MA Global Security and Strategy

Program Overview

The MA Global Security and Strategy (Online) program at SOAS University of London is a two-year online learning program that provides a critical understanding of global security and strategy, encompassing diverse perspectives from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The program equips students with analytical and research skills, preparing them for careers in global policy, security and strategy, or related fields requiring international expertise. The program is designed for working professionals and offers flexibility to study around existing commitments.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MA Global Security and Strategy (Online) programme is a two-year (maximum three years) online learning programme offered by the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD) at SOAS University of London. It takes a critical approach to traditional strategic studies, encompassing diverse perspectives from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East on grand strategy for peace and security, conflict resolution, international collaboration, war technologies, and disarmament.

Objectives:

• To provide a critical understanding of traditional and contemporary strategic studies, including diverse perspectives from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
• To equip students with a critical understanding of the nature of global security and strategy, their historical and contemporary contexts, and the evolving landscape of global policy and governance.
• To develop students' analytical and research skills, including the ability to critically evaluate evidence, construct arguments, and communicate effectively.
• To prepare graduates for careers in global policy, security and strategy, or related fields requiring international expertise.

Outline:

Structure:

• The programme consists of one core module, three elective modules, four research mini modules, and a dissertation.
• Each module lasts 16 weeks, followed by a research mini module lasting 8 weeks.
• Students choose three elective modules from a list provided by the CISD.

Course Schedule:

• The programme is delivered online through the SOAS Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
• Students have access to learning materials and course resources anytime, allowing them to fit their studies around their existing commitments.
• A dedicated Associate Tutor and a Study Timetable are provided for each module and the overall programme to help students organize their time.

Modules:

Core Module:

• International Security

Elective Modules:

• Afghanistan: Strategic and Geopolitical Perspectives
• America and the World: US Foreign Policy
• Digital Diplomacy
• Economics, Politics and Society in Africa
• Economics, Politics and Society in South Asia
• Finance, Sustainability and Climate Change
• Foundations of International Law
• Gender, Conflict and the Middle East
• Global Citizenship and Advocacy
• Global Challenges: Science Diplomacy
• Global Diplomacy: The Art of Negotiation
• Global Energy and Climate Policy
• Global International Organisation: United Nations in the World
• Global Media
• Global Public Policy
• India's Foreign and Security Policy
• International Economics
• Multinational Enterprises in a Globalising World
• Muslim Minorities and the State: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
• Muslim Minorities in a Global Context
• Pakistan: Religion, Politics and Security
• Political Economy of Violence, Conflict and Development
• Political History, Culture and Diplomacy in Iran
• Sports and Diplomacy
• Trade Diplomacy

Research Modules:

• Research Training 1
• Research Proposal
• Research Training 3
• Dissertation

Assessment:

• Each module is assessed by five online written assessments ("etivities") comprising 30% of the final grade.
• The remaining 70% of the final grade is based on a 5,000-word essay.
• The dissertation is assessed by a 15,000-word written dissertation (85% of the mark) and a 1,500-word research proposal (15% of the mark).

Teaching:

• The programme is taught entirely online through the SOAS VLE.
• Students have access to dedicated Associate Tutors and a Study Timetable to support their learning journey.
• The programme utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, discussions, and individual research projects.

Careers:

• Graduates of the MA Global Security and Strategy (Online) programme are well-prepared for careers in various fields, including:
• Government
• International organizations
• Non-governmental organizations
• Think tanks
• Academia
• Private sector

Other:

• The programme is designed for working professionals and offers flexibility to study around existing commitments.
• The programme attracts students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, fostering a rich learning environment.

Additional Points:

• The programme is inter-disciplinary, drawing on the expertise of scholars from various departments at SOAS.
• The programme emphasizes research training and critical thinking skills, preparing students for further academic study or professional careers.
• The MA Global Security and Strategy (Online) programme is a rigorous and rewarding program that provides students with a deep understanding of global security and strategy and prepares them for successful careers in the field.

MA/MSc: £12,000 PGDip/PGCert: available as exit awards.