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



What Will I Learn?

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.

Module/Trimester/Credits



Stage 1 Options - *A) Min 2 of:

Students must take HIS42420 and HIS42430 in year 1.

HIS42420 War Studies 1 (Potsdam) Autumn 30

HIS42430 War Studies 2 (Potsdam) Spring 30



Stage 1 Options - *A1) 1 of:

Students must take HIS42560 in year 2.

HIS42560 Dissertation (War Studies) Year-long (12 months) 30



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:

In year 2, students must take a minimum of two History option modules, but can take a third module from this option list, or can choose a module from the American, Sociology list of options.

HIS32730 The Digital Humanities Autumn 10

HIS41780 Origins of Modern Diplomacy Autumn 10

HIS42390 Global Revolutions Autumn 10

HIS42810 French Colonial Identities in North Africa Autumn 10

HIS42840 Modern Asia Autumn 10

HIS42850 NATO’s Wars: From Bosnia to Afghanistan Autumn 10

HIS42970 Gender in Ireland, 1500-1800 Autumn 10

HIS42380 Research Collaboration Autumn and Spring (separate) 10

HIS42480 War, Peace, and Globalisation Spring 10

HIS42860 The Body in Modern Warfare Spring 10

HIS42950 How the West came to rule Spring 10

HIS42980 Middle East State & Society Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:

In year 2, students may choose one of the following American Studies, Sociology modules if only two option modules have been chosen from the list of History options.

AMST40580 News Media Today Autumn 10

AMST40590 Trump's America Autumn 10

AMST40620 Journalism & International Affairs Autumn 10

AMST40310 Challenges in US Foreign Policy Spring 10

AMST40570 The U.S. and the Middle East Spring 10

AMST40650 Politics and Digital Storytelling Spring 10

AMST40700 Cyber, AI and Intern Conflict Spring 10

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.



You will be asked to complete a supporting statement outlining your reasons and motivation for wishing to undertake the course.



You will be required to provide an academic writing sample, e.g. an essay written during your degree or dissertation. (there is no word limit)



Two academic references from referees who are in a position to assess your intellectual ability, maturity and motivation. Ideally both academic but they can also be one academic and one professional. You can upload your references to your application itself or if your referees prefer, they can email their letters of reference to gradhistory@ucd.ie.



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 of senior academics from UCD and Potsdam.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

2 years full-time. Delivery: On Campus.

Z258 International War Studies Master of Arts Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career Options

Media & Journalism:

Journalist

Radio Producer

TV Researcher

Literary Editor

Publicist



Govt. & Public Sector:

Senior Civil Servant

Diplomat

Archivist

Teacher

Academic



Media & Journalism:

Journalist

Radio Producer

TV Producer

Literary Editor

Publicist