Teaching & modules
Modules
Course structure
Courses are divided into modules. You will take modules totalling 180 credits
Required modules
You are required to take the following modules:
- Theory & Practice of War (45 credits)
- Dissertation (60 credits)
Optional modules
In addition, you will take 75 credits from a range of optional modules offered by the Department of War Studies, which may typically include:
- Contemporary War & Warfare (30 credits)
- Diplomacy & Foreign Policy (30 credits)
- Negotiation and Mediation (15 credits)
- Strategic Thought (30 credits)
- Cyber Diplomacy (15 credits)
- Armchair Intelligence - Open Sources and Online Investigation (15 credits)
- Dirty Wars Covert Wars, Political Warfare, and National Security (30 credits)
- Past and Present of British Intelligence (15 credits)
Part time students are required to take Theory & Practice of War (45 credits) and up to 60 credits of optional modules. In your second year you will write your Dissertation (60 credits) and take optional modules adding up to the remaining credits from the optional module list.
Teaching methods - what to expect
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The following table will give you an idea of what a typical academic workload might look like as you progress through your studies:
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Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work. Please note: Teaching for part-time students in the Department of War Studies is scheduled between the hours of 9 AM and 6 PM Monday-Friday. Individual student timetables are dependent on the modules chosen and vary each year, so we are unable to provide these in advance. Timetables are usually released in mid-September following enrolment. |
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Assessment
- Coursework
- Written/Practical Examinations
- Assessed Essays
- Presentations
- Exercises
- Exams
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include assessed essays, individual and group presentations, exercises and/or exams. The dissertation module assessment will be based on a 100% dissertation assignment.
Application closing date guidance
Key Information
Course type:
Master's
Delivery mode:
On campus
Study mode:
Full time / Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026