Military History & Strategic Studies

The course is taught through a series of modules including “The evolution of modern warfare, 1789-1918”, “Modern Warfare, 1918-present” and “Strategic Studies”. These modules provide an introduction to the key concepts, theories and debates in this field. No specialist knowledge is required and this MA course will appeal to anyone interested in history, international relations, security studies and war studies.



The programme has attracted international students and significant links have been forged with military academies in the USA, the UK and the Netherlands.

The programme will be delivered through a variety of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Students must take three 10 x credit core courses (HY675 “Modern Warfare I”, HY676 “Modern Warfare II” and HY692 “Strategic & Security Studies”). They also take two 10 x credit modules chosen from a list of electives available that year. (Total 50 Credits).



A total of 40 credits are awarded for thesis preparation (Semester 1, HY668, 10 credits) and thesis completion (HY679, 30 credits).

The normal admission requirement is for at least a Second Class Honours degree in history or other related disciplines within the Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences. Candidates may be asked to attend an interview.



Individuals who do not meet the specified criteria may be accepted on a case-by-case basis where they are able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience. Such candidates may be asked to provide an example of their written work and to attend an interview.



Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

Assessment is through a mix of written assignments and in-class presentations. Students also develop a 20,000 word thesis on a subject of their choice. There is much emphasis on independent study.

1 year full-time.

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

Graduates from this course have gone on to work in IT, academic administration, third level education, the heritage industry, the Civil Service and also in the defence sector.



Military officers from the Irish Defence Forces, the USA and Germany have attended this course for career advancement purposes.



Many graduates have engaged in further postgraduate research and have enrolled in PhD programmes in Maynooth University and elsewhere.