MA in Strategy and International Security

+ Information by E-mail

MA in Strategy and International Security

  • Objectives The aim of the degree is to give students a background in the theory and practice of strategy and security from the perspective of the defence professional. By the end of the degree students should: • understand the history and development of the discipline of strategic studies; • understand the key concepts of strategic thought; • understand how such real world factors as 'friction' complicate attempts to apply strategic ideas in practice.
  • Academic title MA in Strategy and International Security
  • Course description Programme structure

    Core

    Strategic Studies and Security I

    The aim of this module is to ground students in the basic
    concepts of strategy. It focuses on the period from 1945
    onwards. In addition to presenting current strategic
    theory, it also discusses the history and sociology of the
    strategic studies discipline. By the end of the module the
    student should understand the roots of strategic studies as
    an academic discipline, the impact of culture and
    geography on strategic thought and the influence of
    nuclear weapons on strategy.

    Strategic Studies and Security II

    The aim of this module is to introduce students to the
    problems of applying strategic concepts in practice. By the
    end of the module the student should have grappled with
    the problem of making strategic plans under conditions of
    uncertainty; considered the uses and problems of alliances;
    have understood the concepts of 'friction' and 'strategic
    stability'; and explored the conditions which promote
    peace and those which encourage intervention in each
    other's affairs.

    All students must write a 15,000 word dissertation.

    In Addition

    In each semester students must take 40 credits of
    additional modules (usually two extra modules) from a
    list that may include:

    Semester 1

    Strategic Thought I: Pre-Nuclear Thinkers
    • Maritime Strategy
    • British Naval Policy in the Twentieth Century
    • IR Theory: Classical and Post Classical Approaches
    Semester 2
    Strategic Thought II - Thinkers of the Nuclear Age
    • Contemporary Maritime Security
    • British Defence Policy Since 1945
    • Intelligence and Statecraft
    • IR Theory - Practical Applications and Case Studies
    A research-training package can be substituted for two
    of the above modules.
+ Information by E-mail

Other programs related to national and international security