MASTER IN INTERNATIONAL SECURITY, CYBERSECURITY & DEFENSE

The first year of the second cycle is common across all advanced programs, providing high-level expertise in law, political science, geopolitics, economics, and languages.

Students develop strong analytical, communication, project management, crisis management, cybersecurity, and diplomatic skills.

Curriculum:

• Law: Space law, administrative law, law of war.
• Political Science & Geopolitics: Influence communication, geopolitics of natural resources, diplomacy, strategy & defense.
• Economics: Financial markets & trade circuits.

Languages:

• First Foreign Language: English
• Second Foreign Language: European language
• Third Forein Language: Oriental language

Professional Development: Career coaching, ILERI conferences, cybersecurity, strategic intelligence training, internship.

Next academic intake: September 2026 Paris 

ILERI’s Master 2 in International Security, Cybersecurity, and Defense aims to train experts capable of understanding and addressing the complex challenges of global security.

Students will acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge in legal, economic, political, military, intelligence, and emerging technology fields (cybersecurity, data security, artificial intelligence), while developing skills in analysis, crisis management, cybersecurity, and defense.

The program, taught in both French and English, includes a combination of theoretical and practical courses covering various aspects of international security and defense:

Theoretical Courses:

► Theories of International Security: In-depth study of security models.

► Geopolitics & International Relations: Analysis of global political dynamics.

► International & Humanitarian Law: Legal frameworks governing conflicts and interventions.

Practical Training:

► Crisis Management: Simulations & real-world case studies.

► Cybersecurity: Workshops on critical infrastructure protection & cyber defense.

► Defense & Military Strategy: Strategic studies on armed forces operations.

Internships & Research:

► Work-Study & Professional Internships: Hands-on experience in corporations, international organizations, or defense institutions.

► Research Projects: In-depth studies on security and defense strategies.

Next academic intake: September 2026 Paris

Block 1: Implementing advanced and specialized uses of digital tools

Block 2: Mobilizing and producing highly specialized knowledge

Block 3: Implementing specialized communication for knowledge transfer

Block 4: Contributing to transformation in a professional context

• Receive training from leading professors specializing in international security & defense.
• On-campus lectures by faculty from Université Grenoble Alpes, a prestigious institution in the field.

The program focuses on international business & global organizations, developing expertise in modern geopolitical issues.

• Internships & research opportunities
• Student publications
• Participation in conferences & symposiums

At ILERI, we strongly believe that international experience is crucial for future global leaders.

That’s why first-year International Relations students can study abroad at one of 32 prestigious partner universities worldwide.

• Study in Europe, Asia, America, or beyond
• Expand global perspectives & intercultural skills
• Develop international networks

Earn 30 ECTS credits, ensuring seamless academic continuity

The teaching approach incorporates distance learning courses with leading international specialists, blended learning, and independent study, promoting a personalized, flexible, enriched, and cutting-edge educational experience.

Several simulations and professional scenarios punctuate the year.

ILERI supports as many initiatives as possible in a spirit of great freedom in line with its values: 15 student associations on the Paris campus, 12 in Lyon, 8 in Bordeaux, and 6 in Nice.

ILERI conferences aim to inform and promote discussion on topics related to politics and international relations.

Welcoming foreign students, advance preparation, revision, etc.: ILERI's teaching methods and new technologies offer courses tailored to each student.

In addition to the course programs, ILERI and the Compétences et Développement network offer a wide range of online modules that allow students to explore the topics covered in the curriculum in greater depth.

In partnership with the 13 prestigious schools and training centers of the Compétences et Développement network, a range of online activities is available to satisfy the curiosity of Ilériens and Ilériennes.

https://www.tiktok.com/@improbablesrencontres/video/7260754310537940250

Academic Prerequisites:

To enroll in this program, the following academic prerequisites are required:

Year 1: Completed BAC+3 (180 ECTS credits validated)

Year 2: Completed BAC +4 (240 ECTS credits validated)

Admission Process:

To apply for the Master in International Security, Cybersecurity & Defense, candidates must submit an application file.

Year 1 Admission: Accepted upon passing the entrance exam.

Year 2 Admission:

• Eligible upon passing the entrance exam.
• Final admission list and waitlist announced in June 2024.

 Internal Admission into Year 2:

All Year 1 International Relations students at ILERI can apply for Year 2 in International Security, Cybersecurity & Defense—regardless of campus.

Selection based on Year 1 academic performance and an interview with the program director.

You can visit our Admissions page for more information and to prepare for the entrance exam.

Year 1 Admission:

• Application review timeframe: 2 to 15 days
• Admission decision after entrance exam: 10 days
• Program access after admission confirmation: Between 10 days and 11 months (depending on entrance exam date

Year 2 Admission:

• Application review timeframe: 2 to 15 days
• Eligibility confirmation after entrance exam: 10 days
• Admission decision timeframe: Between 10 days and 9 months (depending on entrance exam date)

Program access after admission confirmation: Between 3 months and 11 months (depending on entrance exam date)

Application Fee: €75

► Year 1 (Parallel Admission): €10,000*

► Year 1 (ILERI Bachelor's Graduates): €10,000

► Year 2: €10,000 Additional fees may apply for partner universities abroad as part of a Study Abroad semester.

Application Fee: Waived

► Year 2: €10,000* If fully self-funded, the fee is net of VAT. For other funding sources (CPF, Pôle Emploi, corporate sponsorship, regional grants), VAT (20%) applies.

Students at the Paris and Lyon campuses have access to CROUS scholarships.

Aware of the current economic challenges that students and families face, ILERI is committed to expanding financial aid options. Each campus offers merit-based scholarships for students who do not qualify for CROUS scholarships, ensuring a fair and tailored financial support.

Choosing to specialize with a Master's degree in International Security, Cybersecurity, and Defense means choosing a strategic field at the heart of contemporary issues.

In a world where geopolitical, digital, and other threats are constantly evolving, developing an advanced understanding of global security dynamics is an essential skill. Governments, international organizations, and private actors are looking for people who can identify and anticipate risks, decipher global strategies, and propose concrete responses.

It is also a stimulating sector. During the Master's program, you will explore power relations, conflicts of interest, deterrence strategies, and the logic of international cooperation. Geopolitics, international law, new technologies, and the humanities: you will embark on a field of study at the crossroads of several disciplines.

The Master's in International Security, Cybersecurity, and Defense also prepares you to work in a deeply human sector. Security and defense also involve thinking about ways to protect populations, preserve peace, and guarantee fundamental freedoms while dealing with crises and threats that affect everyone's daily lives. You will be trained in concrete issues that have a real impact.

The defense and security sector is rooted in reality. If your ambition is to understand the world in depth so that you can act with clarity and expertise, the Master's in International Security, Cybersecurity, and Defense is the ideal choice.

The Master's in International Security, Cybersecurity, and Defense provides you with skills that are sought after by many international organizations. You will be able to respond to issues surrounding threats such as cyberattacks, terrorism, geopolitical instability, sensitive data protection, etc.

You will therefore be qualified to join an international organization such as the UN, the European Union, or NATO. There, you will be able to contribute to the development of security policies, coordinate peacekeeping missions, or analyze large-scale geopolitical risks.

National administrations, particularly ministries of defense or foreign affairs, will also be potential employers, thanks in particular to your skills in strategic planning and crisis management. Organizations dedicated to cybersecurity and digital sovereignty, such as ANSSI (the French National Cybersecurity Agency), will also offer opportunities for your career.

Private companies may also call on your expertise, particularly in sensitive sectors such as defense, energy, technology, etc., to ensure the security of their infrastructure and anticipate international risks. Threat analysis, data protection, incident management, etc.—the needs are numerous.

Finally, you can turn to NGOs and humanitarian organizations, thanks to your ability to operate in conflict zones, assess risks to civilian populations, and contribute to post-crisis stabilization processes.

In the second year of the Master's in International Security, Cybersecurity, and Defense, you will put your knowledge into practice in a real-world professional context through a work-study program. This immersion will give you a concrete understanding of current security issues and make you operational by the end of the program.

The tasks you will be assigned will depend on your host company, but will all have the common goal of risk prevention, analysis, and management. For example, you may be involved in geopolitical analysis to produce strategic reports on areas of tension or specific security issues.

Other assignments may involve helping to set up security monitoring systems by assessing emerging threats or participating in the development of crisis management plans in line with the security policy of the organization you work for.

If you work in cybersecurity, you may conduct security audits, assess digital risks, or help draft incident response procedures.

In general, your assignments will most often be international in scope. Your foreign language skills will be put to good use, especially when working with other entities in multiple countries.

After completing a specialized master's degree in defense and security, you will find many different career opportunities awaiting you. International security analyst, cybersecurity consultant, diplomat, crisis manager, and defense officer are just a few examples of the professions you can pursue with this degree.

But beyond your first job after graduation, your career will continue to evolve, with many opportunities for advancement. With experience, you can move into positions of greater responsibility, particularly in strategy or international project management. You can become a key player in defining public security policies, in cybersecurity governance, or in coordinating responses to major crises.

You will be able to move into management or strategic consulting roles, involved in high-level decision-making in both the public and private sectors. Opportunities may also be available in research, international consulting, and teaching at the highest level.

The Master's in International Security, Cybersecurity, and Defense does not train you for a single profession. It prepares you for a rich career with numerous opportunities for advancement in a sector with concrete and global challenges that is constantly changing.

The Master's in International Security, Cybersecurity, and Defense is an ideal choice if you want to launch your career internationally. With its resolutely global focus, the program prepares you to thrive in multicultural and global contexts.

Your skills in geopolitical analysis, international law, and cybersecurity, not to mention your mastery of several foreign languages, are sought after by international organizations, NGOs, and multinational companies.

Thanks to your skills, which are highly sought after in international contexts, you will be able to work abroad as soon as you finish your studies, whether in a permanent position, on a temporary assignment, or in a role involving regular travel.