Centre for International Security

Alumni stories

Every year, the International Security Module is attended by 23 students, both male and female. Approximately half of them are typically students coming directly from undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Political Sciences or other social sciences faculties in Serbia or abroad, while the other half are employed in the security sector of the Republic of Serbia.

Our former students are now accomplished professionals not only in the field of international security but also in other government sectors, as well as in civil society organizations and the private sector. You can read more about their experiences on this page.

Pavle Nedić

“The master’s studies in international security at the Faculty of Political Sciences provided me with a detailed understanding and profound insight into various aspects of security in the contemporary world through interactive lectures and critical analysis of theoretical concepts.

Additionally, thanks to the modern approach and emphasis on developing academic writing skills, I further improved my writing style and argumentation during my master’s studies, which will be extremely valuable for my future academic advancement and career.”

Pavle Nedić is an assistant in the educational program “Future Studies” at the Belgrade Open School. Class of 2018/2019.

Marko Mandić

“The Master’s program in International Security is the right choice for anyone interested in pursuing further academic career. Contemporary literature, critical approach to theories of international security, and courses in academic writing have encouraged me to pursue further academic development. The knowledge gained during this program provides an excellent foundation for research work in doctoral studies. The program is characterized by exceptional dedication of lecturers during the preparation and writing of the final master’s thesis.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, the program also offers students preparation for practical work in the security sector. The multidimensional approach of the program is reflected in guest lectures by prominent experts and professors whose work covers various aspects of this field.

Marko Mandic is a research intern at the Institute of Social Sciences. Class of 2018/2019.”

Milica Topalović

“In addition to excellent lecturers and opportunities to apply for various scholarships, this program provides an opportunity for developing academic writing skills and engaging in constructive debates on contemporary security dynamics. Students of my generation participated in organizing the CEEISA-ISA Joint International Conference and hosted leading experts in international relations and security today!

Attending the international security module inspired me to continue my academic career and focus my interests on researching the security aspects of migration phenomena and civilian-military relations.”

Milica Topalović is a project assistant at the International Organization for Migration. Class of 2018/2019.

Srđan Hercigonja

“The Master’s program in International Security at the Faculty of Political Sciences enabled me to critically engage with theories and concepts in the field of security and to attend lectures by leading scholars and professionals in this field in our country. The curriculum, as well as the selection of courses, allowed me to study and read the most relevant articles and books in this field, which adhere to global standards and trends, with an interdisciplinary approach to studying and learning about security perfectly complemented by the valuable discussions we had during lectures and exercises.

Finally, this master’s program provided me with an excellent opportunity to better acquaint myself with methodologies and research methods in the field of international security (and beyond), which is essential for every student, regardless of whether they plan to pursue a professional career in international security and the security sector or continue their academic development in doctoral or other academic programs.”

Srđan Hercigonja, Visiting Researcher at the Center for Human Rights Studies, Columbia University, New York, and Junior Researcher at the Center for Comparative Conflict Studies, Belgrade. Class of 2012/13.

Maja Bjeloš

“The Master’s academic studies in International Security have enabled me to develop critical thinking about human, national, and international security. The studies have also helped me advance my career and professional development in the field of security sector reform through work in the civil sector. As a researcher at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, I had the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in my studies in practice and actively participate in overseeing the security sector.

A fantastic team of educated and dedicated professors, assistants, and teaching associates at the Faculty of Political Sciences enabled me to develop my research potential during and after completing my studies and become the author of numerous studies and policy proposals that have contributed to improving public policies in the defense and security sector in the Republic of Serbia.”

Maja Bjeloš is a researcher at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, Class of 2008/2009.

Vuk Velebit

“The contemporary approach in the master module of international security, which follows the current literature of leading universities worldwide in this field and the concrete application of theoretical concepts to contemporary events around the world, makes this program not only high-quality but also the knowledge gained from it highly applicable.

An additional value of this program is that its lecturers are not only academics but also those who have gained their experience in international security through various organizations and institutions.”

Vuk Velebit is the author of the Talas portal, Class of 2017/18.

Mia Bjelogrlić

“The Master’s program in International Security has provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge in the field of security studies, encompassing both its theoretical aspect and current security dynamics.

In addition to excellent lecturers and scholars in the field of security and international relations, the greatest advantage of this course is its contemporary approach, which is reflected in unconventional methods of knowledge assessment, encouragement of analysis and critical thinking, as well as the development of academic expression skills.”

Mia Bjelogrlić is a Consultant on EU projects. Class of 2018/19.

Michael Anderson

“As an international security student at the Faculty of Political Sciences, I have become a better person, researcher, leader, and global citizen.

My perspectives, shaped by experiences in the field of security, have been finely honed through interactive learning with professors and colleagues, and I now possess enhanced abilities to positively influence global security cooperation, both academically and practically.”

Michael Anderson is a Major in the US Army, Olmsted Scholarship Foundation, Class of 2014/15.

Jelena Džombić

“The Master’s studies in International Security at the Faculty of Political Sciences have enabled me, among other things, to acquire new knowledge about theories and concepts for a better understanding of human, national, regional, and global security.

The interdisciplinary approach used in teaching aligns perfectly with the selection of leading experts and scholars covering various aspects of this field, as well as with discussions in exercises and lectures with students who also come from different sectors. Finally, it is a great pleasure to learn from and collaborate with leading experts in this field, Assoc. Prof. Filip Ejdus and Ms. Sonja Stojanović.”

Jelena Džombić is the Education Program Coordinator at the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia and a Research Scientist at the Center for Human Rights Studies, Columbia University, New York.

Luka Glušac

“The Master’s program in international security has allowed me to better understand regional security dynamics and to enhance my knowledge of security theories. This course is distinctive in that it is probably the only one in this part of Europe that adopts the Copenhagen School of Security as its main theoretical framework, which I find particularly valuable.

The course has improved my skills through academic discussions, practical exercises, and seminar paper writing, expertly guided by dedicated professors and assistants, paving the way for my further academic and professional development.”

Luka Glušac, Research Associate, Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, Class of 2010/11.

Gorana Radovanović

“During my studies, I had the opportunity to learn about various theories, concepts, and debates in the field of security from leading scholars and professionals in this field in Serbia.

I consider this experience invaluable, as it helped me to start engaging professionally with security topics as a researcher at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy.”

Gorana Radovanović, Program Officer, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Serbia, Class of 2007/8.

Bogdan Stojanović

“In addition to being designed to provide broad theoretical knowledge in the field of security science, these master’s studies also represent adequate preparation for practical engagement in security-related roles, whether it be in security agencies, police, the military, or any other service.

In my case, the master’s studies in international security helped me successfully develop my career in two fields, both academically through writing scientific papers and monographs, and in practical tasks important for national security.”

Dijana Dimković

“The Master’s academic studies in International Security have contributed, among other things, to a better understanding of the security dynamics in which the Republic of Serbia finds itself as a candidate for EU membership. During my studies, as a pre-exam obligation, I wrote a paper titled “How to (Await) Asylum in Serbia?” in May 2015, with which I won the SALUS Award at the Belgrade Security Forum in September 2015.

Currently, I work as a coordinator of reception and asylum centers in the Republic of Serbia. The topic of my master’s thesis is “The Impact of Conflicts in the Middle East and the Migrant Crisis of 2015/2016 on the Security of the European Union.”

Danko Aleksić

“I enrolled in the Master’s program in International Security in 2010. Everything that followed has shown that it was an excellent decision.

The knowledge I gained immensely helps me understand the political and social context of different countries and regions where I work on implementing international projects.”

Filip Kerčov

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend the Master’s program in International Security at the Faculty of Political Sciences.

This program provides participants with an objective, thorough, and above all comprehensive approach to navigating the complexity of the field of International Security, while also taking into account their individual developmental needs and personal interests.”

Marina Komad

“The Master’s studies in International Security at the Faculty of Political Sciences provided me with a unique experience of acquiring not only theoretical but also practical knowledge in this field. The exceptional dedication of the lecturers is reflected primarily in their attention to individual students in accordance with their individual scientific and professional affinities.

Besides following contemporary academic trends in the study of international security, this study program also offers students additional activities and opportunities for further development, as well as lectures by the most distinguished experts and professionals in the field. Personally, attending this study program has had a crucial impact on my further academic and professional development, and I recommend it to anyone expecting more from Master’s studies and seeking the highest level of interaction and dedication between students and professors.”

Sanda Vučić

“The line between theory and practice is thin for those who have, by studying theory in the right way, learned to apply it in practice in all its forms.

This is precisely the foundation and assumption of good work. This is precisely the skill that arises from a quality and targeted curriculum, which I acquired by attending the Master’s studies in International Security.”

Naim Leo Beširi

“Multiplicity, in terms of available literature, lecturers, and challenging academic discussions, is a word that describes one of the few academic programs at the university where academic curiosity is the focus of work.

I enjoyed a professional and friendly relationship with the program coordinators while feeling enriched with each lecture by gaining a new mechanism for reflection and self-critique. In short, the program studies security in a contemporary way, equipping you for a better understanding of globalized relations in the increasing interactions between countries and other entities.”

Marina Tadić

“The Master’s studies in International Security enabled me to properly deepen my interest in topics such as security sector reform and human security, but also inspired me to professionally dedicate myself to research in these areas.

During the studies, it was a particular pleasure to collaborate with excellent young lecturers who made efforts to include current topics in the curriculum and motivate us to read contemporary literature and authors.”

Tijana Rečević

“The Master’s program in International Security provided me with an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding of security challenges and threats in Serbia, the region, and the world, while also enhancing my skills in academic discussion and writing. Alongside the expert and dedicated lecturers from the Faculty, guest lecturers were an important addition to the curriculum, as their practical experiences significantly contributed not only to our academic development but also to preparing us for a professional career in the security sector.

Finally, by bringing together not only students from the Faculty of Political Sciences but also from the Faculty of Security, the Military Academy, and other related faculties, this program allowed me to learn a lot from engaging in interesting debates with colleagues who had slightly different backgrounds and perspectives on security issues.”

Selena Kozakijević

“I chose to pursue Master’s studies in International Security in 2012 for two reasons: one was the excellent and diverse curriculum, and the other was the opportunity for professional networking.

During my studies, I had the opportunity to meet and learn from excellent lecturers, contribute to the professional journal Journal of Regional Security, intern at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, and participate in organizing the Belgrade Security Forum. All of these experiences contributed to my professional development, with great support from professors and program associates.”

Sandra Jelisavčić

“I attended the Master’s program in International Security in the academic year 2014/2015, after completing my undergraduate studies in international politics. The program was brilliantly designed, bringing together a diverse but selected group of people with different educational backgrounds. The most interesting aspect was the discussions during lectures, made possible by working in smaller groups of about twenty people.

The Master’s in International Security contributes to developing analytical skills and writing skills through various seminar papers and policy proposals. Finally, after the studies, you become part of a larger alumni network, which has multiple networking benefits.”

Major Stanko Lekić

“These studies have allowed me to take a more objective look at the security issues I professionally engage with. The motivating atmosphere and enthusiasm of the lecturers created the best conditions for upgrading the knowledge and skills I needed.

In the end, working in such an environment with experts from different security systems made me realize the direction in which to focus my future work.”