Master of War Studies

Exploring the causes and consequences of warfare.

For domestic and international students.

An understanding of war, the good and the bad, is crucial in examining how states and societies have evolved. By exploring the phenomenon of war and conflict from historical, political, philosophical and sociological viewpoints, we can better understand the causes, conduct and consequences of warfare from a variety of perspectives.

Degree type

Postgraduate coursework

Duration

1 year full-time

Commencing terms

Semester 1, Semester 2

Program code

8571

Delivery mode

Online

Overview

The Master of War Studies at UNSW Canberra is an interdisciplinary degree designed to broaden and deepen your understanding of the nature of war, and its place in history. You'll be introduced to different conceptual and methodological approaches and will learn how to apply political, social and cultural perspectives to the study of war. This degree is suited to history teachers and postgraduate scholars from a range of disciplines who have an interest in military history or armed conflict.

Find out more

For more information on this degree, see the UNSW Handbook.

Find out more

Students undertaking the Master of War Studies need to complete eight courses (48 UOC) with at least four courses (24 UOC) from the core courses list.

The core courses will usually be offered annually or at least every two years. The further options will be offered on an opportunity basis.
Students who obtain at least a Distinction average in the four core courses may take a 12 UOC research thesis, ZHSS8401 Research Thesis A (6 UOC) and ZHSS8402 Research Thesis B (6 UOC). You must enrol in both units to fulfil the requirements. You may enrol in the two units concurrently to do the thesis in a single semester, or consecutively to complete it over two semesters. Enrolment is subject to approval by the Postgraduate Coordinator.

ZHSS8401 - Research Thesis A

ZHSS8402 - Research Thesis B
For information regarding entry requirements, please refer to the UNSW Handbook.