Why study this course?
The MLitt in Strategic Studies is a one-year taught postgraduate programme run jointly by the Schools of International Relations and History, and is linked to the Institute for the Study of War and Strategy.
Highlights
- The course is firmly grounded in a historical approach to the subject, with a view to strategic theory as a subfield of both intellectual history and political theory.
- The wide-ranging choice of optional modules enables students to tailor the programme’s taught elements to their individual requirements and interests.
Teaching
Delivered mainly through seminars.
Class sizes
No more than 12 students per seminar.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word project with regular support from an assigned dissertation supervisor.
Assessment
A mix of coursework and exams.
Modules
For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.
-
- Modern War and Strategy: provides students with essential knowledge of strategy and military history as well as the necessary skills and techniques for independent further study of topics and questions in strategic studies.
- Strategic Thought: provides students with essential knowledge of strategic thought and the history of strategic thought, as well as an overview of the academic field of Strategic Studies, with particular attention to the interaction between theory and practice, military doctrine and military science, as well as the enduring practical lessons of thinkers such as Machiavelli and Clausewitz.
-
Students choose two from the range of optional modules available. Modules dedicated for Strategic Studies students include:
- Directed Reading in the History of War and Strategy
- The Influence of seapower on history 1805-present
- Carl Von Clausewitz: Life, Work and Reception
- Emergent Great Powers
- The Military in Politics
Modules across the School of International Relations are also available to choose from, depending on availability of spaces, which include:
- African Political Thought
- Conflict and Peace in Post-communist Eurasia
- International Relations of the Modern Middle East
- International Society and Central Asia
- Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict
- Political Order and Violence in the Middle East
- Politics after the Death of God: Evil and Tragedy in Modern Politics
- Security and Development in East Asia
- Spaces of Securitization
- State Responses to Terrorism
- Terrorism and Liberal Democracy
- Terrorism and Theories of Collective Action
- The Changing Face(s) of Diplomacy: Emotions, Power and Persuasion in International Relations
- Theories of Friendship and Enmity
Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered; some may only allow limited numbers of students.
-
The final element of the MLitt is a 15,000-word dissertation. The dissertation should focus on an area of strategic studies in which you are interested. Each student is supported by a relevant supervisor from the School who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation must be submitted by the end of August.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a postgraduate diploma (PGDip). By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.
What it will lead to
Careers
Students who graduate from the MLitt in Strategic Studies go on to work in various professional fields including:
- law
- policy research and consultancy
- NGOs
- charities
- international organisations
- civil service
- publishing
Further study
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in a PhD programme at St Andrews.
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at. Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can also support you with academic and professional skills development. The University’s Entrepreneurship Centre offers start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.
Why St Andrews?
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“The most valuable part of the programme is the community, with plenty of opportunities to build friendships, networks, and learn more about the research within the School. Fortnightly events with visiting academics and policymakers have provided a great chance to discuss realistic applications of theories and have provided inspiration for essays and my dissertation topic. The modules have suited my interests and future career aspirations and are impressive in their scope and depth. Not only will I have a great qualification from a reputable university, but I have also formed friendships that will continue throughout my career.”
- Aarhus, Denmark
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2:1 Honours undergraduate degree. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
- CV
- personal statement indicating your knowledge of the programme and how it will benefit you (500 words)
- sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words maximum)
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £14,850
- Rest of the world: £29,990
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Contact us
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 27 May 2025