War Studies MA

Our War Studies MA explores the phenomenon of war and conflict as a key aspect of the human experience, along with its causes, conduct and consequences. Central to the degree is the study of war from a cutting edge, interdisciplinary perspective - which includes historical, political, sociological, philosophical, artistic, legal, ethical and military viewpoints. War is a deeply complex and contentious phenomenon, and its interdisciplinary study offers an unusually powerful opportunity to sharpen your critical analytical and reflective abilities and develop independent thinking. This prepares you for a wide range of careers and positions of responsibility in which such advanced intellectual skills are highly valued by employers.

Key benefits

• Designed to provide a postgraduate-level introduction to War Studies for students who have little or no specialist background in the field.
• An introduction to novel and contentious topics, issues, viewpoints and approaches through vigorous, reasoned debate and analysis.
• An opportunity to structure your studies around your interests, through a wide range of optional modules and choice of your dissertation topic.
• A chance to develop a range of transferable skills at advanced level - such as critical analysis and reflection, intellectual independence, time management, written and verbal communication - that will enhance your employability, aid your professional career development and help prepare you for postgraduate research.
• You will be taught by some of the very best academics in the field hailing from all around the world. Departmental staff are internationally acknowledged experts in their areas of specialisation. They are active researchers and routinely use their latest findings in their teaching.
• Be part of a vibrant, highly international and multicultural community of students.
• Opportunities to network with high-profile visitors, such as government ministers, ambassadors, generals and academics, who frequently give talks in the Department.
• As the oldest programme in the Department, you will be welcomed into a long-standing global network of alumni.
• An opportunity to study at a global centre of excellence, located in the heart of London, that enjoys close relationships with other academic institutions, think-tanks, non-governmental organisations and policy-making bodies in London and around the world.
• A proven record of employability in a wide range of careers, including in academia, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, national civil and military public service, politics, journalism, public advocacy, risk analysis and many others.

Employability

War Studies Graduates go on to work for NGOs, the FCO, the MOD, the Home Office, NATO, the UN or pursue careers in journalism, finance, academia, the diplomatic services, the armed forces and more. Recent posts held by our alumni include Threat Analyst, Director of Political Violence Forecasting, Research Advisor at NATO Defence College, Foreign Policy Fellow.

Standard requirements: A minimum high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelors (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above. If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip). Programme-Specific Requirements: Undergraduate degree with high 2:1 honours (i.e. overall average of at least 65% across all years of study) in International Relations, War Studies, History, Political Science, Strategic Studies, Criminology, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Philosophy, Psychiatry, Psychology, Religious Studies, Social Anthropology, Sociology, Theology. Applications from students with first degree in other areas, including science, language, and journalism, are also welcome.