ObjectivesThe 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 titleMA in Strategy and International Security
Course descriptionProgramme 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.