Strategic Studies (Taught)

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.

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.