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1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Strategic Studies

Course Fact File

Code	MASST
Duration	2 Years Part-time
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
Qualifications	MA
NFQ Level	Level 9
Closing Date	Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date	Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Course Delivery Method	Online
Start Date	8 September 2025

Course Outline

The MA in Strategic Studies (Online) is a two-year, part-time degree offered in a fully online format by the School of History at UCC. We offer a uniquely well-rounded approach to strategic studies that consider pressing global challenges such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, international peacekeeping, the changing international system, and the rise of non-state actors and new ways of warfare. Our MA programme provides students with a deep understanding of how historical developments have affected the evolution of strategy.

This online MA course equips our students with the knowledge and skills to develop a sophisticated understanding of both the history of strategy and warfare and contemporary security issues. Its flexible, online delivery will mean that it will appeal to busy professionals as well as those with a broad interest in warfare and strategy.

This 24-month course consists of two parts – a fifteen-month online taught component, which overlaps with a twelve-month research phase, culminating in a 20,000-word dissertation as detailed below:

Part I

Core Modules (30 credits)

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

Elective Modules (choose 30 credits)

• HI6066 Nuclear Strategy and Diplomacy (10 credits)
• HI6067 Small States, Peacekeeping and Peace Support Operations (10 credits)
• HI6068 Strategic Studies Summer School (10 credits)
• HI6069 Terrorism, Insurgency and Political Violence (10 credits)

Part II

• HI6064 Dissertation in Strategic Studies (30 credits)

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.

Course Practicalities

This programme is delivered online. It is designed to be flexible to take into account the busy schedules of professionals, and so allows you to engage with the course material when it suits you. Each module is built around a series of short lectures, assigned readings, and extensive discussions that are built around weekly cycles. Typically, each week requires around 10-15 hours of study. More time will be required to research and write the longer course essays.

As the course is delivered online, we recommend that candidates have access to a reliable internet connection of at least 2Mb/s or more download speed and 0.5Mb/s upload speed.

Assessment

Assessment in the taught component of the course consists of essays, policy papers, reports, analysis of texts, participation in group discussions, and collaborative projects. The dissertation, worth one-third of the total mark, and undertaken under the supervision of a staff member, reflects the importance of independent research.

Why Choose This Course

One of the few online Strategic Studies masters programmes in the world, this MA offers the flexibility that you would expect from an online programme, while a deliberately small class size offers the opportunity for close engagement with expert mentors.  The course is competitively priced while offering top-quality instruction from leading scholars. It includes a unique module on peace support operations that draws on extensive Irish experience in this area.

Skills and Careers Information

We provide our students with advanced analytical, research and writing skills and encourages students to apply those skills in real-world case studies. Potential career paths include government service, diplomatic service, defence and security consultancies, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations operating in conflicts zones. Many of our postgraduate students have progressed to successful PhD study in the area of war, strategy, and security.

Requirements

Applicants should hold a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent in any discipline. Applicants who hold a primary degree with a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) will also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) subject to the approval of the programme selection committee.

Applicants 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 an 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 an 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.

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning, and professional training relevant to this programme.
• Describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Enter the names and email addresses of two referees. 

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

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