War, Strategy and Intelligence

Key Facts

Course Code L254

Qualification

MA
Course duration

1 year

Available for September start 2026

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The MA War, Strategy and Intelligence degree at Aberystwyth University will provide you with the necessary conceptual and empirical tools and knowledge to understand, debate and critique the interconnected phenomena of war, strategy and intelligence.

Throughout the course, you will engage with a diversity of fields from the social sciences and humanities to understand the phenomenon of war and the perennial quest for security that characterises international relations. As you explore fields such as military history, security, intelligence, strategic studies, and international relations, you will develop the knowledge and analytical instruments needed to understand the concepts of war and warfare, the various strategies used to wage it and the intelligence apparatuses that inform those strategies.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements Normally a 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) or equivalent. Non-graduates will be considered individually based on relevant work experience.

English Language Requirements IELTS 7.0 with minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements Applicants are encouraged to submit an up-to-date CV as part of their application.

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Course Overview

The question of war has been at the heart of the human experience since the beginning of political communities and remains an enduring feature of the international system. Understanding the causes and consequences of war is a complex task that requires an interdisciplinary approach. From Sun Tzu to ‘Shock ‘n’ Awe’ this degree will develop your conceptual and empirical understanding of the use of force in international relations. In the 21st century, with the initial post-Cold War hopes for a ‘New World Order’ having faded, fears of major regional and even global wars are growing. This degree examines the most pressing strategic issues facing the world today and analyses the evolving nature of war and conflict from traditional great power competition to modern forms of hybrid warfare. Renewed friction between Russia and the West, escalating tensions in the Middle East and South Asia, growing Chinese military assertiveness, and ongoing intra-state violent conflicts around the world demonstrate the continuing need for an in-depth and critical understanding of the dynamics of war, strategy and intelligence.

About this course

Duration:

One year full-time. The academic year (September to September) is divided into three semesters: September to January; January to June; June to September.

Course Fees:

Please see the tuition fee pages for current tuition fees. Please note that all fees are subject to an annual increase.

Funding:

Funding opportunities may be available, please check our funding calculator for details.

Modules September start - 2026

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name	Module Code	Credit Value
Dissertation *	IPM0060	60
Warfare in the 21st Century	IPM8220	20

Options

Module Name	Module Code	Credit Value
British Counterinsurgency Warfare in the Twentieth Century	IPM8820	20
Critical Studies in Asia-Pacific Security	IPM4920	20
Indigenous Politics	IPM0620	20
Intelligence, Security and International Relations in the 20th Century	IPM0420	20
International Politics	IPM1920	20
Knowledge and Expertise in International Politics	IPM3720	20
Logistics in War	IPM3020	20
Order-Making in International Politics	IPM2820	20
Race, (Im)mobility, and Incarceration	IPM3120	20
Refugee Simulation: Knowledge and Application	IPM5620	20
Russia at War since 1812	IPM6020	20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Our graduates have numerous career opportunities. Previous graduates have gone on to work:

in the development sector
in local and national politics
for the Diplomatic Service
for the Civil Service
for NGOs
with international organisations
as journalists
within academia
as governmental and social researchers
for Foreign Offices
for the military
in leadership roles in business/industry (CEOs/Chairmans)
as political assistants
as teachers, lawyers and accountants.

Skills

This Masters degree emphasises the development of strong research, writing and analytical skills as well as the capacity to work independently - qualities highly valued by employers. A Masters is also ideal for students who want to pursue PhD research. This MA will empower you to:

develop your abilities in structuring and communicating complex ideas efficiently
write for and speak to a range of audiences
evaluate and organise information
work effectively with others
work within time frames and to specific deadlines.

Teaching & Learning

How will I be taught?

During the first two semesters (September to May), you will normally take one two-hour seminar per module per week. You will also have contact with academic staff through participation in research groups, attendance at departmental research seminars and Masters workshops and through staff office hours (two one-hour sessions per week). There will also be additional sessions working towards developing your dissertation. During semester three you will arrange your level of contact time with your assigned dissertation supervisor.

What will I learn?

You will choose from a wide range of modules on warfare, politics and security studies, enabling you to tailor your course to your particular interests.

Assessment

Assessment will be through a combination of essays, project work, short reports, book reviews and dissertation. It may also include seminar presentations, reviews and literature searches.

Qualification

Course duration