MSc in Human Security
Aarhus, Denmark
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 8,000 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 15 January for non-EU citizens and 1 March for EU citizens
** for non-EU/EEA students only | EU/EEA students study for free
Introduction
The Master’s degree program in Human Security is based on the UN’s Human Security approach and focuses on conflict and environmental issues. During recent years and partly due to the work of the UN, the concept of ‘human security’ has become a rallying point for understanding and working with processes of (human) development in unstable environments. Growing challenges posed by global environmental changes threaten to trigger a rapid escalation of conflicts throughout the world. Intensified competition over scarce resources, dwindling supplies of essential commodities, and a continued increase in global population rates are just some of these challenges. Thus, as a student of Human Security, you learn how to analyze and intervene in these settings comprised of complex and interwoven social, environmental, economic, and political factors. Alongside this, you develop the ability to carry out an informed and critical analytical assessment of human safety by combining scientific theories with real-life experiences.
A Unique Program
The Master’s degree program in Human Security is the first of its kind in Europe. The program is the result of a collaboration between the School of Culture and Society, the Department of Biology, and the Department of Agroecology. The teachers instructing the Human Security program are from various departments and backgrounds and are supported by visiting lecturers from around the globe. During the program’s two years (120 ECTS) of interdisciplinary studies, you will achieve a deeper understanding of conflicts and ecosystems around the world and learn about different approaches to human security.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Curriculum
1 Semester
- Tropical ecosystem management and human security (10 ECTS)
- Core concepts contextualized (20 ECTS)
2 Semester
- Agro-ecology, Food Systems, and Food Security (10 ECTS)
- Research project design (10 ECTS)
- Conflict dynamics and management (10 ECTS)
3 Semester
- Profile (30 ECTS)
4 Semester
- Master's thesis (30 ECTS)
Program Outcome
Competence Profile
The Master’s degree program’s competence profile is described in the academic regulations. Some of the learning outcomes are listed below:
- Expertise in the critical evaluation of texts involving environmental analysis, anthropology, and social science theories, as well as detailed empirical studies
- The ability to carry out an informed and critical analytical assessment of human and environmental safety
- The ability to apply both science and social science approaches to the understanding of conflict and environment analysis, and the ability to combine the approaches in real-life contexts
- The ability to establish scientific arguments or theories at a high academic level and adopt a critical approach to the inherent methodological and theoretical assumptions
- Knowledge and ability to apply qualitative and quantitative methodologies when carrying out investigations relating to environment and conflict analysis
- The ability to produce new knowledge about complex contexts that influence environment and conflict analysis in a global context
- The necessary skills to take part in multidisciplinary international teams and to carry out project work, including the design of projects that comply with specific guidelines
- An interdisciplinary and solution-oriented approach that is open to new ideas, techniques, methods, and viewpoints.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Upon graduation, a Master’s degree in Human Security allows you to have job opportunities in many different sectors. Depending on your specific area of interest, you could work for NGOs, international organizations, governmental agencies, private companies, or consultancies that deal with issues and topics involving human security.
If you are interested in human rights, a Master’s degree in Human Security would make you a strong candidate to work for organizations like the Red Cross, the Danish Refugee Council, CARE, IBIS, and many more. Big international organizations such as the UNDP, UNICEF, or the World Bank may also benefit from your expertise. If you are interested in sustainable development policies, employment with Danida, Norad, or USAID may be of further interest. Also, it is possible to work for national ministries or government authorities, handling international aid or environmental programs. If you wish to focus on food safety, natural resources, or the consequences of climate change, companies like Vedvarende Energi, QualiTree, or Undesert may find you well-suited as a potential member to their organization. Regardless of your field of interest, there is no doubt you will be able to use what you have learned in a professional field you wish to be in.