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School of Social Science, University of Aberdeen

STRATEGIC STUDIES GROUP

The Strategic Studies Group (SSG) comprises the four MSc programmes in the Strategic Studies portfolio, the ‘by research alone’ MSc in International Security, and the Strategic Studies doctoral research programme.

The four‘part-taught and part-research’ MSc programmes are as follows:

  1. MSc Strategic Studies
  2. MSc Strategic Studies and International Law
  3. MSc Strategic Studies and Management
  4. MSc Strategic Studies and Energy Security

The MSc International Security is a degree programme forindependent postgraduate research, closely supervised, in a topic from the broad arena of international security which delivers a dissertation of 40,000 words.

The SSG doctoral programme encompasses research in the areas of strategic theory, European security, Middle East security, energy security, and related topics.

On-line application:

For more detail on each programme, see the following pages.

CONTENTS

  1. MSc Strategic Studies 3- 5
  1. MSc Strategic Studies and International Law 6–9
  1. MSc Strategic Studies and Management 10 – 13
  1. MSc Strategic Studies and Energy Security 14 - 16
  1. MSc International Security 17
  1. PhD in the field of Strategic Studies 18 – 19
  1. Appendices:

MSc Strategic Studies programmes:

(i) Frequently Asked Questions 20 – 23

(ii) Careers 24 - 25

  1. Contact 26

‘You have no idea how much it contributes to the general politeness and pleasantness of diplomacy when you have a little quiet armed force in the background.’

George Kennan, US National War College, Washington DC, 1946. Cited in John Lewis Gaddis, Strategies of Containment, Oxford University Press, 1982, p.39.

MSc Strategic Studies

MSc 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time

PgDip 9 months full-time, 18 months part-time

Main content

Four inter-related taught modules; and a summer dissertation of 12-15,000 words linked material considered in the taught modules.

In first semester there are two compulsory taught modules: (1) Strategic Theory, and (2)Religion, Conflict and Security. In second semester, candidates may select two taught modules from a choice of four: (1) Global Security Issues, (2) Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism, (3) Latin America: security conditions and challenges, and (4) Use of Force in International Law.

First semester: (mid-September – mid-December)

(1)Strategic Theory: The contribution of strategy, as the mechanism for the application of power and force, to national and international security is considered. Topics addressed include the nature of strategy, deterrence, limited war, arms control, terrorism, counterinsurgency, and economic sanctions.

(2)Religion, Conflict and Security:Theories associated with the rise of political religion, and the potential for conflict and insecurity which result, will be examined. Utilizing diverse case studies ranging from religious Zionism, to political Islam, to national Hindu movements, the course will critique and employ contemporary theoretical frameworks to gain an understanding of the current phenomena of religion in the international security domain.

Second semester: (mid-January – early May)

Candidates select two of the following:

(1)Global Security Issues: The nature and condition of global security in recent times, and likely developments, are analysed. Issues examined include US global strategy, Russian foreign and security policies, NATO, EU security policies, political Islam, Gulf security challenges, China’s world role, Japanese security policy, African insecurity, and India’s foreign and defence policies.

(2)Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism: Salient, specific facets of historical and contemporary national, international and transnational terrorism and the problems and challenges these different kinds of terrorism pose for national and international counter-terrorism strategies will be scrutinised. The debates on the different causes for terrorism (for instance religion, ethnicity, and ideology) and the different theoretical approaches to explain and understand the roots of terrorism will be examined. Specific facets of terrorism like (female) suicide bombers, ‘lone wolfs’ and ‘home-grown terrorists’, as well as the national and international strategies to counter terrorism, will be critically reviewed.

(3)Latin American Security:Conditions and Challenges: International, domestic, cultural and ideological factors which impact on security in the region will be considered. Topics will include narco-terrorism, ‘failed’ and ‘rogue’ states, liberation theology, revolutions, debt and globalisation, and relations with the great powers.

(4)Use of Force in International Law: Taught in the School of Law, this course examines how public international law aims to regulate the use of force between states. It considers the fundamental principle of prohibition of the use of force and the arguments deployed to justify exceptions. Recent conflicts scrutinised include Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.

Summer (late May – late August): Strategic Studies Dissertation (12,000 – 15,000 words).

Special features

  • The programme scrutinises salient, real-world security issues which challenge governments, armed services, international organisations, and business around the world.
  • This long-established postgraduate degree programme of high repute has produced graduates with excellent career prospects for over thirty years, and there is a network of alumni throughout the international system.
  • The student body is international, with many countries represented.

Who teaches on the programme?

A small and cohesive group of highly skilled academic staff with many years of graduate teaching experience, who are part of a network of high quality academics in strategic studies and international security.

Strategic Theory: J.H. Wyllie

Religion, Conflict and Security: Dr Samantha May

Global Security Issues: J. H. Wyllie

Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism: Dr Eva Herschinger

Latin American Security: Conditions and Challenges: Dr Mervyn Bain and Dr Andrea Oelsner

Use of Force in International Law: Dr Irene Couzigou (School of Law)

Summer dissertation coordinator: J.H. Wyllie

Programme assessment

Assessment is by a combination of essay work, class presentations, examination, and dissertation.

Entrance requirements

Normally an upper second class honours degree or recognised equivalent In International Relations, Politics, Economics, Law, Geography, History, or cognate disciplines. For candidates who do not meet normal admission requirements, relevant professional experience may be taken into account, e.g. as in the case of past or present government or international organisation officials, and members of the UK or other armed forces.

Programme Director

J. H. Wyllie, Reader in International Relations

MSc Strategic Studies and International Law

MSc 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time

PgDip 9 months full-time, 18 months part-time

Note: International Law courses on this programme are based on the rigorous and precise analysis of indispensable legal instruments that contribute to the shaping of international politics. Graduate students will attend an appropriate non-credit bearing, postgraduate training course in Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship.

Main content

Four inter-related taught modules; and a summer dissertation of 12-15,000 words linked to material considered in the taught modules.

In first semester there are two compulsory taught modules: (1) Strategic Theory, and (2) International Law.

In second semester, candidates may select one Strategic Studies taught module from a choice of three: (1) Global Security Issues, (2) Terrorism and Counter -Terrorism, and (3) Latin America: security conditions and challenges; and oneInternational Law taught module from a choice of two: (1) The Use of Force in International Law and (2) International Humanitarian Law.

First semester: (mid-September – late December)

(1)Strategic Theory: The contribution of strategy, as the mechanism for the application of power and force, to national and international security is considered. Topics addressed include the nature of strategy, deterrence, limited war, arms control, terrorism, counterinsurgency, and economic sanctions.

(2)International Law:This course in public international law has a focus on human rights. It aims to familiarise students with some major issues of international law. Topics include sources of public international law, the subjects of international law, State jurisdiction, state immunities, dispute resolution and State responsibility, the UN system and the use of force. On human rights, insights into the dynamics of the development of international human rights law will be offered. How globalisation and global civil society activism shapes the creation and maintenance of human rights law will also be considered.

Second semester: (mid- January – earlyMay)

Candidates are required to select one Strategic Studies module and one International Law from the following:

Strategic Studies

(1)Global Security Issues: The nature and condition of global security in recent times, and likely developments, are analysed. Issues examined include US global strategy, Russian foreign and security policies, NATO, EU security policies, political Islam, Gulf security challenges, China’s world role, Japanese security policy, African insecurity, and India’s foreign and defence policies.

(2)Terrorism and Counter - Terrorism:Salient, specific facets of historical and contemporary national, international and transnational terrorism and the problems and challenges these different kinds of terrorism pose for national and international counter-terrorism strategies will be scrutinised. The debates on the different causes for terrorism (for instance religion, ethnicity, and ideology) and the different theoretical approaches to explain and understand the roots of terrorism will be examined. Specific facets of terrorism like (female) suicide bombers, ‘lone wolfs’ and ‘home-grown terrorists’, as well as the national and international strategies to counter terrorism, will be critically reviewed.

(3)Latin American Security:Conditions and Challenges: International, domestic, cultural and ideological factors which impact on security in the region will be considered. Topics will include narco-terrorism, ‘failed’ and ‘rogue’ states, liberation theology, revolutions, debt and globalisation, and relations with the great powers.

International Law

(1)The Use of Force in International Law:The course aims to analyse how international law regulates the use of force between States. It is of interest to every student who wants to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts. The course will first analyse the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of force between States. It will then examine the current exceptions to this principle, and, further, what types of arguments States tend to use to “justify” the use of force in international relations, and how international legal scholars have addressed this issue. In doing so, the course will study how the international community has reacted to the most recent use of force on the international plane, in particular in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya.

(2)International Humanitarian Law: The nature, sources and scope of IHL are examined. Consideration is given to the basic principles of IHL, incorporating notions of distinction, humanity, proportionality, and necessity. The relationship of IHL to general international law is explored, and the contribution of IHL to the conduct of hostilities and the protection of victims of armed conflict is measured. The difficulties as well as the duties of implementation and enforcement, including the role of the ICRC, are also considered.

Summer (late May – late August): Strategic Studies dissertation (12,000 – 15,000 words).

Special features

  • The programme scrutinises salient, real-world strategic and legal issues.
  • It delivers clear understanding of the contemporary nexus between the various uses of coercion by states and non-state actors and the complex international legal framework which has emerged in modern times.
  • It will be linked with the network of Strategic Studies alumni throughout the international system.

Who teaches on the programme?

A small and cohesive group of highly skilled academic staff with many years of graduate teaching experience, who are part of a network of high quality academics in strategic studies, international security, and international law.

Strategic Theory: J.H. Wyllie

International Law : Dr Matyas Bodig

Global Security Issues: J. H. Wyllie

Terrorism and Counter - Terrorism: Dr Eva Herschinger

Latin American Security: Conditions and Challenges: Dr Mervyn Bain and Dr Andrea Oelsner

Use of Force in International Law: Dr Irene Couzigou

International Humanitarian Law: Dr Zeray Yihdego

Summer dissertation coordinator: J.H. Wyllie

Programme assessment

Assessment is by a combination of essay work, class presentations, examination, and dissertation.

Entrance requirements

Normally an upper second class honours degree or recognised equivalent In International Relations, Politics, Economics, Law, Geography, History, or cognate disciplines. For candidates who do not meet normal admission requirements, relevant professional experience may be taken into account, e.g. as in the case of past or present government or international organisation officials, and members of the UK or other armed forces.

Programme Director

J. H. Wyllie, Reader in International Relations.

MSc Strategic Studies and Management

MSc 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time

PgDip 9 months full-time, 18 months part-time

Main content

Six inter-related taught modules; and a summer dissertation of 12-15,000 words linked to material considered in the taught modules.

In first semester there are three compulsory taught modules:

(1) Strategic Theory (30 credits).

(2) Interpersonal Management, Negotiation and Persuasion (15 credits).

(3) Business Strategy (15 credits).

In second semester, there are also three taught modules:

(1) Global Security Issues (30 credits).

(2) The Leadership Challenge (15 credits).

(3) Managing Change and Innovation (15 credits).

Note: The Management modules are taught in three week blocks, with a middle week of intensive classroom teaching in each block. The first week of each block is devoted to reading preparation, and the third week is devoted to completion of assessment exercises outside the classroom. The Strategic Studies modules are taught over the whole eleven weeks of each semester, with normally two classes, each of two hours, each week.

First semester: (mid-September – late December)

(1)Strategic Theory: The contribution of strategy, as the mechanism for the application of power and force, to national and international security is considered. Topics addressed include the nature of strategy, deterrence, limited war, arms control, terrorism, counterinsurgency, and economic sanctions.

(2)Interpersonal Management, Negotiation and Persuasion:The nature, methods and dynamics of effective communication in business organisations will be examined. There will be consideration of negotiation, selling, business rhetoric (e.g. advertising and pitching), management and team communication, and web-presence communication on the internet. In-course assessments will be via a number of business communication simulations and role-play exercises developed by the course leader and used in business schools world-wide.

(3)Business Strategy:Theories, concepts and techniques of analysis drawn from economics, organisation theory, and sociology, will be applied to realistic business situations. The strategy aspect recognises that most decisions are significant, irreversible and made in situations of uncertainty. The organisation aspect recognises that decisions are made in structures and institutional settings, such as business organisations. Different theoretical and conceptual approaches, which draw on different assumptions about human agency, and about institutional and structural durability, will be presented.

Second semester: (mid-January – early May)

(1)Global Security Issues: The nature and condition of global security in recent times, and likely developments, are analysed. Issues examined include US global strategy, Russian foreign and security policies, NATO, EU security policies, political Islam, Gulf security challenges, energy security, China’s world role, Japanese security policy, African insecurity, and India’s foreign and defence policies.

(2)The Leadership Challenge: The underlying theories which underpin the popular views about Leadership will be scrutinised. Students will practice some of the skills required in effective leadership in both communication and team-working. In tutorials elements of decision-making and game theory will be introduced. Essential skills of board-level communication and negotiation skills will be consolidated.

(3)Managing Change and Innovation:Modern organisations must function in a changing environment. The ability to innovate and change in order to adjust to a dynamic environment is required for long-term sustainability. An understanding of the context of innovation and change will be enhanced by examining a number of key topics, including the development of new products (goods and services), the development of the business case for innovation, and the delivery of change.

Summer (late May – late August): Strategic Studies dissertation (12,000 – 15,000 words).

Special features of the programme

  • The programme scrutinises the nexus between salient, real-world strategic, management and business issues.
  • It delivers clear understanding of the contemporary nexus between the various uses of coercion by states and non-state actors and the complexities of managing large and small organisations in the modern governmental, economic and business environment.
  • It will be linked with the network of Strategic Studies alumni throughout the international system.

Who teaches on the programme?

A small and cohesive group of highly skilled academic staff with many years of graduate teaching experience, who are part of a network of high quality academics in strategic studies and business studies.

Strategic Theory: J.H. Wyllie

Interpersonal Management, Negotiation and Persuasion: Dr Colin Clarke

Business Strategy : Dr Raluca Bunduchi

Global Security Issues: J.H. Wyllie

The Leadership Challenge: Dr Ian Heywood

Managing Change and Innovation: Dr Ian Heywood

Summer dissertation coordinator: J.H. Wyllie

Programme assessment

Assessment is by a combination of essay work, class presentations and exercises, examinations, and dissertation.

Entrance requirements

Normally an upper second class Honours degree or recognised equivalent in International Relations, Politics, Economics, Management, Business Studies, Law, Geography, History or cognate subjects deemed appropriate by the School of Social Science and the Business School. If a candidate does not meet these requirements, account may be taken of relevant professional experience e.g. government officials, members of U.K. and other armed forces, officials of international organisations, and business executives.