Master's degree · Tbilisi, Georgia

Master of Security Studies

The Master of Security Studies at the University of Georgia is a two-year, English-taught degree covering national and international security, conflict analysis, intelligence and defence policy. Studying it in Tbilisi means reading about frozen conflicts, energy corridors and hybrid threats in a country that sits on the fault line between the Black Sea, the Caucasus and Russia — a setting few security programmes can offer as everyday context.

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University: The University of Georgia (UG)
Level: Master's degree
Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Language: English
Tuition: $4,000 per year
Next intake: Fall 2026

Who this program suits

This fits graduates in political science, international relations, law, history or journalism who want analytical training in security rather than tactical or military instruction. It also suits serving officials, NGO staff and armed forces personnel seeking a research-based qualification. It is not a police or military academy, offers no weapons or field training, and will frustrate anyone expecting a purely technical cybersecurity or IT degree.

What you study

Theories of international security, deterrence and the modern state
Conflict analysis and resolution in the South Caucasus and Black Sea region
Intelligence studies, threat assessment and strategic analysis
Defence and foreign policy, NATO and EU security architecture
Hybrid warfare, disinformation and cyber threats to state institutions
Research methods and a supervised master's thesis in a security topic

Where it leads

Analyst roles in ministries of defence, foreign affairs or interior
Research and policy work at think tanks and international organisations
Risk and security advisory work for companies operating in volatile regions
Programme roles with NGOs working on conflict, migration or peacebuilding
Journalism and open-source analysis focused on security and geopolitics
A route towards PhD study — Georgian master's degrees follow the European three-cycle Bologna structure, though recognition in your home country should be confirmed with the relevant national authority

What it costs

Tuition is $4,000 per year, so $8,000 across the two-year programme. Living in Tbilisi typically costs around $300–450 a month depending on whether you share a flat and how much you eat out, which puts a realistic annual budget in the region of $7,600–9,400 including tuition. Budget separately for your visa, residence permit and travel.

What the university asks for

The University asks for your Bachelor's degree diploma, a transcript of records showing the subjects and grades from your first degree, and the pages of your passport carrying your personal details, photograph and signature. Documents in other languages will normally need certified translation and legalisation, so start gathering them early — the next intake is Spring 2026.

❇️ Bachelor's Degree Diploma
❇️ Transcript of records
❇️ Passport - the page(s) with your personal information, photo, and signature.

Questions students ask

Do I need a background in security or the military to apply?

No. The programme is built for graduates from political science, international relations, law and related fields, and teaches security theory and analysis from the ground up. Prior service or policy experience is useful context but is not a requirement for admission.

Is the whole programme taught in English?

Yes. Lectures, seminars, readings and the master's thesis are all in English across the four semesters. Georgian language skills are not needed for study, though basic Georgian makes daily life in Tbilisi easier and helps with local fieldwork or interviews.

How much of the content focuses on the Caucasus region?

A substantial part. Alongside general security theory, the programme draws heavily on regional cases — protracted conflicts, energy transit, Russian influence and Black Sea security — which is the main reason students choose to study this subject in Georgia rather than elsewhere.