International War Studies

The Dual MA in International War Studies will be offered by University College Dublin and the University of Potsdam, where the only Chair of Military History in Germany is based. Students will spend one academic year in each institution. The MA will enable students to experience two different academic structures (in Germany and Ireland), taking advantage of the rich cultural offerings and research facilities in Dublin, Potsdam and nearby Berlin.

The programme will be fully taught in English, however students are encouraged to learn an additional language to strengthen their international profile. It will enable students to acquire a comprehensive and advanced knowledge of the main areas of the history of war in the twentieth century. All modules will be delivered by leading experts in the field, ensuring research led teaching throughout the course.

This programme enables students to:

Acquire a comprehensive and advanced knowledge of the main areas of the history of war in the twentieth century

Recognise and appreciate the many ways in which the history of war has been written and analysed. Identify appropriate and authentic sources for the history of war

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of basic analytical techniques and theoretical issues in the field of war studies

Abstract and analyse information from a range of sources, including lectures, seminars, archival and library holdings, the internet and fieldwork, identifying those ideas or findings which are most significant for their research

Learn to self evaluate and take responsibility for continuing academic and or professional development

Experience two different academic cultures (in Germany and Ireland, taking advantage of the rich cultural offerings in Dublin, Potsdam and nearby Berlin

The MA in International War Studies is a 120-credit programme. It has a modular structure based on year one at the University of Potsdam and year two at University College Dublin. Compulsory modules in year one will include: Introduction to International War Studies (9 credits), Military and Society in the Age of Total Wars, 1792-1945 (15 credits) and a module (6 credits) on academic writing or on literature and primary sources. Options in year one include Military and Society after 1945 (15 credits), International History since the Early 20th Century (15 credits), Civil-Military Relations in the Social Sciences (15 credits), Related Study Areas of Military History (15 credits), Violence, War and Memory in Contemporary History (15 credits), Conflict, Security and Armed Forces - Historical and Social Science Approaches (15 credits), Security Studies (15 credits).

Compulsory modules in year two will include: Modern History and Politics (10 credits), Political Violence in 20th Century Europe (10 credits), War Studies (10 credits). The programme will culminate in the writing of a dissertation worth 30 credits.

Applicants need an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Students will have a minimum qualification of 2.1 in a relevant subject or an equivalent UCD GPA of 3.08.

For non-English speakers evidence of language proficiency is required, for example IELTS of 6.5 overall or equivalent in TOEFL with no band lower than 6.0. Students who achieve an IELTS of 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5 will need to attend a pre-sessional language course. Students will be selected by a joint board composed by senior academics from UCD and Potsdam.

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:

MA International War Studies FT (Z258)
Deadline Rolling *

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.

2 years full-time
Mode of delivery: Face-to-Face

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.