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MA International War Studies

Tuesday, 1 February, 2022

The Dual MA in International War Studies will be offered by University College Dublin and the University of Potsdam, where the only Chair of Military History in Germany is based. Students will spend one academic year in each institution. The MA will enable students to experience two different academic structures (in Germany and Ireland), taking advantage of the rich cultural offerings and research facilities in Dublin, Potsdam and nearby Berlin.

The programme will be fully taught in English, however students are encouraged to learn an additional language to strengthen their international profile. It will enable students to acquire a comprehensive and advanced knowledge of the main areas of the history of war in the twentieth century. All modules will be delivered by leading experts in the field, ensuring research led teaching throughout the course.

This programme enables students to:

  • Acquire a comprehensive and advanced knowledge of the main areas of the history of war in the twentieth century
  • Recognise and appreciate the many ways in which the history of war has been written and analysed.  Identify appropriate and authentic sources for the history of war
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of basic analytical techniques and theoretical issues in the field of war studies
  • Abstract and analyse information from a range of sources, including lectures, seminars, archival and library holdings, the internet and fieldwork, identifying those ideas or findings which are most significant for their research
  • Learn to self evaluate and take responsibility for continuing academic and or professional development
  • Experience two different academic cultures (in Germany and Ireland, taking advantage of the rich cultural offerings in Dublin, Potsdam and nearby Berlin

The MA in International War Studies is a 120-credit programme. It has a modular structure based on year one at the University of Potsdam and year two at University College Dublin. Compulsory modules in year one will include: Introduction to International War Studies (9 credits), Military and Society in the Age of Total Wars, 1792-1945 (15 credits) and a module (6 credits) on academic writing or on literature and primary sources. Options in year one include Military and Society after 1945 (15 credits), International History since the Early 20th Century (15 credits), Civil-Military Relations in the Social Sciences (15 credits), Related Study Areas of Military History (15 credits), Violence, War and Memory in Contemporary History (15 credits), Conflict, Security and Armed Forces - Historical and Social Science Approaches (15 credits), Security Studies (15 credits).

Compulsory modules in year two will include: Modern History and Politics (10 credits), Political Violence in 20th Century Europe (10 credits), War Studies (10 credits). The programme will culminate in the writing of a dissertation worth 30 credits.

For more information and to apply, please follow this link.

What You Will Need for Your Application

Applicants are required to provide the following in their applications:

  • An academic writing sample, eg. an essay (there is no word limit)
  • A most recent transcript
  • Contact details of two academic referees (professors who taught you)
  • Two written academic references outlining your academic history, interest and performance in class.
  • A letter of motivation/personal statement
  • An application fee
  • An English language test score (if English is not your first language). Please follow this link for more information.