Strategic Studies (MLitt) 2020 entry
The MLitt in Strategic Studies addresses core themes in strategic studies, enabling students to apply knowledge of strategy-making and strategic thinking as a historical practice to armed conflict.
Apply nowCourse type
Postgraduate, leading to a Master of Letters (MLitt)
Course dates
- Start date: 7 September 2020
- End date: 30 September 2021
If you started this programme in 2019, you can find information about 2019 entry on the 2019 Strategic Studies page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
Course duration
One year full time
Entry requirements
- A good 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.
Tuition fees
UK and EU: £11,420
Overseas: £23,090
Application deadline
30 April 2020. Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
Application requirements
- CV or résumé
- personal statement indicating your knowledge of the programme and how it will benefit you (500 words)
- sample of academic written work (2,000 words)
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
- evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language).
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
Course information
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 format
The programme consists of four taught modules taken over two semesters and a 15,000-word dissertation in an area of your choice.
Modules are taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Average lecture sizes range from 20 to 30 students, and tutorial sizes range from 1 to 15 students. Assessment methods include a combination of examination and coursework.
Every MLitt student is assigned a dissertation supervisor who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process.
Modules
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2019–2020 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2020 entry.
- 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.
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
Modules across the School of International Relations are also available to choose from, depending on availability of spaces, which include:
- African Political Thought
- The Changing Face(s) of Diplomacy: Emotions, Power and Persuasion in International Relations
- Emergent Great Powers
- Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict
- Conflict and Peace in Post-communist Eurasia
- Political Order and Violence in the Middle East
- Security and Justice Institutions in World Politics
- Social Movements, Revolutions and Authoritarianism in North Africa
- Spaces of Securitization
- State Responses to Terrorism
- Terrorism and Liberal Democracy
- Terrorism and Theories of Collective Action
- Theories of Friendship and Enmity
- Topics in International Political Theory
- The Military in Politics
- Politics after the Death of God: Evil and Tragedy in Modern Politics
- International Relations of the Modern Middle East
- International Society and Central Asia
Optional modules are subject to change each year, and some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University's position on curriculum development).
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. 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.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2020 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
Visit St Andrews
If you are interested in studying at St Andrews, join us at a visiting day to explore the town, find out about our courses and meet current students.
Upcoming postgraduate visiting days:
- Wednesday 13 November 2019
Virtual events
Find out more about studying at St Andrews, why it's unique and what it will do for your future.
Upcoming virtual events:
- Sunday 18 October at 3.15pm (UK time)
- Tuesday 22 October at 9.15pm (UK time)
- Tuesday 29 October at 3.15pm (UK time)
- Tuesday 5 November at 9.15am (UK time)
- Friday 15 November at 3.15pm (UK time)
Conferences and events
The School of International Relations hosts a variety of research seminars throughout the academic session to promote the work of the faculty, students and visiting speakers.
A number of student-led associations and organisations contribute to the development and profile of International Relations throughout the University and the community.
- Model United Nations (SaintMUN) promotes awareness and understanding of international affairs among the student body through simulated debates and seminars.
- International Politics Association (IPA) provides a platform for those involved in the practice of international relations and political affairs to express their views and offer their insights.
- The Foreign Affairs Society encourages the St Andrews community to explore global politics and current affairs.
Funding
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews.
After the MLitt
Research degrees
In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Strategic Studies.
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in a PhD programme at St Andrews.
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.
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and offers a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.
Contact
School of International Relations
University of St Andrews
Arts Building
The Scores
St Andrews
KY16 9AX
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 1944
Email: irpgt@st-andrews.ac.uk
Policies
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our admissions policy.
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 (PDF, 72 KB).
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 (PDF, 84 KB).