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University of Aberdeen: Strategic Studies
| Institution | University of Aberdeen View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Social Science |
| Web | https://www.abdn.ac.uk |
| pgadmissions@abdn.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01224 272090 |
| Study type | Taught |
Summary
The MSc in Strategic Studies advances your understanding of the use of force in conflict and provides you with the ability to scrutinise real-world security issues which challenge governments, armed services, international organisations, and businesses globally.
Strategy is notoriously tricky. Most strategies fail, most of the time. However logical the connection of means, ways, and ends may be on paper, it is notoriously hard to achieve. Why is this so? This programme will address these questions and more. The programme intends to equip you with a range of advanced theoretical and operational understanding of the characteristics, practice, and profound effects of the use of force by states and non-state actors at a regional (especially Asian) and global level. The programme is multidisciplinary, attracting a diverse international cohort.
You will learn about the contribution of strategy as a mechanism for the application of power and coercion, addressing the nature of strategy, causes of war, deterrence, arms control, terrorism-counterterrorism, Chinese security issues, religion and conflict, the impact of emerging technology (AI, cyber, drones, hypersonic, etc.) on strategic affairs, and much more.
This programme considers the historical background and context that has shaped key developments in strategic affairs from domestic, international, political-psychological, and strategic-cultural standpoints. Students will learn about these issues from Western and non-Western (especially China) perspectives.
While studying global defence policies, domestic and cultural factors involved in strategy, you will also develop the analytical and strategic skills needed for a range of careers in the global public and private sectors. Graduates of this programme have progressed into a variety of roles in the public sector, government organisations, non-government organisations (NGOs), charities, private business, journalism, policy work and more.
MSc
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 standard from a recognised university or body. Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. |
| Location | Main Site University Office Regent Walk King's College Aberdeen AB24 3FX |
Fees
| Republic of Ireland | 11100 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| EU | 23000 GBP for Year 1 |
| England | 11100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 11100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 11100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 11100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 11100 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 23000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 standard from a recognised university or body. Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. |
| Location | Main Site University Office Regent Walk King's College Aberdeen AB24 3FX |
Fees
| Republic of Ireland | 11100 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| EU | 23000 GBP for Year 1 |
| England | 11100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 11100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 11100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 11100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 11100 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 23000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with at least 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body. Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted. |
| Location | Main Site University Office Regent Walk King's College Aberdeen AB24 3FX |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with at least 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body. Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted. |
| Location | Main Site University Office Regent Walk King's College Aberdeen AB24 3FX |
Overview
The University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university and the fifth oldest in the UK. Founded by Bishop William Elphinstone in 1495, the beautiful campus attracts a diverse international community of over 14,000 students from over 130 countries.
The University of Aberdeen is ranked as a Top 15 UK university by the Guardian University Guide 2025 and Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. It also ranks second across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for student satisfaction in The National Student Survey 2024.
Postgraduate Programmes
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