Strategic Studies - Online

Course Outline

The MA in Strategic Studies (Online) is a two-year, part-time degree offered in a fully online format by the School of History at UCC. We offer a uniquely well-rounded approach to strategic studies that consider 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. Our MA programme provides students with a deep understanding of how historical developments have affected the evolution of strategy.



This online MA course equips our students with the knowledge and skills to develop a sophisticated understanding of both the history of strategy and warfare and 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.



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.

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 as detailed below:

Part I

Core Modules (30 credits)

HI6065 The Making of Modern War and Strategy, 1450-1945 (10 credits)

HI6070 US Grand Strategy since 1940 (10 credits)

HI6071 Introduction to Strategic Studies (10 credits)



Elective Modules (choose 30 credits)

HI6066 Nuclear Strategy and Diplomacy (10 credits)

HI6067 Small States, Peacekeeping and Peace Support Operations (10 credits)

HI6068 Strategic Studies Summer School (10 credits)

HI6069 Terrorism, Insurgency and Political Violence (10 credits)



Part II

HI6064 Dissertation in Strategic Studies (30 credits).

Applicants should hold a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent in any discipline. Applicants who hold a primary degree with a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) will also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) subject to the approval of the programme selection committee.



Applicants who do not meet this requirement and have a minimum of 3 years experience in a relevant field (such as the military or security services) will be considered as an honours equivalent. Such applicants may be invited for an online interview to satisfy the selection committee of their suitability for the programme. Some applicants who do not fulfil the usual entry requirements may be invited for an online interview to satisfy the selection committee of their suitability for the programme. Admission of such applicants will be subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences. Strong references and personal statements are an important part of the application, as is relevant working experience.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.

Closing Date

Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date

Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

2 years part-time, Online.

Start Date 8 September 2025

Skills and Careers Information

We provide our students with advanced analytical, research and writing skills and encourages students to apply those skills in real-world case studies. Potential career paths include government service, diplomatic service, defence and security consultancies, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations operating in conflicts zones. Many of our postgraduate students have progressed to successful PhD study in the area of war, strategy, and security.