MA MILITARY HISTORY AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

This MA programme provides an in-depth introduction into the disciplines of military history and strategic studies. It aims to immerse students in the study of conflict from the late 1700s to the present-day, providing them with an overview of the development of modern warfare and also the skills necessary to analyse modern conflicts.

The programme is taught through a series of modules including “Modern Warfare I”, “Modern Warfare II” and “Strategic & Security Studies”. These modules provide an introduction to the key concepts, theories and debates in this field. No specialist knowledge is required and this MA programme will appeal to anyone interested in history, international relations, security studies and war studies.

The programme has attracted international students and significant links have been forged with military academies in the USA, the UK and the Netherlands.

Assessment is through a mix of written assignments and in-class presentations. Students also develop a 20,000 word thesis on a subject of their choice. There is much emphasis on independent study.

The normal admission requirement is for at least a Second Class Honours degree in history or other related disciplines within the Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences. Candidates may be asked to attend an interview.

Individuals who do not meet the specified criteria may be accepted on a case-by-case basis where they are able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience. Such candidates may be asked to provide an example of their written work and to attend an interview.

Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

IELTS : 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band

Duolingo English Test (DET) : The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 - with at least 110 in each individual subscore. 

Pearson Test of English : 63 with no less than 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section

TOEFL internet-based test  : iBT: 90 with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section

Graduates from this programme have gone on to work in IT, academic administration, third level education, the heritage industry, the Civil Service and also in the defence sector.

Military officers from the Irish Defence Forces, the USA and Germany have attended this programme for career advancement purposes.

Many graduates have engaged in further postgraduate research and have enrolled in PhD programmes in Maynooth University and elsewhere.