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MA STRATEGY, LEADERSHIP & MILITARY HISTORY
- Qualification
- Master Of Arts Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHP78
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 01 August 2027
Overview
The MA provides an introduction to the discipline of military history, with a particular focus on the theory and practice of military strategy and military leadership. It is designed to build the students knowledge and understanding of war and warfare in the modern world (with a focus on the period since 1789) and to develop their intellectual, methodological and practical skills and knowledge through a programme of study informed by historical research. Concepts, ideas relating to strategy and leadership run through all course elements and are addressed explicitly in dedicated modules.
The course will include an examination of war (in the wider context) and of warfare (at the strategic, operational and tactical levels).
The MA will exploit the interdisciplinary strengths of the Centre for Military History and Strategic Studies, to provide an approach that integrates historical understanding with concepts, ideas and methodologies common within strategic studies/war studies.
The programme will
- Provide students with a grounding in the methodologies required for postgraduate study in the field of military history, strategy and leadership.
- Address relevant history within the context of appropriate theory
- Introduce key concepts, theories, debates and issues within these fields
- Develop a critical approach to the study of military history and to strategic studies
- Introduce students to the wide range or resources available for the study of these topics
- Equip students with the knowledge understanding and skill required to use available sources effectively.
- Prepare students for future research in these areas.
The course will include 6 x 10 credit taught modules and a 30 credit thesis based on original research using primary sources.
Assessment on taught modules will include a range of activities that will include essays, research exercises, portfolios, presentations, exam-style tests, and document analysis. Students will be given latitude to consider major assignments on topics of their own choice, under the guidance of their lecturer.
Course structure
Duration: 1 year full-time
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers after your Masters
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.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent with a high Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (58%) in History or a cognate discipline. Arts and Social Sciences disciplines may be considered. Applicants who hold a minimum of a lower Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information.
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.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- An academic reference (Not required for Maynooth University students)
- If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.