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UCC Postgraduate courses

Strategic Studies (Online)

Course Fact File
CodeMASST
Duration2 Years Part-time
Teaching ModePart-Time
QualificationsMA
NFQ LevelLevel 9
Closing DateRolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing DateOpen until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Course Delivery MethodOnline
Start Date8 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.

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

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.

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

  • In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
  • Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Fees and Costs

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026

See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

Deposits 

If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.

Fee payment 

Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How can I pay? 

See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.

How To Apply

1. Check dates

Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.

2. Gather documents

Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

  • Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
  • Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.

3. Apply online

Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

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.

Apply Now

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

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