Main details
Course overview
Module options
Our academics
Entry requirements
Fees & funding
Scholarships
Facilities
Future prospects
Next steps

Postgraduate Taught

Strategy and International Security

A group of five F16 fighter jets flying through a cloudy sky

A Hull student sitting at a desk in in the library with an open book and a laptop on the table in front of him

A map showing most of Europe and some of North Africa

An external photo of the European Union headquarters in Brussels with three EU flags flying at the front

This Masters covers the history of conflict and the theory and strategy behind military leadership. You'll also learn about terrorism and insurgency, technology such as nuclear weapons, and ethics.

Applications are welcomed from students from any academic background with an interest in past and present conflicts and the strategy behind war.

By developing skills in strategic thinking and leadership – as well as an understanding of war and geopolitics – you'll open up a range of careers in the Armed Forces, Civil Service, security, risk analysis and more.

You'll be taught by leading experts who have extensive experience of working with the military and policy-makers, both in the UK and overseas.

‘War – what is it good for?’- as the iconic song asks. If you’re interested in past and present conflicts and the strategy behind war, this course is for you.

Defined by violence, war continues to be a process used by military powers around the world to bring strategic action by land, sea and air. This Masters degree covers the theory and practice of strategy, terrorism and insurgency including nuclear strategy; technology and war; and ethics.

You’ll explore cases including Alexander the Great, Napoleon, WWI and WWII, Vietnam and the war in Afghanistan.

Leading experts

teach on this course
Learn a blend

of theory, history and strategy
Open up a range of careers

in the military, security and more
Students from all subjects

can apply for this course
Develop skills

in strategic thinking and leadership

Swipe

Course overview

Module options

About this course

The course covers the history and concepts of strategy throughout some of the most important wars to date. You’ll look at the strategic theory behind conflict, using both historical and up-to-date examples of war to explore what it looks like 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.

Studying for an MA in Strategy and International Security will give you the confidence to turn your ideas into action. You’ll develop the right skills to help manage crises, make decisions, deal with consequences and achieve resolution.

These transferable skills mean you’ll then be able to explore a wide variety of careers, particularly in the military, security and risk analysis.

A military Chinook helicopter flying through a clear sky

The River Thames running in front of the Houses of Parliament in London

Choose your modules

For a full Masters degree, you'll study 180 credits over the duration of your course. Some programmes offer a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) qualification or a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) qualification. For a PGDip, you'll study 120 credits, and for a PGCert, you'll study 60 credits.

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.

Core•30 credits

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.

Core•30 credits

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.

Core•30 credits

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.

Core•30 credits

Dissertation

What fascinates you? You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up a project on a topic of your choice, supported by your dissertation supervisor.

Core•60 credits

5 Modules

Our academics

Our Politics staff have extensive experience working with the military and policy-makers, both in the UK and overseas.

They are research-led and experts in topics such as strategic studies, international relations theory, international law, European integration, foreign policy and ethics.

See more academics for this subject

Featured academic

Dr Elizabeth Monaghan

Elizabeth is Deputy Director of the Centre for European Union Studies. She’s a regular media contributor on the European Union and Brexit, and writes for The Conversation. She’s also involved in outreach with community groups, schools and business.

Entry requirements

UK
International

What do I need?

Typical offer

2:2 in any subject area

Additional entry requirements for this course

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

If you’re an undergraduate student at Hull, you’re guaranteed a fast-track route to this postgraduate degree, as long as you meet the entry requirements.

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.

What do I need?

Typical offer

2:2 in any subject area

Additional entry requirements for this course

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to 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 English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

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

Fees & funding

UK
International

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
Optional field trips
Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
Student visas (international students)
Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PCs on campus, but you may want your own)
Printing and photocopying
Professional-body membership
Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
Optional field trips
Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
Student visas (international students)
Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PCs on campus, but you may want your own)
Printing and photocopying
Professional-body membership
Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our scholarships

We offer a number of awards, bursaries and scholarships for eligible students. They’re awarded for a variety of reasons including academic achievement and/or to help those on lower incomes.

Scholarships and bursaries are separate to student loans. And the best bit is, you don’t pay a penny back.

Find out more about our scholarships

Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship

University of Hull undergraduates progressing to a taught masters course may receive a 25% discount on the cost of their tuition fees.

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

International Scholarships and Bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for international students.

To find out more and see if you're eligible, please visit the International Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Take a look at our facilities

Brynmor Jones Library

Our 7-storey library is home to 1 million+ books, extensive digital resources drawn from libraries and archives across the world, and stunning panoramic views of the city from the 7th floor.

Allam Lecture Theatre

One of the largest lecture theatres on campus. Comfortable seating and modern equipment make this a fantastic environment for learning. It also hosts external speakers and special guests.

Reading Room

You’ll find the Reading Room on the first floor of the Library. It offers a comfortable space and a quiet environment to study – away from the hustle and bustle of the campus.

Study Rooms

You'll find over 1,000 workspaces in our library. From boardroom-style meeting venues with big-screen PCs to informal group study areas and interactive whiteboards.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

Lucy Dunwell Politics houses of parliament

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 could be applied to any role that needs strategic thinking and leadership.

If you’re interested in a job in the military, government offices, public offices and risk analysis, then this course is ideal.

Some students choose to carry on studying to PhD level, continuing their research and development in the field of Strategy and International Security.

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

Make your application online now, and our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible to make you an offer.

Apply now

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

We regularly deliver virtual and on-campus events to help you discover your perfect postgraduate course, whether it’s a subject you already love or something completely different. Our events are an opportunity for you to chat to tutors and current students and find out about the career options a postgraduate degree could lead to.

Discover more

Strategy and International Security

About this course