The MA in Strategic Studies is an online part-time programme and runs for 24 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

Candidates should hold a primary degree with a Second Class Honours Grade 1 (or equivalent) in any discipline. Candidates who hold a primary degree with a Second Class Honours Grade 2 will also be considered subject to the approval of the programme selection committee. Graduates 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 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 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. 

Students take 90 credits as follows:

Part I

Core Modules
HI6065 The Making of Modern War and Strategy, 1450-1945 (10 credits) - Year 1
HI6070 US Grand Strategy since 1940 (10 credits) - Year 1
HI6071 Introduction to Strategic Studies (10 credits) - Year 1

Elective Modules (students take a total 30 credits of elective modules over the two-year programme)
Students select three of the following electives:
HI6066 Nuclear Strategy and Diplomacy (10 credits) - Year 2
HI6067 Small States, Peacekeeping and Peace Support Operations (10 credits) - Year 2
HI6068 Strategic Studies Summer School (10 credits) - Year 1
HI6069 Terrorism, Insurgency and Political Violence (10 credits) - Year 1

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module descriptions may be found here.

Part II
HI6064 Dissertation in Strategic Studies (30 credits) - Year 2
A dissertation of a maximum of 20,000 words must be submitted by a specified date in September of year two

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2020/2021 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2020/2021.

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.

Programme Learning Outcomes for MA in Strategic Studies (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the major issues and problems within the field of strategic studies;
• Apply a range of methodologies required for undertaking research in strategic studies;
• Evaluate a broad range of primary and secondary sources related to strategic studies and military history;
• Participate in collaborative scholarly communities using digital tools;
• Take responsibility for their research agenda and project, and initiate and evaluate appropriate methodologies;
• Pursue an extended Master's level research and writing project, showing appropriate research, writing and technical skills, demonstrated in a 20,000 word dissertation.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Studies (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the major issues and problems within the field of strategic studies;
• Apply a range of methodologies required for undertaking research in strategic studies;
• Evaluate a broad range of primary and secondary sources related to strategic studies and military history;
• Participate in collaborative scholarly communities using digital tools.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Studies (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the major issues and problems within the field of strategic studies;
• Evaluate a broad range of primary and secondary sources related to strategic studies and military history;
• Participate in collaborative scholarly communities using digital tools.