Overview

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

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.

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.

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

For students who entered from 2024/2025 onwards

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Part I
Students take taught modules to the value of 60 credits as follows:
Year 1
Core Modules
HI6096	Introduction to Strategic Studies	15
HI6099	The Making of Modern War and Strategy, 1450-1945	15
Elective Modules
Students take one 10 credit elective module in either Year 1 or Year 2		0-10
HI6068	Strategic Studies Summer School (10)
Year 2
HI6095	US Grand Strategy since 1940	15
HI6097	Research Methods	5
Elective Modules
Students take one 10 credit elective module in either Year 1 or Year 2		10-0
HI6098	Directed Study (10)
Year 2
Part II
Students take 30 credits as follows:
HI6064	Dissertation in Strategic Studies 1	30
Total Credits		90

For students who entered prior to 2024/2025 

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Students take 90 credits.
Part I
Year 1
Students take 30 credits as follows:
Core Modules
HI6065	The Making of Modern War and Strategy, 1450-1945	10
HI6070	US Grand Strategy since 1940	10
HI6071	Introduction to Strategic Studies	10
Elective Modules
Students take modules to the value of 30 credits across Years 1 and 2:		10-20
HI6068	Strategic Studies Summer School (10)
HI6069	Terrorism, Insurgency and Political Violence (10)
Year 2
Elective Modules
Students take modules to the value of 30 credits across Years 1 and 2:		20-10
HI6066	Nuclear Strategy and Diplomacy (10)
HI6067	Small States, Peacekeeping and Peace Support Operations (10)
Part II
Core Modules
Students take 30 credits as follows:
HI6064	Dissertation in Strategic Studies 1	30
Total Credits		90

¹

A dissertation of a maximum of 20,000 words must be submitted by a specified date in September of year two

Examinations

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

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for MA in Strategic Studies (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

(Online)

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.