Strategic Studies, MSc

In this section
Strategic Studies, MSc

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.

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
January or September
Location of Study
Aberdeen

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. The programme intends to equip you with a range of advanced theoretical and operational understanding of the characteristics, practice, and profound effects 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 learn about the contribution of strategy as a mechanism for the application of power and coercion, addressing the nature of strategy, causes of war, deterrence, arms control, terrorism-counterterrorism, Chinese security issues, religion and conflict, the impact of emerging technology (AI, cyber, drones, hypersonic, etc.) on strategic affairs, and much more.

This programme considers the historical background and context that has shaped key developments in strategic affairs from domestic, international, political-psychological, and strategic-cultural standpoints. Students will learn about these issues from Western and non-Western (especially China) perspectives.

While studying global defence policies, domestic and cultural factors involved in strategy, you will also develop the analytical and strategic skills needed for a range of careers in the global public and private sectors. Graduates of this programme have progressed into a variety of roles in the public sector, government organisations, non-government organisations (NGOs), charities, private business, journalism, policy work and more.

Available Programmes of Study

MSc

Strategic Studies

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen More

Programme Fees

Fee information
Fee category Cost
EU / International students £23,800
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year
UK £11,100
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year

Stage 1

Students may exit the programme with a PgCert with 60 completed credits, a PgDip with 120 completed credits, and the MSc with 180 credits.

Compulsory Courses

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)

This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, 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’.

Optional Courses

Additionally, students will select two courses from the following:

The use of Force in International Law (LS5549)

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 of 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 UN 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 recourses to force on the international plane (in particular, in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Libya, Palestine, Syria, and Ukraine).

Terrorism and Counter - Terrorism (PI5520)

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.

International Energy Politics and Security (PI5522)

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

Stage 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.

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

Strategic Theory (PI5001)

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.

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 Aberdeen More

Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programme(s) above.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Fee Information

Additional Fee Information

  • Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
  • 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 Tuition Fees page.

Scholarships

Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.

From September 2025 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
  • Aberdeen is ranked 8th in the UK for International Relations (Guardian University Guide 2025) and 3rd in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Politics (National Student Survey 2024)
  • 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
  • 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
  • The University of Aberdeen has been ranked a Top 10 university for Overall Student Satisfaction for four consecutive years (National Student Survey 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
  • 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

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 2:1 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. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.

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 - 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

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.

January 2025 September 2025

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

Chinese Security Issues

In this short video, Dr James Johnson tells us more about the course "Chinese Security Issues".

Useful Fact about this Subject

In this short video, Dr Dimitrios Anagnostakis tells us more about the course "Terrorism and Counter-terrorism'.

Learn more about Strategic Studies at Aberdeen

In this webinar you will learn about the portfolio of Strategic Studies programmes available, networking opportunities during your studies, post-graduate career prospects, and more.

What our Alumni Say

Carmona Polá

Carmona Polá

Carmona Polá

Job Details
Public Diplomacy Officer
Graduated 2022

I highly recommend this programme to whoever is keen to comprehend the complex world of international security and the use of force. A well-designed curriculum that fits anyone's academic needs and is so intellectually stimulating.

Gideon Adu-Gyamfi

Gideon Adu-Gyamfi

Gideon Adu-Gyamfi

Graduated 2022

Almost all courses and lecturers I have engaged with throughout my course have had an impact on my academic career and life. In all, the course offers lots of flexibility in your choice of specialty, which brings inner strength and satisfaction.

Viktoria Gugg

Viktoria Gugg

Viktoria Gugg

Graduated 2019

With the conception to base the curriculum on the theoretical understanding of strategic theory and the contribution of power and force as mechanisms in international security, the program provides a toolkit to apply to a variety of issues. Furthermore, it prepares its graduates to scrutinize contemporary challenges, with the option to select courses that focus on the bigger picture of global security and the legal framework to act within.

Cassandra Humble

Cassandra Humble

Cassandra Humble

Job Details
Policy Advisor
Graduated 2018

This program is designed to develop your critical thinking skills and broaden your understanding of the world around you. If you are interested in why states do the things they do and how the world reacts to strategic threats, this course will provide you with the grounding to judge these actions and assess future threats. These skills will form the backbone of any role you go on to fulfil and will give you the tool kit to continue exploring the world around you.

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, The University of Aberdeen
Prof Mervyn Bain, The University of Aberdeen
Programme Coordinators
Dr James Johnson, The University of Aberdeen
Dr Dimitrios Anagnostakis, The University of Aberdeen

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.

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Cutting Edge Research-led Teaching

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.

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Learn More About Strategic Studies at Aberdeen

Learn More About Strategic Studies at Aberdeen

In this webinar on strategic studies at Aberdeen you will learn about the portfolio of Strategic Studies programmes available, networking opportunities during your studies, post-graduate career prospects in a range of sectors, and more

Find out more

Centre for Global Security and Governance

A centre of excellence committed to inter-sectoral & interdisciplinary working for equity, social justice & sustainable futures. A space at the University for staff, students, practitioners & the public to develop collaborative teaching & research.

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Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX