Introduction
MSc Strategic Studies provides you with advanced understanding of the use of force in conflict.
This programme is studied on campus.
The MSc Strategic Studies provides you with ability to scrutinise real world security issues which challenge governments, conflict, armed services, peace, international organisations and business around the world. The programme intends to equip you with a range of advanced theoretical and operational understanding of the characteristics, practise and profound effects of use of force by states and non-state actors throughout the international system. The programme is multidisciplinary and international in course content, attracting international students.
You learn about the contribution of strategy as a mechanism for the application of power and force, addressing the nature of strategy, deterrence, arms control terrorism, counterinsurgency, sanctions and limited war. The history of international organisations and challenges contributing to the global order, will be examined. You learn about global security and its developments, policies in different areas and countries globally and defense policies internationally. You look at historical facets of transnational terrorism and different causes, plus you look at domestic, international and cultural ideological factors.
Key Programme Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- ISS, MSc or PgDip
- Duration
- 9 months, 12 months, 21 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January or September
Study Options
- ISS 12 months On Campus Learning Part Time September
-
Please contact socscipg@abdn.ac.uk for more information about this programme.
- MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January
-
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
Optional Courses
Students will select two courses from the following.
- International Energy Security (PI5518) - 30 Credit Points
-
Topics:
Oil and Security – how oil crises have occurred since 1973, with a focus on the energy demand and supply pressures and the political factors triggering the 1973 and 1979 oil crises. OPEC and IEA. The factors underpinning the oil crisis of 2008 and its relationships to world economic crisis. The role of China in oil politics.
Natural Gas, the EU and Russia. How conceptions of (natural gas) energy security are constructed and implemented in the EU and Russia –Nuclear Power and energy security;– eg Iran .
Climate Security
- The use of Force in International Law (LS5549) - 30 Credit Points
-
The course analyses how international law regulates the use of armed forces between States. It is of interest to students who want to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts. The course will study the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of inter-State force. It will examine the current exceptions to this principle, and how States try to justify the use of force. Consequently, the course will study the most recent recourses to force on the international plane, in particular in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. Teaching will be delivered mainly through discussion based seminars.
- Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (PI5520) - 30 Credit Points
-
Salient, specific facets of historical and contemporary national, international and transnational terrorism and the problems and challenges these different kinds of terrorism pose for national and international counter-terrorism strategies will be scrutinised. The debates on the different causes for terrorism (for instance religion, ethnicity, and ideology) and the different theoretical approaches to explain and understand the roots of terrorism will be examined. Specific facets of terrorism like (female) suicide bombers, ‘lone wolfs’ and ‘home-grown terrorists’, as well as the national and international strategies to counter terrorism, will be critically reviewed.
- Global Security Issues (PI5502) - 30 Credit Points
-
'Global Security Issues' is an elective, second semester module for the MSc Strategic Studies, Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.
- Semester 2
-
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Dissertation in Strategic Studies (PI5901) - 60 Credit Points
-
The Strategic Studies dissertation is a compulsory element of the MSc Strategic Studies, Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.
- Semester 3
-
Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Strategic Theory (PI5001) - 30 Credit Points
-
'Strategic Theory' is the compulsory, cornerstone module for the MSc Strategic Studies degree programme, and also the MSc Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.
- Religion, Conflict and Security (PI5027) - 30 Credit Points
-
Since the end of the Cold War the world has seen a resurgence of religious movements in the public sphere and, particularly since 9/11, religion has increasingly been viewed in policy debates as an issue of domestic and international security. In the ever increasingly globalized era, religious identifications criss-cross national boundaries and identities posing a dilemma for the established norms of the secular nation-state, political theory and actors. This course will examine some of the emerging theories associated with the rise of political religion, and the potential for conflict and peace that emerge. Utilizing diverse case studies ranging from religious Zionism, to political Islam to national Hindu movements the course will critique and employ contemporary theoretical frameworks to gain understanding of the current phenomena of religion in the international political domain.
- MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September
-
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
Students must take the following compulsory courses.
- Strategic Theory (PI5001) - 30 Credit Points
-
'Strategic Theory' is the compulsory, cornerstone module for the MSc Strategic Studies degree programme, and also the MSc Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.
- Religion, Conflict and Security (PI5027) - 30 Credit Points
-
Since the end of the Cold War the world has seen a resurgence of religious movements in the public sphere and, particularly since 9/11, religion has increasingly been viewed in policy debates as an issue of domestic and international security. In the ever increasingly globalized era, religious identifications criss-cross national boundaries and identities posing a dilemma for the established norms of the secular nation-state, political theory and actors. This course will examine some of the emerging theories associated with the rise of political religion, and the potential for conflict and peace that emerge. Utilizing diverse case studies ranging from religious Zionism, to political Islam to national Hindu movements the course will critique and employ contemporary theoretical frameworks to gain understanding of the current phenomena of religion in the international political domain.
- Semester 2
-
Semester 2
Optional Courses
Two courses from the following:
- The use of Force in International Law (LS5549) - 30 Credit Points
-
The course analyses how international law regulates the use of armed forces between States. It is of interest to students who want to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts. The course will study the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of inter-State force. It will examine the current exceptions to this principle, and how States try to justify the use of force. Consequently, the course will study the most recent recourses to force on the international plane, in particular in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. Teaching will be delivered mainly through discussion based seminars.
- Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (PI5520) - 30 Credit Points
-
Salient, specific facets of historical and contemporary national, international and transnational terrorism and the problems and challenges these different kinds of terrorism pose for national and international counter-terrorism strategies will be scrutinised. The debates on the different causes for terrorism (for instance religion, ethnicity, and ideology) and the different theoretical approaches to explain and understand the roots of terrorism will be examined. Specific facets of terrorism like (female) suicide bombers, ‘lone wolfs’ and ‘home-grown terrorists’, as well as the national and international strategies to counter terrorism, will be critically reviewed.
- Global Security Issues (PI5502) - 30 Credit Points
-
'Global Security Issues' is an elective, second semester module for the MSc Strategic Studies, Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.
- International Energy Security (PI5518) - 30 Credit Points
-
Topics:
Oil and Security – how oil crises have occurred since 1973, with a focus on the energy demand and supply pressures and the political factors triggering the 1973 and 1979 oil crises. OPEC and IEA. The factors underpinning the oil crisis of 2008 and its relationships to world economic crisis. The role of China in oil politics.
Natural Gas, the EU and Russia. How conceptions of (natural gas) energy security are constructed and implemented in the EU and Russia –Nuclear Power and energy security;– eg Iran .
Climate Security
- Semester 3
-
Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Dissertation in Strategic Studies (PI5901) - 60 Credit Points
-
The Strategic Studies dissertation is a compulsory element of the MSc Strategic Studies, Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.
Optional Courses
Only candidates who complete the above programme at an appropriate standard will be allowed to progress to Stage 3.
- PgDip 9 months or 21 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September
-
- Stage 1
-
Stage 1
Compulsory Courses
- Strategic Theory (PI5001) - 30 Credit Points
-
'Strategic Theory' is the compulsory, cornerstone module for the MSc Strategic Studies degree programme, and also the MSc Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.
- Religion, Conflict and Security (PI5027) - 30 Credit Points
-
Since the end of the Cold War the world has seen a resurgence of religious movements in the public sphere and, particularly since 9/11, religion has increasingly been viewed in policy debates as an issue of domestic and international security. In the ever increasingly globalized era, religious identifications criss-cross national boundaries and identities posing a dilemma for the established norms of the secular nation-state, political theory and actors. This course will examine some of the emerging theories associated with the rise of political religion, and the potential for conflict and peace that emerge. Utilizing diverse case studies ranging from religious Zionism, to political Islam to national Hindu movements the course will critique and employ contemporary theoretical frameworks to gain understanding of the current phenomena of religion in the international political domain.
Optional Courses
Select two of the following courses:
- Stage 2
-
Stage 2
Optional Courses
Students will select two courses from the following.
- International Energy Security (PI5518) - 30 Credit Points
-
Topics:
Oil and Security – how oil crises have occurred since 1973, with a focus on the energy demand and supply pressures and the political factors triggering the 1973 and 1979 oil crises. OPEC and IEA. The factors underpinning the oil crisis of 2008 and its relationships to world economic crisis. The role of China in oil politics.
Natural Gas, the EU and Russia. How conceptions of (natural gas) energy security are constructed and implemented in the EU and Russia –Nuclear Power and energy security;– eg Iran .
Climate Security
- The use of Force in International Law (LS5549) - 30 Credit Points
-
The course analyses how international law regulates the use of armed forces between States. It is of interest to students who want to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts. The course will study the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of inter-State force. It will examine the current exceptions to this principle, and how States try to justify the use of force. Consequently, the course will study the most recent recourses to force on the international plane, in particular in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. Teaching will be delivered mainly through discussion based seminars.
- Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (PI5520) - 30 Credit Points
-
Salient, specific facets of historical and contemporary national, international and transnational terrorism and the problems and challenges these different kinds of terrorism pose for national and international counter-terrorism strategies will be scrutinised. The debates on the different causes for terrorism (for instance religion, ethnicity, and ideology) and the different theoretical approaches to explain and understand the roots of terrorism will be examined. Specific facets of terrorism like (female) suicide bombers, ‘lone wolfs’ and ‘home-grown terrorists’, as well as the national and international strategies to counter terrorism, will be critically reviewed.
- Global Security Issues (PI5502) - 30 Credit Points
-
'Global Security Issues' is an elective, second semester module for the MSc Strategic Studies, Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.
Course Availability
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
By written examination, essay work and class presentation as prescribed for each course and by submission of a dissertation. The degree of MSc shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CGS grade of D3 or above in PI5901, irrespective of their performance in other courses.
Why Study Strategic Studies?
- The programme scrutinises salient, real-world security issues which challenge governments, armed services, international organisations and business around the world.
- MSc Strategic Studies has produced graduates of high repute with excellent career prospects for over thirty years, with a network of alumni internationally.
- There are plenty of Strategic Studies Alumni from Aberdeen around the world and the student body is international with many countries represented.
- An MSc in Strategic Studies provides you with a strong methodology and knowledge to interpret situations that present in a wide range of areas of work globally.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with at least 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body. In exceptional circumstances, applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience, appropriate to the field of study.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
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 - 51; Reading - 54; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
- ISS 12 months On Campus Learning Part Time September
-
Please refer to our InfoHub Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact socscipg@abdn.ac.uk.
- MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January
-
Fee Information
Fee information Fee category Cost Home / EU / RUK Students £6,700 Tuition Fees for 2019/20 Academic Year International Students £15,900 Tuition Fees for 2019/20 Academic Year Home / EU / RUK Students £9,000 Tuition Fees for 2020/21 Academic Year International Students £19,000 Tuition Fees for 2020/21 Academic Year - MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September
-
Fee Information
Fee information Fee category Cost Home / EU / RUK Students £9,000 Tuition Fees for 2020/21 Academic Year International Students £19,000 Tuition Fees for 2020/21 Academic Year - PgDip 9 months or 21 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September
-
Please refer to our InfoHub Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact socscipg@abdn.ac.uk.
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Government organisations
Non government organisations
Charities
Private business
Business organisations
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.
- Other Experts
- Dr Samantha May
- Dr Mervyn Bain
- Programme Coordinator
- Mr James Wyllie
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Facilities
We provide a wide range of related research centres, which include:
- Centre for European Survey Research
- New Europe Centre - housing a variety of projects looking at values and behaviour
- Centre for Global Security and Governance
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
School of Social Science
University of Aberdeen
Edward Wright Building
Dunbar Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3QY