MSc Econ Strategic Studies

This degree provides students with a specialist introduction to the advanced study of Strategy. The Department of International Politics has played a major part in pioneering the study of Strategic Studies in Britain and has made a significant contribution to recent debates in the field. The programme is designed to facilitate the development of a critical awareness of the state of theory and practice in the field of contemporary strategic studies. The issues and debates explored in the programme include:

• The development of strategic thought from Sun Tzu via Clausewitz to the age of nuclear weapons and guerrilla wars
• An understanding of the key debates and issues in Strategic Studies
• An assessment the changing contemporary international security environment
• Locating particular concepts and problems in defence policies in national and regional strategic contexts;
• An understanding of the character of warfare in the contemporary world

The degree deals with complex issues and debates at the cutting-edge of contemporary Strategic Studies, seeking to ensure that students can both think systematically about them, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
This degree provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge, understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

• The assumptions, theories and practices that define the field of Strategic Studies
• The assumptions and theories guiding the development of strategic thought
• The character of national defence polices in a regional and global context
• The assumptions and theories underpinning the practice of war in the contemporary world
• The policy responses to the changing strategic landscape, and alternatives to them.