War Studies

The purpose of our undergraduate programme is to provide students with a sophisticated understanding of war, both as a subject worthy of study in its own right and as an intellectual preparation for the widest possible range of career choices. Skills developed include the ability to handle a wide range of evidence, analyse complex issues and present arguments in a clear and effective manner, both orally and in writing.
The BA (Hons) War Studies programme is comprised of 360 credits in total, studied over three years. Students take 120 credits each year. A suggested BA reading list can be downloaded here.

YEAR ONE
The first year consists of five compulsory modules: The Art of War Studies (Autumn term only); The Causes of War; The Conduct of War; The Experience of War and Contemporary Security Issues (Spring term only). These modules provide a rounded introduction to the phenomenon of war and to the benefits and challenges associated with a multidisciplinary approach to its study. Students are also introduced to the intellectual, practical and transferable skills required by such an approach.

The second year consists of four optional modules with the requirement that at least one of these four options will be either Intelligence in War Studies, World War II in Europe and/or War in International Order. The options provide a deeper understanding of war as revealed through a variety of disciplinary lenses, including history, politics, philosophy, and sociology. All modules permit students to practise and extend their intellectual, practical, and transferable skills.

The third year consists of one compulsory module (the dissertation) and three optional modules. Students are required to complete a 10,000 word dissertation on an approved subject of their choice. The emphasis here is on self-directed research, although assistance in developing the necessary skills for such a task is provided. The three optional modules are designed to reflect the current research and expertise of staff in the department and provide the student an opportunity to study specialist subjects in-depth.