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Maynooth University

Military History & Strategic Studies

This course provides an in-depth introduction into the disciplines of military history and strategic studies. It aims to immerse students in the study of conflict from the late 1700s to the present-day, providing them with an overview of the development of modern warfare and also the skills necessary to analyse modern conflicts.

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.

There are a number of site visits associated with this course including a trip to the "Soldiers and Chiefs" exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland. In recent years, the course has also included field trips to the D-Day landing sites in Normandy and the battlefields of "Operation Market-Garden" in the Netherlands.

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

Entry requirements

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: please visit Maynooth University International Office website for information about English language tests accepted and required scores. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and non-EU applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Duration

MHP58: 1 year Full-time
MHP59: 2 years Part-time

Careers or further progression

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.

Further enquiries

Programme Director Dr. David Murphy
Tel +353 (0)1 708 3729
Fax +353 (0)1 708 3314

Email david.murphy@mu.ie

Subjects taught

The course will be delivered through a variety of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Students must take two core courses and two thesis related modules (HY678 & HY679) in addition to two modules chosen from a list of electives available that year.

Comment

The Department of History at Maynooth is one of the leading contributors to historical scholarship in Ireland. With an international reputation as a centre of excellence for individual and group research, and high profile researchers directly engaged in teaching on our Masters programmes, postgraduate students enjoy total immersion in their chosen subject area. Whether undertaking a field trip to the battlefields of France, project work in London archives or building language skills to complement European history studies, a Masters in History at Maynooth is a unique scholarly experience with oneto- one support and expert guidance.

Assessment method

Assessment is through a mix of written assignments and in-class presentations. Students also develop a 15,000 word thesis on a subject of their choice. There is much emphasis on independent study. Classes for this course currently run on Monday and Wednesdays, 4pm-6pm.

Application date

All applications should be made through the PAC system.

Closing Date : 30 June 2019

Course fee

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.