War Studies

An understanding of war, for good or ill, is of vital importance to our understanding of how states and societies have evolved. The unique War Studies program of the University of Glasgow offers the opportunity to study the history, theory and practice of war and conflict in a wide range of aspects, from the Middle Ages to the present day, and from causes, course, to consequences.

Key facts

• This Masters aims to challenge, educate and engage by exposing you to a wide range of ideas about war, armed conflict, and their impact. It is designed to broaden and deepen your understanding of the nature of war, and its place in history.

• The War Studies program of the University of Glasgow will introduce you to different conceptual and methodological approaches to the study of the history of war and armed conflict. You will learn about the foundations of the military sciences, and how to apply political, social and cultural perspectives to the study of war.

• All our courses are designed to expose you to detailed research topics, source criticism and current debate, and are led by internationally acknowledged experts.

• Our courses will also help you hone a range of practical, professional and intellectual skills that will prepare you for independent postgraduate research, enhance your employability, and benefit your career development..

• You will be able to choose from courses that cover a broad chronological, geographical and thematic range.

• The University of Glasgow is home to the Scottish Centre for War Studies, which is based within the subject of History in the School of Humanities but has affiliated members from a range of subject areas. You will be able to participate in regular research seminars on critical themes related to war and armed conflict as well as to related conferences.
• Career prospects
• Positions held by recent graduates include Development Director, Correspondent, and Freelance Journalist. Our graduates have also gone on to work in the heritage sector, government, for NGOs and IGOs, and the private sector. The program provides an excellent platform for you to move onto PhD studies and a career in academia and education.

Courses include:

• America's Two Quagmires: Vietnam And Iraq
• Chivalry And Warfare In Late Medieval Europe, C.1300 To C1500
• Games And Gaming History
• Military Scotland In The Age Of Proto-globalization, C.1600-c.1800
• Qualitative Approaches To The Study Of Political Violence
• The American Way Of War
• The Global Cold War, 1947-2008