| Code | MASST |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Years Part-time |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | MA |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| EU Fees | €2,830 (Year 1); €2,830 (Year 2) See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Non-EU Fees | €4,300 (Year 1); €4,300 (Year 2) |
| Closing Date | Open for EU applications, check rounds closing under How to Apply |
| Non-EU Closing Date | 30 June 2023 |
| Course Delivery Method | Online |
| Start Date | 11 September 2023 |
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. Vsit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
The EU fee for this course is €2,830 (Year 1); €2,830 (Year 2).
The Non-EU fee for this course is €4,300 (Year 1); €4,300 (Year 2) .
Deposits
If your course required a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
EU student fee payment
Fees for EU students are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration in August and the second in January.
International student fee payment
International Students can pay in two equal instalments once they have paid the appropriate deposit. The initial payment is due on registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
You can pay by Credit/Debit card online or by credit transfer.
Questions?
If you have any questions on fee payment please contact the Fees Office.
How To Apply
1. Check Dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.
- For Irish and EU applicants we operate a rounds system and you can check the rounds closing dates here.
- Note that not all our programmes are subject to the rounds system so check the opening and closing dates for your specific programme in the fact file boxes above.
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 via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority 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 30 June 2023
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