Masters

Master Geostrategy, Defence and International Security

History Defense and Security , Initial training Executive education

Number of hours of training

783 hours

Training duration

2 years

Cost of training

price of the national master's degree, indicative for the year 2022/23, 243 euros

Head teacher

Nicolas BADALASSI

History, International Relations

Phone : 04 65 04 70 70
Phone : 04 65 04 71 01

The Master’s in Geostrategy, Defense and International Security trains future leaders capable of identifying and analyzing geopolitical phenomena and politico-military crises and mastering the issues and challenges of globalization in political and diplomatic matters. The courses are organized by Sciences Po Aix and the diploma is issued under the double seal of Aix-Marseille University and the State.

Description of the course

Through a multidisciplinary approach in International Relations (history, political science, law, economics) on issues of security-defence and peace-building, the academic training offers the scientific rigour necessary for research in International Relations. It has been recognised by the academic world (prizes and research grants).


The high-level professionals (senior and general officers, actors in the intelligence and defence industry, etc.), the internships and visits to defence sites offer a field approach and a realistic preparation for professional integration.

The course includes two options:

Geostrategy, Defence and International Security

Geostrategy, Defence and International Security in alternation

Targeted competences

  • Follow the world geopolitical context by analysing the issues and phenomena induced by globalisation
  • Understand and compare the economic, political, cultural and legal systems of nations or geographical areas
  • Know the issues and problems of areas affected by geopolitical crises that may lead to armed conflicts
  • Manage crisis situations, develop security strategies and coordinate their implementation
  • Organise diplomatic negotiations and know how to mobilise all the players
  • Know the codes and protocols of political-military relations
  • Manage a project (design, steering, team coordination, implementation and management, evaluation, dissemination)
  • Write specifications, reports, summaries and assessments

Job opportunities

The course prepares students primarily for careers in the security and defence sector. The training includes professional aspects but also preparation for research (academic career or expertise).
– Officer careers (OST or OSC at Coetquidan-Saint-Cyr, Air Force School, Navy, Commissariat des Armées)
– Analysis professions: DGSE competitive examination, DGSI posts, analysis and consultancy in the private sector linked to international relations (security consultancy companies, for example)
– Armaments industry
– Diplomatic careers (Europe, UN, OSCE, etc.)
– Thesis registration, 22nd section (History)

Training organization

Geostrategy, defense and international security

The Geostrategy, Defense and International Security option trains students to be future versatile leaders capable of identifying and analyzing geopolitical phenomena and politico-military crises. They master the stakes and challenges of globalization in political and diplomatic matters and are specialists in security-defence and peace-building issues. The option offers several choices of optional courses, both in master 1 and in master 2.

Geostrategy, defense and international security on a work-study basis

Backed by the Geostrategy, defense and international security option, this work-study course from the master 2 is deployed on learning in the public and private sectors. It aims primarily to provide versatile frameworks for these sectors of activity. Work-study training (under a professionalization contract or an apprenticeship contract) is organized over a period of 12 months, according to an average rhythm of two weeks in the company and two weeks of teaching from September to December, then one week teaching and three weeks in business starting in January