-leading programme.
What changes?
New Degree-awarding partner: University of Belgrade. Expertise: Critical security studies, peace, conflict and post-conflict studies, development studies, European and regional security, Balkan Studies, ethnic and civil wars, human and environmental security.
Part of new Glasgow-Dublin-Belgrade Pathway
New Key Associate Partners:
- Temple University – Philadelphia, USA
- Expertise: Civil war, wartime violence, terrorism, US foreign relations, diplomacy, criminology & crime science, cyber security, AI.
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
- Expertise: Online mis/disinformation, social media policy analysis, conspiracy-led extremism, hate-speech & alternative media ecosystem, online discourses of misogyny, content moderation, AI, digital methodologies, Amazon deforestation.
- American University in Dubai – UAE
- Expertise: International Diplomacy, International Relations, Global Governance, Security Studies, Politics of the Middle East.
New Associate Partners
- Africa: Kenyatta University (Kenya), University of the Free State (South Africa), Versatilis Group (Ghana)
- Asia & Pacific: Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies, University of the Philippines Cebu, Gadja Mada University (Indonesia), Macquarie University (Australia)
- Other APs extend our commitment to the transatlantic region and examples include the NATO accredited Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence (Netherlands), German Marshall Fund (USA), and Horizon Intelligence (Belgium).
New course structure: five major security themes:
- Emerging Technology & Digital Resilience examines how cyber security and advancements in AI, nuclear technologies, bio-medical innovations, weapons systems, satellite development and space exploration affect the security of both the physical and digital worlds.
- War, Conflict & Peace Studies investigates the effects of interstate and civil wars on states and societies (with a renewed focus on shifting norms in contemporary geopolitics), while also exploring solutions and strategies to promote peace and stability.
- Radicalisation, Terrorism & Organised Crime acknowledges the pervasive nature of these issues and explores the connections between crime and terrorism, as well as the socio-cultural factors driving radicalisation and extremism in politics and society.
- Intelligence, Strategic Planning & Public Diplomacy explores the challenges associated with intelligence gathering and analysis, strategic planning, policy formulation, and diplomatic efforts for achieving global, national and regional security objectives.
- Human & Environmental Security addresses the protection of individuals and ecosystems from threats like climate change, natural disaster, and resource scarcity, while ensuring sustainable development and wellbeing.
Expanded range of optional courses: almost 30 extra courses not previously available
Programme restructuring: there are now three study tracks across five themes, with students invited to co-create their own flexible learning journey
Mandatory 6-week minimum internship or alternative experiential learning experience: made possible through extended network of partnerships with private, public, and third sector organisations.
Belgrade study track will facilitate opportunities in Serbia & Western Balkans; expansion of key associate partners will facilitate new opportunities in the USA and Japan.
What happens now?
Applications for the 2026-2028 IMISS cohort, including Erasmus Mundus Scholarship applications, will open in early October – keep up-to-date through our social media channels and our website.
Remembering Teona Patussi
The IMSISS Consortium are very sorry to hear of the death of Teona Patussi, who was a student on the International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies programme. Our sadness is shared by colleagues and students across the programme, including associated partners.
Teona graduated as part of the 2020-2022 cohort. Her resilience was clear to see especially as this was during the most difficult of times mid-pandemic.
Teona had a keen interest in security and technology writing her master dissertation on Space Warfare and the Weaponisation of Outer Space.
She also co-wrote an article published in 2021 on Enhancing European Security: Modern Challenges Posed by Nuclear Weapons.
After graduation she went on to work as an Information Security Researcher for online news site Cybernews.com.
She is fondly remembered by her teachers and peers and the programme wishes her friends and family the most sincerest of condolences.
Congratulations to our 2024 IMSISS Graduates!
A huge congratulations to our 2022-2024 cohort for graduating last week. It was a great, joyous day full of celebration
You should all be so proud of yourselves for your achievements as we are and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
Below are the photos that we captured from the day. If you’d like a copy of one of your photos, or would like the photos removed, please email fraser.wilson@glasgow.ac.uk.
IMSISS Information Webinar
Thank you to everyone who came along to our information webinar about the IMSISS Programme - the recording is now available to view here.
Applications remain open until the 26th July 2024 for international applicants and 16th August 2024 for UK applicants, and you can apply here.
Hear about the IMSISS programme from one of our newest alumni!
A few weeks ago after the graduation ceremony at the University of Glasgow, we caught up with Maria Patsikouridi, one of our newest alumni, about the IMSISS programme and why you should apply for 2024!
Why did you study IMSISS and why should people study IMSISS?
One of the best things that this Master has offered to all of our cohort is the possibility to study in different countries, in different universities, within different educational systems and it gave us a perspective on security but not the traditional one – it included also post-colonial approaches, humanitarian approach, and general alternative perspectives on security issues.
[Another reason] was the chance to live in so many different cities, all of them so beautiful. Glasgow first of all and the University of Glasgow here is amazing and super organised, the staff is very helpful with everything , and then I chose Trento, other people chose Dublin. Trento was also beautiful (because it’s Italy!), and Prague was also different and the closure of our journey. All the destinations were very beautiful and the universities were really great to be in and to be part of all the spirit and community that you can find in the IMSISS community.
What skills did you gain on the programme?
I think that the most important skill that I learned was to be adaptive, because to travel in all these different countries and to study there you need to be very flexible and adapt to your circumstances, so I think this is the number one skill that I got from IMSISS and this is very important because to change the world (because we have to create world-changers!) we have to change ourselves and this can only be done by entering into different situations and getting out of your comfort zone. Therefore I think adaptiveness is the number one skill that this programme gave me and I will use it and apply it in whatever I do next.
What makes a good IMSISS application?
I think that you really have to put yourself in the application and tell your truth and how you see things. If you have a different perspective include that and try to link it with the security field and write in your application how exactly you are going to bring that alternative perspective into the mainstream security field. So be you, and just state how you will make a difference.
Favourite memories from the programme?
There’s so many memories! Every day was a new experience but one of the best memories was hanging out with my new friends, going on trips throughout Europe; whenever I’m abroad I can just call them and I have someone to meet in another city. Also a very fun memory is the day that I arrived at the University of Glasgow trying to find the correct building and getting lost – fortunately the staff here are very friendly so they helped me get to my class!
Applications to join our 2024-2026 cohort are open now! You can apply here.
Congratulations to our 2023 Graduates!
A huge congratulations to our 2021-2023 cohort for graduating last week. It was a great, joyous day full of celebration, including a traditional Scottish cèilidh to end the evening.
You should all be so proud of yourselves for your achievements as we are and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
Below are the photos that we captured from the day. If you’d like a copy of one of your photos, or would like the photos removed, please email fraser.wilson@glasgow.ac.uk.
IMSISS Student Ilenia Attends NEA Global Forum at MIT
Last month, IMSISS student Ilenia Bruseghello represented the University of Glasgow, as well as the IMSISS programme, at the NEA Global Forum on Nuclear Education, Science, Technology and Policy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on September 20th and 21st September 2023. Ilenia shared her thoughts on this great opportunity below – well done Ilenia!
“I was truly honoured to represent the University of Glasgow and the IMSISS programme at the NEA Global Forum on Nuclear Education, Science, Technology, and Policy held at MIT. This experience provided a remarkable platform to showcase my research on mitigating non-proliferation risks associated with nuclear energy in space exploration. The forum’s expert panel discussions broadened my horizons, offering valuable insights and perspectives on nuclear policy and technology. Meeting and networking with inspiring women in this field reaffirmed my passion and commitment to contributing to the advancement of nuclear science, policy and technology. I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I received from my mentors and peers, this opportunity has not only expanded my knowledge but also reinforced my determination to make a positive impact in this critical domain.”
OTH Regensburg: Successful International Summer School on Intelligence Analysis
Students from all over the world were drawn to the annual IMSISS Summer School at the OTH Regensburg once again to learn about methods of intelligence analysis and to apply them to practice in an intensive two-week programme.
For the 9th time, the annual Summer School on “Intelligence Analysis” took place at the OTH Regensburg. The event has become an integral part of the summer programme at the university and continues to be a very popular offer for the international students of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Degree Master’s programme Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies (IMSISS) at the University of Glasgow.
Intensive Programme with High Practical Relevance
In an intensive two-week programme from July 31 to August 11, 2023, the 40 participating students learned methods of intelligence analysis and critical thinking, which they then applied themselves. In groups of four to six people, they dealt with one country of the Sahel region per group, for which they prepared a strategic forecast of the development of the security situation over the next five to seven years. The students were professionally supported and guided by Prof. Dr. Markus Bresinsky, Georg Fuchs, and Johanna Schröder, as well as by the four research interns who had completed the Summer School the previous year. The students applied methods and tools for scenario development, such as the Cone of Plausibility, and used them to develop scenarios for the respective country, which they presented in a final briefing. This practical orientation not only helped the participants to practice the methods they had learned, but also taught them a great deal about the countries in the Sahel region. Leading up to the Summer School, the students had already been prepared in terms of content since May through various tasks and with the virtual support of the four research interns. This way, students already had the necessary prior knowledge and could concentrate on learning the methods on site in Regensburg.
Addressing Current Developments
The varied programme also included several guest lectures: two experts from the Dublin City University, Prof. Dr. Christian Kaunert and Emmet Foley, gave helpful input on the role of terrorism in the Sahel region and on the way intelligence agencies methodically analyze the phenomenon. Not only current developments in the countries the students analyzed, but also technical advancements and their use in intelligence analysis were addressed: research interns from the IMSISS Master’s programme presented their paper on the utility of ChatGPT in intelligence analysis. The Summer School was rounded off by a campus picnic, a joint visit to a beer garden, and finally, the Danube Sunset Cruise on the ship “Kristallkönigin” following the final presentations.
The Summer School was organised in close cooperation with the Centre for Continuing Education and Knowledge Management (ZWW) at the OTH Regensburg. As part of a research internship, four IMSISS students who had already participated in last year’s Summer School assisted in the preparation and implementation of this year’s Summer School. Again, in the next summer semester, students from the Summer School will come to Prof. Bresinsky’s lab for an internship. The event is part of the “Intelligence and Analysis” university certificate, which is offered through the ZWW and is also open to interested candidates outside of the OTH Regensburg.
A Warm Welcome to our 2023-2025 Cohort!
Last week we held welcome events for our new 2023-2025 cohort of IMSISS students. It was great for everyone to get together – we wish you all the best for the two years ahead and look forward to working with you!
