Program Overview

Strategic Studies, MSc

Overview

The MSc in Strategic Studies advances your understanding of the use of force in conflict and provides you with the ability to scrutinise real-world security issues which challenge governments, armed services, international organisations, and businesses globally.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)
• Strategic Theory (PI5001)

Optional Courses

• Students will select two courses from the following:
  • PI5541 Political Psychology of Climate Change (30 credit points)
  • LS5549 The Use of Force in International Law (30 credit points)
  • PI5520 Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (30 credit points)
  • PI5521 Chinese Security Issues (30 credit points)

Stage 2

Compulsory Courses

• Dissertation in Strategic Studies (PI5901)

Optional Courses

• Students will select two from the following:
  • PI5541 Political Psychology of Climate Change (30 credit points)
  • LS5549 The Use of Force in International Law (30 credit points)
  • PI5520 Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (30 credit points)
  • PI5521 Chinese Security Issues (30 credit points)

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

• Strategic Theory (PI5001)

Optional Courses

• Students will select one of the following:
  • Religion, Conflict and Security (PI5027)
  • International Diplomacy Theory and Practice (PI5034)

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc Strategic Studies

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 standard from a recognised university or body.
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Careers

• The MSc in Strategic Studies has produced graduates of high repute with excellent career prospects for over thirty years, with an international network of alumni who have gone on to become intelligence and political analysts, policy advisors, government and defence officials, researchers, and more.
• Career prospects include public advocacy, research, and project management work for non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and regional and global institutions such as the European Union or the United Nations.
• Graduates may also forge careers in the international media, the armed forces, international risk management, and international corporations.

Our Experts

• A small and cohesive group of highly skilled academic staff with many years of graduate teaching experience, who are part of a network of high quality academics in strategic studies and international security.
• Programme Coordinators: Dr James Johnson, Dr Dimitrios Anagnostakis
• Other Experts: Dr Samantha May, Prof Mervyn Bain

Features

• We provide a wide range of related research centres including the Centre for Global Development; the Centre for Global Security and Governance; the Institute for Conflict, Transition, and Peace Research; and more.
• Cutting Edge Research-led Teaching: PIR focuses on topics such as energy policy, environmental policy, health policy, and identity politics (gender and ethnicity), all of which span the traditional division between domestic/comparative and international politics.