Introduction
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.
This course has January and September start dates. Apply Now.
Strategy is notoriously tricky. Most strategies fail, most of the time. However logical the connection of means, ways, and ends may be on paper, it is notoriously hard to achieve. Why is this so? This programme will address these questions and more, equipping you with advanced theoretical and operational understanding of the use of force by states and non-state actors at a regional (especially Asian) and global level. The programme is multidisciplinary, attracting a diverse international cohort.
You will explore strategy as a mechanism for power and coercion, covering the nature of strategy, causes of war, deterrence, arms control, terrorism, Chinese security issues, religion and conflict, and the impact of emerging technology (AI, cyber, drones, hypersonic, etc.) on strategic affairs, from both Western and non-Western perspectives.
You will also build the analytical skills needed for careers across the public and private sectors, including government organisations, NGOs, journalism, and policy work.
We offer three distinct pathways alongside the MSc Strategic Studies, allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions:
Strategic Studies and Energy Security - focused on climate change, energy politics, energy economics, and energy law, with a focus on energy transitions, resource competition, and strategic risk.
Strategic Studies and International Law - examining how legal frameworks shape conflict, security, and the use of force, with an emphasis on the legal regulation of war, security institutions, and accountability.
Strategic Studies and Management - applying strategic thinking to organisations and leadership, focusing on decision-making under uncertainty, leadership, and strategic planning in complex environments.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Strategic Studies
- Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January
- Location
- Aberdeen
- Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location
- Aberdeen
Programme Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £11,100
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)
- £7,000
-
University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £23,000
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £15,000
-
The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
Stage 1
Stage 1: Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Strategic Theory (PI5001)
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30 Credit Points
This core module considers the contribution of strategy, as the mechanism for the application of power and force, to national, regional, and international security. It explores what strategy is (the pursuit of continuing advantage) and how to think clearly about it. Topics addressed include the nature of strategy, deterrence, arms control, strategic stability, nuclear policy, and emerging technology and future warfare.
Stage 1: Optional Courses
Students who opt not to follow a pathway must select between PI5027 or PI5034.
If you are following the Strategic Studies and Energy Security pathway, you will also take:
- PI5037 Critical Climate Politics and Security (15 credit points)
- BU5053 Introduction to Energy Economics (15 credit points)
If you are following the Strategic Studies and International Law pathway, you will also take:
- LS501T Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (0 credit points)
- LS501U International Law: A Time of Challenges (30 credit points)
If you are following the Strategic Studies and Management pathway, you will also take:
- BU5048 Business Strategy (15 credit points)
- BU5072 Negotiation and Cross Cultural Management (15 credit points)
- Religion, Conflict and Security (PI5027)
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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.
- International Diplomacy Theory and Practice (PI5034)
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30 Credit Points
This course explores the origins, theory, manifestations, and practice of diplomacy. This is achieved via a series of lectures, seminars, practical exercises, and simulations. Appropriate focus is also given to diplomatic skills (oral, written, and strategic). The course provides an understanding of diplomacy and how it functions.
- Critical Climate Politics and Security (PI5037)
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15 Credit Points
This course will examine the causes and the effects of the current climate crisis, while placing a critical lens over the solutions being brought forth. We will also examine different framings of climate security and look at the politics upholding the securities of particular actors, spaces, and knowledges over others. Students will attain a critical understanding of the complexities involved in protecting the planet’s climate, and addressing the many challenges on the horizon if we do not.
- Introduction to Energy Economics (BU5053)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces key techniques from economics and finance to allowing understanding of the basics of business decision making within the energy industries and the economic implications of key energy policies. We consider basic financial concepts such as: present value, the opportunity cost of capital and their role in business decision making in energy industries. We also consider key economic elements of markets and how the economic environment structures the way in which businesses make decisions and energy market outcomes.
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T)
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This course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which will be required for LLM-Taught courses. The course is delivered as a series of five interactive lectures with two individual assessments designed to encourage critical thinking and provide opportunities for early feedback. It also incorporates a library workshop to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
- International Law: A Time of Challenges (LS501U)
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30 Credit Points
The course analyses recent developments in international law. It first considers the sources of international law. The question is then asked whether traditional international law can regulate pressing issues on the international plane. Examples of these problems are international terrorism, nuclear weapons proliferation, ethnic conflicts, and climate change. The course encourages the student to think creatively as an international lawyer to resolve contemporary international challenges. Teaching will be principally delivered through discussion-based seminars.
- Business Strategy (BU5048)
-
15 Credit Points
Business Strategy covers a broad range of topics that come under the general heading of “Business Strategy” / “Strategic Management”. The course introduces participants to concepts, frameworks and models that are useful in providing explanations of how companies operate with respect to goal setting, understanding their competitive landscape, assessing opportunities, managing own capabilities, coordinating their activities with other companies, and competing to create value for customers. The course is interactive in nature, applying a learning-by-doing method involving students taking on roles as part of a series of simulation exercises.
- Negotiation and Cross - Cultural Management (BU5072)
-
15 Credit Points
Business cannot be conducted without some form of communication between the participants involved. This course examines a wide variety of different types of interpersonal communication in different types of business contexts and, by so doing, provides students with a detailed and practical overview of this vitally important subject area.
Stage 2
Stage 2: Optional Courses
Students will op not to follow a pathway must 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)
If you are following the Strategic Studies and Energy Security pathway, you will take:
- PI5541 Political Psychology of Climate Change (30 credit points)
- PI5521 Chinese Security Issues (30 credit points)
If you are following the Strategic Studies and Management pathway, you will take:
- BU555A Managing Change (15 credit points)
- BU5584 The Leadership Challenge (15 credit points)
If you are following the Strategic Studies and International Law pathway, you must select one course from each of the following lists:
Strategic Studies:
- PI5520 Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (30 credit points)
- PI5521 Chinese Security Issues (30 credit points)
- PI5541 Political Psychology of Climate Change (30 credit points)
Law:
- LS5549 The Use of Force in International Law (30 credit points)
- LS5590 International Human Rights Law (30 credit points)
If you are following the Strategic Studies and Management pathway, you must also select one course from the following:
- PI5520 Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (30 credit points)
- PI5521 Chinese Security Issues (30 credit points)
- The use of Force in International Law (LS5549)
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30 Credit Points
The course aims to develop an in-depth and critical appreciation of current issues in the area of the use of armed force in International Law. The course is of interest to students who want to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts.
The course will first analyse the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of force between States. It will then examine the current exceptions to this principle (e.g., right to self-defence, authorisation to use force given by the United Nations Security Council); further, what types of arguments States tend to use to justify the resort to force. Consequently, the course will study the most recent military interventions on the international plane (e.g., in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Libya, Palestine, Syria, Ukraine, Gaza and Iran). Teaching will be principally delivered through discussion-based seminars.
- Terrorism and Counter - Terrorism (PI5520)
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30 Credit Points
International terrorism and counterterrorism dominate both contemporary scholarly debates in International Relations (IR) and policy discussions. This course examines these debates by focusing, on the one hand, on the (individual and/or structural) causes and different manifestations of terrorism and, on the other hand, on debates on how to respond to terrorism not only effectively but also without violating humanitarian principles and international law. Overall, the course aims to provide students with an overview of current research on international terrorism and counterterrorism in IR and its neighbouring disciplines and to enable them to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of core aspects of the issue.
- Chinese Security Issues (PI5521)
-
30 Credit Points
The focus of this module is the key approaches, institutions, and contemporary issues in global security relating to the rise of China. Set in the context of broader global security issues, this module offers students an introduction to Chinese security policy and approaches to international relations. It lifts the vale on a very misunderstood, controversial, and increasingly critical feature of global security and world affairs. It will explore debates on China's rise, China's growing involvement in international politics, and global security.
- The Political Psychology of Climate Change (PI5541)
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30 Credit Points
This course investigates issues at the intersection of politics, psychology, and climate change. It aims to develop the knowledge and skills of student to apply a political psychological analysis to global climate politics. It considers factors such as how personality, beliefs, perceptions, emotions, and identity impacts environmental issues.
- Managing Change (BU555A)
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15 Credit Points
The concepts of change and innovation have never been more topical, especially given the commercial context of fierce business competition, shorter product life cycles and more demanding customers. Increasingly, long-term commercial success is based on an ability to manage change, to act creatively and to promote innovation; These processes interconnect and overlap and often present major challenges to modern organizations; We address these issues through providing detailed case illustrations ranging from the workplace to the wider business market. Learning is encouraged through interaction, reading, investigation, video and case analysis, and critical discussion.
- The Leadership Challenge (BU5584)
-
15 Credit Points
This course provides an opportunity to explore and develop an understanding of your own leadership behaviour. Through workshops, group activities and discussions we investigate how personality, past experience, current situations and culture shape the way each of us behave in a leadership role. Using this information as a starting point we then explore how different leadership theories and approaches can be used as frameworks for developing a deeper understanding of leadership behaviour. You will also have an opportunity to try out a range of practical tools and techniques to assist you in the development of your own approach to leadership.
- International Human Rights Law (LS5590)
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30 Credit Points
The course was designed to help students build competence in dealing with the doctrinal issues about international human rights. It involves understanding the place of human rights in public international law, finding one’s way around the foundational human rights documents and the jurisprudence of human rights bodies. The course delivery puts heavy emphasis on classroom discussion on the controversial issues on contemporary human rights law that shape doctrinal development in this field: the justifiability of torture, the limits of freedom of religion, the justiciability of social rights, etc.
Stage 3
Stage 3: Compulsory Courses
All students including those undertaking pathways will complete PI5901.
- 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.
Programme Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £11,100
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)
- £7,000
-
University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £23,000
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £15,000
-
The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fee Information
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
You will enjoy a diverse and friendly style of teaching throughout our programme. These unique ways of learning will develop skills valued by employers, including independent learning and research, group work, presentation skills and project work.
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 MSc Strategic Studies at Aberdeen has produced graduates of high repute with excellent career prospects for over thirty years, with a network of alumni internationally
- Scrutinise salient, real-world security issues that affect a range of sectors around the world while developing the methodology and knowledge needed to interpret strategic situations that present in these areas
- The interdisciplinary nature of the programme creates exciting collaboration opportunities with other departments across the university including Business, Geography, Law, and Computer Science, and is reflected in our three distinct pathways in Strategic Studies and Energy Security, Strategic Studies and International Law, and Strategic Studies and Management, allowing you to tailor your degree to your academic interests and career ambitions
- This programme encourages collaboration with course experts who have experience with public policy; government departments; and international organisations such as NATO, EU, UN, and think-tanks; and who have worked as advisers to various governments including the UK, US, EU, and East Asia
- Learn from experts actively involved in research. The University of Aberdeen is home to several research centres and institutes, including the Centre for Global Development; the Centre for Global Security and Governance; the Institute for Conflict, Transition, and Peace Research; and more
- Take part in the Wargaming Club, a group convened by the Strategic Studies programme leaders, to sharpen your skills in strategic thinking, tactics, diplomacy, communication, and teamwork
Interested in this programme?
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 a 2:2 standard from a recognised university or body.
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 or territory to view relevant 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 - 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
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
- Reference x 2
- two reference letters, one of which should be from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employers, or other professional individuals
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.
Along with developing a deeper understanding of strategic theory and the various factors which influence strategy, you will also hone many transferable skills essential for entering the workforce or going onto further study. These include written and oral communication, critical thinking and analysis, problem solving, teamwork, negotiation, IT skills, 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.
Career Opportunities
- Diplomacy, Defence, Development
- Foreign Correspondent
- Government Official
- Intelligence Analyst
- Journalist
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Lecturer
- Military Sector
- Political Analyst
What our Alumni Say
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
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
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.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX