Skip to main content
military3

Faculty of Business, Law and Politics

MA in Strategy and International Security

Postgraduate - Taught MA

Open for admission in 2023/24

Start in September

Qualification Full time
MA 1 year

About the course

War remains a matter of life and death, and although defined by violence, war is a rational tool of policy.

The process by which military power is translated into policy effect is strategy. This degree covers theory and practice of strategy, including land, sea and air power; terrorism and insurgency; nuclear strategy; technology and war; and ethics. The theory of strategy is tested against historical and contemporary case studies, which include Alexander the Great, Napoleon, the First and Second World Wars, Vietnam and the war in Afghanistan.

This MA will give you the confidence to turn your ideas into action – you’ll learn the techniques involved with managing crises, including making decisions, dealing with consequences and achieving resolution. This programme will give you transferable knowledge and skills for a wide variety of careers, but especially in fields such as the military, security and risk analysis.

What you'll study

This MA covers the history and concepts of the strategic studies discipline. You’ll study strategic theory, using historical and contemporary case studies to clarify what theoretical concepts mean in practice. You’ll also learn up-to-date approaches to strategic studies, along with more general skills in writing, research, public speaking and logical analysis.

This programme is made up of core and optional modules, as well as a 15,000 word dissertation.

Core modules

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.


  • Strategic Studies: Theory and Practice

    Learn how strategy works, why it's so difficult to get right and how to ensure best practice. Ultimately, this module is about how to win wars and achieve objectives in the face of the enemy. We explore and illustrate the theory through case studies – from the conflicts of Alexander the Great to those of today.

  • Power and the State in International Politics

    This module explores the changing role of the state and the nature of power and ethics in the international system. You'll select three thematic blocks (from a choice of nine), which reflect current global problems and academic expertise.

  • Challenges in International Politics

    This module addresses some of the challenges for effective, democratic and ethical global governance. It engages with the issues for states and other international agents of global political change and interdependence.

  • Approaches to Research

    Extend your understanding of a range of research techniques and skills for the study of politics. This module provides everything you'll need for conducting research in your area of interest – from conducting interviews and focus groups to analysing statistical data and texts.

  • 15,000-word Dissertation

    Which subject fascinates you? The 15,000-word dissertation lets you research that topic in depth under the guidance of a supervisor.

Where you'll study

The location below may not be the exact location of all modules on your timetable. The buildings you'll be taught in can vary each year and depend on the modules you study.

Click to view on Google Maps
Hull Campus

Click to view directions on Google Maps

Fees and funding

  • Home £9,400

UK students can take out a Masters Loan to help with tuition fees and living costs. For 2023 entry, they provide up to £12,167 for full-time and part-time taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Find out more about Postgraduate Loans.

  • International £10,000

Please see the terms and conditions for International fees 2022/23

Graduate PGT Scholarship

The University of Hull is pleased to offer graduates progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate taught study a £1,000 scholarship towards the cost of their tuition fees.

Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the University of Hull Graduate PGT Scholarship page.

International Scholarships and Bursaries

For a list of all scholarships and bursaries for international students, please visit the International Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University offers a range of scholarships to help you with your studies.

For more information, please visit the Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Our graduates are so numerous at Westminster and Whitehall, they’ve become known as the 'Hull Mafia'.

Our expert staff are recognised globally as contributing to the cutting-edge of political research.

Our postgraduate degrees place great emphasis on training you to design and conduct your own research projects, while receiving expert guidance from their supervisors.

Facilities include the £28-million Brynmor Jones Library, a state-of-the-art learning space with more than a million texts and 350 open-access PCs. It’s open 24/7.

Entry requirements

This programme is designed for graduates from any discipline with a strong interest in Strategy & International Security. However, we do recommend that you have a basic knowledge and understanding of this area.

You should have a minimum of a 2:2 Honours degree (or international equivalent) and a good level of English Language.


In order to ensure our students have a rich learning and student experience, most of our programmes have a mix of domestic and international students. We reserve the right to close applications early to either group, if application volumes suggest that this blend cannot be achieved. In addition, existing undergraduate students at the University of Hull have a guaranteed ‘Fast Track’ route to any postgraduate programme, subject to meeting the entry criteria (excluding Social Work).

International students

Language requirements

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you must provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other accepted English language proficiency qualifications.

If your English currently does not reach the required standard, you may be interested in our pre-sessional English Language programmes.

Visit your country page to find out more about entry requirements.

Future prospects

Studying for an MA in Strategy and International Security at Hull opens up a wide range of careers. Your expert knowledge and skills will be beneficial in any industry requiring strategic acumen and leadership. However, this programme prepares you particularly for careers in the military, government offices, public offices and risk analysis.

Many students also choose to progress with their studies to PhD level. Our staff are highly research active and their specialisms include: strategic studies, international relations theory, international law, international organisations, foreign policy, military history and ethics of war.

Top