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Overview
Our War Studies MA explores the phenomenon of war and conflict as a key aspect of the human experience, along with its causes, conduct and consequences. Central to the degree is the study of war from a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary perspective - which includes historical, political, sociological, philosophical, artistic, legal, ethical and military viewpoints.
War is a deeply complex and contentious phenomenon, and its interdisciplinary study offers an unusually powerful opportunity to sharpen your critical analytical and reflective abilities and develop independent thinking. This prepares you for a wide range of careers and positions of responsibility in which such advanced intellectual skills are highly valued by employers.
War is a deeply complex and contentious phenomenon, and its interdisciplinary study offers an unusually powerful opportunity to sharpen your critical analytical and reflective abilities and develop independent thinking. This prepares you for a wide range of careers and positions of responsibility in which such advanced intellectual skills are highly valued by employers.
Key benefits
- Designed to provide a postgraduate-level introduction to War Studies for students who have little or no specialist background in the field.
- An introduction to novel and contentious topics, issues, viewpoints and approaches through vigorous, reasoned debate and analysis.
- An opportunity to structure your studies around your interests, through a wide range of optional modules and choice of your dissertation topic.
- A chance to develop a range of transferable skills at advanced level - such as critical analysis and reflection, intellectual independence, time management, written and verbal communication - that will enhance your employability, aid your professional career development and help prepare you for postgraduate research.
- You will be taught by some of the very best academics in the field hailing from all around the world. Departmental staff are internationally acknowledged experts in their areas of specialisation. They are active researchers and routinely use their latest findings in their teaching.
- Be part of a vibrant, highly international and multicultural community of students.
- Opportunities to network with high-profile visitors, such as government ministers, ambassadors, generals and academics, who frequently give talks in the Department.
- As the oldest programme in the Department, you will be welcomed into a long-standing global network of alumni.
- An opportunity to study at a global centre of excellence, located in the heart of London, that enjoys close relationships with other academic institutions, think-tanks, non-governmental organisations and policy-making bodies in London and around the world.
- A proven record of employability in a wide range of careers, including in academia, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, national civil and military public service, politics, journalism, public advocacy, risk analysis and many others.
Course essentials
The MA in War Studies is the oldest degree programme in the Department of War Studies, stretching back some 60 years. A central objective of the MA from its beginnings has been to offer a thorough, state-of- the-art introduction to the major issues and debates concerning war and its impact on the world.
The intractability of war suggests that no one disciplinary lens by itself may suffice to fully grasp the problem and identify solutions. By examining war and conflict in the round and looking at theories and practices, past, present and future, this multi-faceted and wide-ranging programme enables you to study alongside historians, social scientists, philosophers, jurists and artists, benefitting from their perspectives and those of the students around you.
We will provide you with an intellectual ‘toolbox’ composed of skills and techniques drawn from a range of disciplines associated with the humanities and social sciences, giving you an overview of the fundamental elements of various disciplines that are relevant to the study of war. The challenge we pursue together lies in combining and, if possible, integrating them in order to achieve a sophisticated and rounded understanding of the subject area.
The course will appeal if you are a student of politics, history or strategic studies or any other field which has kindled an interest in war, or if you are a professional in defence, diplomacy or foreign affairs who wants to reflect on the broader implications of your experiences.
This MA is based in the Department of War Studies, one of the only academic departments in the world to focus solely on the complexities of conflict and security. War Studies is a multidisciplinary department and all War Studies students benefit from research-led teaching in such subjects as the history and evolution of war and grand strategy, arms control and non-proliferation, migration, strategic thought, cyber, conflict and the environment, the influence of science and technology on international security, along with regional specialisms covering Africa, Asia (East and South), Russia and elsewhere.
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
Credit value:
UK 180 / ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026
Administrative bodies
Regulating body
Application closing date guidance
Base campuses
Waterloo Campus
Our Waterloo campus is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty Nursing & Midwifery, and a vibrant hub for health, social science, and law students. Located moments from the iconic landmarks of South Bank and just a short walk to the Stand campus.