Course Outline
The MA in Strategic Studies is a two year, part-time degree offered in a fully online format by the School of History. It offers 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. It will provide students with a deep understanding of how historical developments have affected the evolution of strategy.
The course equips students with the knowledge and skills to develop a sophisticated understanding of both the history of strategy and warfare and of 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.
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.
In part one, students take the following compulsory online modules:
Introduction to Strategic Studies (10 credits) (semester one, year one)
The Making of Modern War and Strategy, 1450-1945 (semester one, year one)
US Grand Strategy (semester two, year one)
And select three of the following modules
Terrorism, Insurgency and Political Violence (10 credits, semester two, year one)
Strategic Studies Summer School (10 credits, semester three, year one)
N.B. This is an intensive one-week on-campus module that will take place in the summer of year one.
Nuclear Strategy and Diplomacy (10 credits, semester one, year two)
Small States, Peacekeeping and Peace Support Operations (10 credits, semester one, year two)
In part two, students work closely with an academic supervisor to complete a 20,000-word minor dissertation on a topic of their choosing within the broad area of strategic studies. There will be a series of online workshops to facilitate students in selecting, researching and writing their dissertations.
Given that our students have a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds, each module makes extensive use of focused online discussion groups and other interactive learning opportunities, which will enable students to share their experiences and relate them to core course themes and concepts.
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
Additional Teaching Mode Information
This programme will be taught online.
Comment
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.