Strategic Studies

Course details

The MA in Strategic Studies is a two year, part-time degree offered in a fully online format by the School of History. It offers a uniquely well-rounded approach to strategic studies that considers pressing global challenges such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, international peacekeeping, the changing international system, and the rise of non-state actors and new ways of warfare. It will provide students with a deep understanding of how historical developments have affected the evolution of strategy.

The course equips students with the knowledge and skills to develop a sophisticated understanding of both the history of strategy and warfare and of contemporary security issues. Its flexible, online delivery will mean that it will appeal to busy professionals as well as those with a broad interest in warfare and strategy.

Course Details

This 24-month course consists of two parts – a fifteen month online taught component, which overlaps with a twelve month research phase, culminating in a 20,000 word dissertation.

In part one, students take the following compulsory online modules:

• Introduction to Strategic Studies (10 credits) (semester one, year one)
• The Making of Modern War and Strategy, 1450-1945 (semester one, year one)
• US Grand Strategy (semester two, year one)

And select three of the following modules

• Terrorism, Insurgency and Political Violence (10 credits, semester two, year one)
• Strategic Studies Summer School (10 credits, semester three, year one)
• Nuclear Strategy and Diplomacy (10 credits, semester one, year two)
• Small States, Peacekeeping and Peace Support Operations (10 credits, semester one, year two)

Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Studies

Candidates who pass 60 credits of taught modules may opt to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Studies

Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Studies

Candidates who pass 30 credits of taught modules may opt to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Studies

Detailed Entry Requirements

Candidates should hold a primary degree with a Second Class Honours Grade 1 (or equivalent) in History, International Relations or a related discipline. Candidates who hold a primary degree with a Second Class Honours Grade 2 will also be considered subject to the approval of the programme selection committee. 

Some applicants who do not fulfil the usual entry requirements may be invited for online interview to satisfy the selection committee of their suitability for the programme. Strong references and personal statements are an important part of the application, as is relevant working experience. Prior experiential learning, such as military service, can be taken into consideration by the admissions panel.

Assessment

Assessment in the taught component of the course consists of essays, policy papers, reports, analysis of texts, participation in group discussions, and collaborative projects. The dissertation, worth one third of the total mark, and undertaken under the supervision of a staff member, reflects the importance of independent research.