MA Air, Space and Cyber Power Studies

Module: 7WR031

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: RAF; Distance Learning

The advent of air power has radically altered and shaped the conduct, scope and nature of war in the modern world. At a strategic level the interaction between state, industry and society during war has been profoundly altered by air power, with air forces providing an increasing threat to the structure of nations, whilst making huge demands on the abilities of states to wage war. The actual conduct of war has also been reshaped by air power with control of air space long considered a vital prerequisite to the effective conduct of war fighting. This module will explore these issues by analysing the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of air power, alongside historical case studies to highlight key issues. The module will form the starting point for the course.

Module: 7WR035

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Optional

Locations: Distance Learning; RAF

This module analyses the challenges confronting the employment of air power within multi-service and/or multi-national campaigns and wars. Using historical and contemporary examples to illustrate the manner in which aviation has had to integrate with different service and national approaches to military operations.

Module: 7WR032

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Optional

Locations: Distance Learning; RAF

This module considers some of the contemporary debates around the prosecution and outcomes of modern conflicts. It utilises elements of just war theory to examine the fighting of wars/conflicts and considers what the theory suggests is, and is not, permissible in warfare. The usefulness and applicability of these theoretical perspectives will be tested by examining them in relation to actual cases of intra-state conflict, including Sri Lanka, Syria, Northern Ireland and the former Yugoslavia. It will also examine the role that is played by external third parties in such conflicts and considers the academic debates around when it is advisable for such states to intervene, why states intervene (and why they do not) and what is the outcome of such intervention likely to be? It will build on these theoretical and empirical discussions to consider why, and when, conflicts may end.

Module: 7WR036

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Optional

Locations: RAF; Distance Learning

Popular perceptions of air forces have, throughout the last hundred years, often defined levels of expectation for air forces and their place in societies. Western air forces are often considered modern and dynamic, and at times elitist. This module will explore the image and reputation of air forces and how they have been created and shaped both by air forces themselves but more obviously by external popular media. A range of sources such as films, air shows, museums, popular literature (fact and fiction) will be studied. A key element will be an analysis of how air forces have used and continue to use their media profiles to shape their role and place in contemporary society.

Module: 7WR030

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Optional

Locations: Distance Learning; RAF

This 12-week module explores the roots, conduct and results of strategic bombing in the Second World War, the most destructive conflict in modern history. From the inter-war theorists of airpower to the atomic bomb strikes on Imperial Japan in 1945 it will discuss various technological, strategic, tactical, operational and even ethical aspects. A key theme will be an examination of how the aeroplane has transformed war, expanding warfare physically by increasing the range and capacity of actual destruction, and by increasing the depth of the experience and demands of war, by drawing in populations and societies through fear of destruction and through the demands on economies and societies made by the exercising of air power. We will analyse particular case studies in order to explore the nature of these changes and to ascertain the degree to which air power has transformed conflict in the modern world.

Module: 7WR034

Credits: 20

Period: 2

Type: Core

Locations: Distance Learning; RAF

Since the end of the Cold War air power has had to adapt to a new strategic operating environment with a multiplicity of roles, threat and future possibilities. Though high intensity conflict remains possible, air power has also had to play a key role in greater asymmetric conflicts, counterinsurgency campaigns and interventionist operations. Theory and doctrine has also evolved across new spheres of activity – space and cyber environments – with ever increasing technological capabilities. All this has been conducted against a backdrop of decreasing budgets and a politically destabilised world. This module will explore the challenges confronting air power in the post-Cold War era, the diversification of roles and activities, and the present and future of air, space and cyber power operating environments.

Module: 7WR040

Credits: 60

Period: 2

Type: Core

Locations: RAF; Distance Learning

This module allows students to produce a major piece of independent study, normally combining original research with a thorough analysis of the established literature in the relevant area. The ability of the student to complete this successfully is a significant component in demonstrating Masters level study. As such the dissertation will combine a comprehensive knowledge of a specific issue with effective use of research skills and thorough analytical skills

Module: 7WR035

Credits: 20

Period: 2

Type: Optional

Locations: Distance Learning; RAF

This module analyses the challenges confronting the employment of air power within multi-service and/or multi-national campaigns and wars. Using historical and contemporary examples to illustrate the manner in which aviation has had to integrate with different service and national approaches to military operations.

Module: 7WR032

Credits: 20

Period: 2

Type: Optional

Locations: RAF; Distance Learning

This module considers some of the contemporary debates around the prosecution and outcomes of modern conflicts. It utilises elements of just war theory to examine the fighting of wars/conflicts and considers what the theory suggests is, and is not, permissible in warfare. The usefulness and applicability of these theoretical perspectives will be tested by examining them in relation to actual cases of intra-state conflict, including Sri Lanka, Syria, Northern Ireland and the former Yugoslavia. It will also examine the role that is played by external third parties in such conflicts and considers the academic debates around when it is advisable for such states to intervene, why states intervene (and why they do not) and what is the outcome of such intervention likely to be? It will build on these theoretical and empirical discussions to consider why, and when, conflicts may end.

Module: 7WR036

Credits: 20

Period: 2

Type: Optional

Locations: RAF; Distance Learning

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Popular perceptions of air forces have, throughout the last hundred years, often defined levels of expectation for air forces and their place in societies. Western air forces are often considered modern and dynamic, and at times elitist. This module will explore the image and reputation of air forces and how they have been created and shaped both by air forces themselves but more obviously by external popular media. A range of sources such as films, air shows, museums, popular literature (fact and fiction) will be studied