Bundeswehr University Munich

MA Applied Strategy and International Security

This programme, co-delivered with the university of the German armed forces, Bundeswehr University Munich, is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of contemporary world affairs and strategic thinking. Students will learn to identify security challenges, employ diverse analytical and critical thinking skills, and develop effective strategies and policy solutions.

  • H

    Start this programme in September or January

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    This programme can be studied full-time or part-time

Careers with this subject
The programme is relevant to prospective applicants or current members of UK, German and other armed forces, as well as those seeking careers in a wide variety of sectors, including:
  • Security Analyst or Consultant - Analysing security threats and advising organizations on risk management strategies
  • Policy Analyst - Working for think tanks, NGOs, or governmental agencies to analyse and develop policies on international security, conflict resolution, and governance.
  • Strategic Policy Advisor - Advises government officials, military leaders, or private organizations on matters related to international security, defence policy, or national security strategy.
  • Intelligence Analyst - Working in national security or law enforcement agencies, focusing on gathering and analysing information related to national or international threats.
  • Diplomatic Security Specialist: Ensures the safety and security of diplomatic missions and personnel by assessing security risks, implementing security measures, and managing security operations.
  • Counterterrorism Analyst - Specializing in understanding, preventing, and responding to terrorist threats and activities.
  • Maritime Security Consultant - Addressing security challenges in maritime domains, such as piracy, smuggling, and territorial disputes.
  • Crisis Management Specialist - Developing strategies and managing responses to international crises or emergencies.
  • Corporate Security Manager - Overseeing security measures for multinational corporations, including personnel, physical
    security, and cyber security.
  • Risk Management Specialist - Assessing and mitigating risks in various settings, from corporate to international environments.
  • Researcher or Academic - Contributing to academic knowledge in the fields of security, international relations, and strategy through research and teaching at universities.

Key features
  • Tailored for careers in security and the military: designed for roles in the UK, NATO countries, and globally.
  • Practical and intellectual skills: balances practical knowledge and critical thinking essential for strategic positions.
  • Collaboration with Bundeswehr University Munich: offers opportunities for in-person attendance including a research-focused workshop supporting dissertation work.
  • Focus on contemporary issues: emphasises current global challenges and interactive learning.
  • Enhanced cognitive and critical thinking: develops cognitive skills and fosters critical thinking abilities.
  • Research and problem-solving approach: implements rigorous methodologies for research and problem-solving.
  • Promotion of international collaboration: encourages collaborative efforts on a global scale.
  • Taught by senior security and defence professionals who bring extensive experience and expertise to the MA programme, such as Professor Jim Bergeron, Political Advisor for Allied Maritime Command, and Professor Trichas Markos, BAE Systems.
  • Blended learning format: combines intensive online teaching blocks with ongoing online support from advisors. The two core modules offered by Bundeswehr University Munich can also be attended in person at the Munich campus.
  • Unique opportunities: includes an annual hybrid research workshop and the option to take a National Cyber Security Centre certified course on cyber security and terrorism awareness at no additional cost.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    UDBW7001
    Strategy, Diplomacy and International Law

    Students will gain knowledge about international law and study strategic studies, a significant branch of the study of international relations that deals with the use of force in international affairs.

    UDBW7002
    Transnational and International Conflict

    The module aims to provide knowledge on explanations of past conflicts as well as important issues and academic solutions of current conflict. Students will be introduced to various theoretical and methodological questions in the field of conflict studies and focus in particular on the causes of war and conflict regulation. The module aims at providing a better understanding of how conflicts erupt, what modes of conflict regulation exist and what roles states, international organizations and non-governmental organizations play in regulating and solving transnational and international conflicts.

    UDBW7003
    Transnational Governance

    Non-state actors – ranging from companies, NGO’s, to individuals – have found ways to organize themselves, exert power and set rules. This module studies the rise of transnational governance, offers conceptual clarity, and casts an eye of what the future will hold. Its focus is on the pertinence of transnational governance to emerging security challenges, explaining why the novelty of these challenges may make them particularly susceptible to a non-traditional approach led by non-state actors. Participants will work together in small groups to develop and present policy-oriented briefings and a scenario based on the analysis, insights and skills developed in the module.

    UDBW7008
    Dissertation in Applied Strategy and International Security

    This dissertation module requires the independent design and production of a substantial piece of research work in the field of strategy and/or international security. The dissertation module will cap the MA in Applied Strategy and International Security.

    Optional modules

    UDBW7004
    Countering the Changing Threat of International Terrorism

    The module aims to enable students to identify a range of concepts and tools in global terrorism, describe and interpret a range of evidence and information, analyse the specific issues and problems involved with terrorism. This course examines the persistent threat of terrorism and political violence to international stability generally, and western national security interests in particular and its purpose is to provide students with a strong analytical and substantive foundation of the changing threat of international terrorism.

    UDBW7005
    Security, Risk & Resilience

    This module examines security, risk and resilience as they are manifested in theory, policy and practice, specifically in the fields of counter-terrorism, crime control, and civil contingencies/emergency management. The concepts are examined through a social scientific lens that subjects them to critical and practical scrutiny, and that locates them within broader changes in governing practices and regimes associated with the emergence of late-modernity and the risk society.

    UDBW7006
    Maritime Security Strategy

    The module gives students the opportunity to explore the dynamics of maritime security, centring upon a role-playing simulation exercise in which students are constituted into a mission design team, including operational environment, problem, operational approach, and command sub-teams. Following a series of lectures on maritime security and briefings about mission design, the design team will develop the understandings and concepts to re-run the response to a previous case or respond to a notional scenario.

    UDBW7007
    Security Management & Organisations

    This module examines the profession and practice of security management. The module provides a critical examination of the cross disciplinary theories, policies, procedures, and practices defining and informing the role of security management. It also examines the architecture of the security function within organisations and the contribution of the security function to commercial practice.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements
A good honours degree (first or second class) or equivalent. Other qualifications accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered. Non-standard applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who do not possess the appropriate Higher Education qualifications may be admitted on the basis of previous professional experience, skills, and motivation. International students: IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2023-24 2024-25
Home NA £9,250
International NA £9,250

If you are studying from outside the UK, The University of Plymouth may be required to add Goods and Services Tax (GST) at your country of residence’s local rate to your tuition fees.
Tuition fees shown do not include any applicable GST.
Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances.

How to apply

Apply online

To apply, please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk and request an application form for this programme. To discuss any aspect of the programme, please contact Dr Fotios Moustakis , the programme leader at the University of Plymouth.

Our partnership with Bundeswehr University Munich
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

MA in Applied Strategy at HNDC
In 2010, the University of Plymouth, the only British university to offer this programme, launched the highly successful MA in Applied Strategy and International Security at Hellenic National Defence College (HNDC). This programme is exclusively for Greek military personnel and foreign officers attending HNDC's international senior course. For more information visit the HNDC website.
NATO soldiers discussing
Satellite orbiting earth
Squadron of warships

Distinctiveness of the MA programme

The programme includes many of the core elements of strategic studies education, notably in the modules, War, Strategy and Law, Counterterrorism, Security and Resilience, Transnational and International Conflict and Maritime and Space Strategy.
It partners with the Bundeswehr University Munich and implements a hybrid teaching model, incorporating both virtual (VTC) and optional face-to-face (F2F) delivery formats. Students have the flexibility to attend the program remotely via VTC (interactive) if they prefer.
It will be delivered in collaboration with academics from Bundeswehr University Munich, alongside senior military professionals and executives from the defence industry who are affiliated with the University of Plymouth.
The programme aims to equip students with the skills needed to navigate the swiftly evolving geostrategic landscape, empowering them to excel in various roles within the defence and security sector. Students will develop advanced strategic thinking and critical analysis abilities essential for success in their future careers.
This program is designed for individuals pursuing a career in the security industry or the military within the UK, NATO countries, and international contexts.
Modelled after a successful partnership program in Greece (Hellenic National Defence College), it is flexible in delivery and housed within the Centre for Seapower and Strategy, connecting academics, military professionals, and defence industries.
It offers one-week teaching blocks supported by online resources, full access to the university’s electronic library, and academic advisors.
An annual hybrid research workshop, (f2f) and (VTC), will unite academics and students to explore contemporary security threats and their respective MA dissertations.
Students will receive their degree from the University of Plymouth, with the certificate acknowledging the partnership with Bundeswehr University Munich.
Students will also have the opportunity to receive a National Cyber Security Centre certified course on Cyber Security and Terrorism (awareness level) (with no extra cost).

Learning outcomes

  • Significant knowledge of the major conceptual/theoretical ideas, literature and debates used in the subfield of strategy and security studies, especially related to conflict and international order.
  • A thorough and systematic comprehension of conflicts, employing a Thucydidean approach to strategy, the history and evolution of modern warfare, and contemporary international security challenges impacting maritime and space domains, encompassing relevant regional dynamics.
  • Provide students with a systematic understanding of knowledge about national security strategy and foreign policy from its development within government to its policy content.
  • Comprehend the role of strategic leaders in the global environment.
  • Demonstrate independent research from primary and secondary sources, sifting and organising relevant information.
  • Design methodology, application of appropriate methodologies to solve complex questions/procedures.
  • Knowledge, critical self-reflection and understanding of key facts and concepts directly relevant to certain professions.
 
 
 
News

Find out more about this programme on the CSS news blog

Contact us

Further questions about the MA programme can be emailed to our contacts listed below.
University of Plymouth
Dr Fotios Moustakis – Programme Leader
Bundeswehr University Munich
Mr Robert Becker – Representative