An Intergovernmental institution under
United Nations Treaty Series 49006 / 49007

School of Diplomacy, Mediation, Law and Global Affairs

Online PhD in Global Security and Peacekeeping

PhD in Global Security and Peacekeeping

Fully online and asynchronous, designed for working professionals, and awarded by a university established by treaty between sovereign States.

Program Type

PhD

School / Institute

School of Diplomacy, Mediation, Law and Global Affairs

Study Mode

Online (Asynchronous)

Duration

3 to 3.5 years

Built for working professionals

Study fully online, on your own schedule, at a university created by treaty between sovereign States and registered with the United Nations.

EUCLID headquarters in The Gambia

A university established by treaty between sovereign States

EUCLID lecture at the United Nations

Faculty who include diplomats, scholars and senior practitioners

EUCLID board meeting at the headquarters

Rigorous academic oversight and quality assurance

EUCLID graduation ceremony

A global alumni community across four continents

Overview

Why choose EUCLID’s Online PhD in Global Security and Peacekeeping (DGSP? Several distinctive features set this program apart from other doctoral degrees in the field.

First, EUCLID is the world’s only intergovernmental, treaty-based university. With a UN-registered charter and deep institutional expertise in diplomacy, peacekeeping, and global security, the university enjoys unique recognition among international organizations, foreign ministries, and defense establishments. This gives graduates of the Online PhD in Global Security and Peacekeeping a distinctive credential that carries weight in multilateral and government circles.

Second, the program is strongly practice-oriented. Courses are designed and taught by faculty who combine academic rigor with senior-level professional experience in peacekeeping operations, defense, intelligence, diplomacy, and crisis management. The curriculum is regularly updated to address today’s most pressing real-world challenges — from multidimensional peacekeeping and protection of civilians to hybrid threats, great-power competition, and emerging technologies in conflict.

Third, students join a truly global alumni network of ambassadors, defense ministers, senior military officers, peacekeeping mission staff, and high-level policy advisors serving on four continents. This network provides exceptional opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and career advancement in international peace and security.

Fourth, the fully asynchronous online delivery offers maximum flexibility. With no fixed class times or residency requirements, working professionals can complete the program from anywhere in the world while continuing their careers.

If you are a mid-career professional seeking a prestigious, flexible, and highly relevant doctorate that bridges theory and practice in today’s complex peace and security environment, EUCLID’s Online PhD in Global Security and Peacekeeping is designed for you.

Why choose EUCLID?
A short introduction to the treaty-based university behind this program.

Program structure

The program is completed fully online and follows three stages.

01

Core coursework that builds advanced knowledge of the field, with readings, written assignments and faculty feedback.

02

Research preparation through academic writing, critical thinking and research methods, preparing you for independent work.

03

A final thesis or dissertation, an original research project completed under faculty supervision and assessed by academic examiners.

Academic Presentation

Program Objectives

The program is designed to prepare graduates to:

  • Lead strategic analysis by applying advanced theoretical frameworks to complex security and peacekeeping problems;

  • Evaluate peacekeeping operations, defense policies, and the effectiveness of national and international security institutions;

  • Design evidence‑based peacekeeping and security strategies for government agencies, international organizations, and private sector clients;

  • Conduct original research that contributes to the scholarly literature on peacekeeping, global security, intelligence, and strategic studies;

  • Navigate emerging threats such as hybrid warfare, cyber defense, information operations, and asymmetric conflict;

  • Communicate complex security and peacekeeping analyses effectively to diverse audiences, including policymakers, military leaders, and academic peers.

Focus & Specializations

Candidates may concentrate their studies and research in one or more of the following areas:

  • UN peacekeeping doctrine, principles, and legal framework

  • Protection of civilians, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding

  • Civil‑military coordination (CIMIC) and humanitarian assistance

  • Great power competition and strategic stability

  • Emerging technologies and the future of warfare

  • Intelligence, warning, and strategic surprise

  • Defense transformation and military innovation

  • Cybersecurity and information operations

  • Regional case studies in peacekeeping (Africa, the Middle East, Europe)

Regionally or country‑specific dissertations are particularly welcomed.

Requirements

  • Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree issued by an institution listed in the UNESCO‑IAU World Higher Education Database (WHED) or otherwise duly recognized/accredited.

  • Professional experience in peacekeeping, defense, intelligence, security policy, or a related field is strongly preferred.

  • Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required and will be tested.

  • Students are expected to dedicate ten to fifteen effective hours of study per week.

  • Application documents include a completed application form, official transcripts, a research statement of two to three pages, three letters of recommendation, and a current curriculum vitae.

  • All applications are reviewed holistically; the Admissions Committee may also request an interview.

  • Government officials from EUCLID participating states may be eligible for special consideration and scholarships.

Featured Video

Program Outline

CodeCourseCredits
IDS-801Foundations of International Security & Strategic Studies0 cr
IDS-802Geopolitics, Strategic Geography, and Great Power Rivalry0 cr
IDS-804Emerging Threats: Hybrid Warfare, Cyber Defense, and Asymmetric Confli0 cr
IDS-808Intelligence, National Security Decision Making, and Strategic Surpris0 cr
GSP-801Introduction to Peacekeeping Operations0 cr
GSP-802UN Peacekeeping Doctrine, Principles, and Legal Framework0 cr
GSP-803Protection of Civilians, Conflict Prevention, and Peacebuilding0 cr
GSP-804Civil Military Coordination (CIMIC) and Humanitarian Assistance0 cr
GSP-805Peacekeeping Case Studies: Africa, the Middle East, and Europe0 cr

Course titles open the course page in the EUCLID learning platform. The roadmap is updated automatically from the university's academic records.

PRIMARY COURSES
Code
Course Name
EUCLID Credits

International Academic Writing (Doctorate)

 

 

3

Argumentation and Critical Thinking

 

 

2

Foundations of International Security & Strategic Studies

 

 

3

Geopolitics, Strategic Geography, and Great Power Rivalry

 

 

3

Emerging Threats: Hybrid Warfare, Cyber Defense, and Asymmetric Confli

 

 

3

Intelligence, National Security Decision Making, and Strategic Surpris

 

 

3

Introduction to Peacekeeping Operations

 

 

3

UN Peacekeeping Doctrine, Principles, and Legal Framework

 

 

3

Protection of Civilians, Conflict Prevention, and Peacebuilding

 

 

3

Civil Military Coordination (CIMIC) and Humanitarian Assistance

 

 

3

Peacekeeping Case Studies: Africa, the Middle East, and Europe

 

 

3

Doctoral Thesis 1/5

 

 

5

Doctoral Thesis 2/5

 

 

5

Doctoral Thesis 3/5

 

 

5

Doctoral Thesis 4/5

 

 

5

Doctoral Thesis 5/5

 

 

5
Total Credit Hours (USCH):
57

ELECTIVE COURSES

Note: All courses available in the EUCLID database can be considered elective, after review and approval by your EUCLID counselor. Graduate level degrees may include a certain number of undergraduate electives. Likewise, undergraduate roadmaps may be built using graduate level courses. Again, prospective students are reminded that the final degree roadmap must be reviewed and approved by the Admissions Officer to ensure logical progression of subjects covered and conformity with international standards.

STANDARD DEGREE ROADMAP - SUGGESTED ELECTIVES
Code
Course Name
EUCLID Credits

International Law and Treaty Law (1)

 

5

 

Diplomacy: Theory and Practice

 

4

 

International Relations + Fifty Key Thinkers in IR

 

4

 

 

Note: to consult the current and official curriculum/list of courses from the EUCLID CMS database, please visit: EUCLID Available Degree Programs and follow the program link.

Employment Outlook

Graduates of the EUCLID PhD in Global Security and Peacekeeping are exceptionally well‑prepared for senior leadership, research, and policy roles across multiple sectors.

In national defense and government, they become defense policy analysts, strategic planners, intelligence officers, ministry advisors, or legislative aides. In international organizations, they serve as peacekeeping mission staff, security specialists at the United Nations (Department of Peace Operations), the African Union, the European Union, or as security governance advisors. In defense industry and consulting, they work as senior analysts in defense contracting, geopolitical risk consulting, or strategic intelligence firms. In academia and research, they become university professors, post‑doctoral researchers, or think tank fellows at institutions such as RAND, SIPRI, IISS, the International Peace Institute (IPI), or the Stimson Center. In the non‑governmental sector, they take roles as conflict resolution specialists, peacebuilding advisors, or humanitarian security coordinators.

Our alumni have successfully secured employment and promotions in government service and international organizations, including at the level of ambassador and minister.

Why study at EUCLID?

EUCLID is the only intergovernmental, treaty-based university with a UN registered charter and recognized expertise in diplomacy. Join the alma mater of ambassadors and senior officials globally.

Note: if the PDF brochure is unavailable (or outdated by 2 years), please contact admissions@euclid.int

Meet our faculty

EUCLID brings together a distinguished international faculty of scholars, practitioners and senior officials. Our professors combine strong academic credentials with real-world experience in international organizations, government, the professions and civil society, and many of them serve the Global South and emerging economies.

The profiles below represent a selection of our outstanding faculty. For the full faculty roster and the professors specifically assigned to this program, please visit our Faculty Profiles Directory.

EUCLID at work: recent news and articles

Start your journey

Applications are reviewed in 4 to 6 business days. Questions get an answer within 2 business days.