Handbook - War Studies

Overview

The Master of War Studies at UNSW Canberra is designed to give a comprehensive understanding of war as a phenomenon. It takes a global and interdisciplinary approach, allowing the student to explore the causes, course, resolution, and consequences of armed conflict. Students may study various themes: the theory and dimensions of warfare and military strategy; military history and the course of major wars that have shaped our world; special operations and irregular warfare; contemporary and emerging conflicts; and the social, political, ethical, and humanitarian issues of war. The program develops specialised understanding and analytical skills essential for navigating complex geopolitical environments. It is well-suited to professions engaged in conflict analysis, resolution, and strategic planning, including military and defence, intelligence and policy analysis, government agencies and NGOs, as well as teaching, and for anyone interested in developing their understanding in military studies.

Program Structure

Students undertaking the Master of War Studies are required to complete eight courses (48 UOC), with at least two courses (12 UOC) taken from those in the Core Course list.

Core Courses

Prescribed Electives

Students can take up to a maximum of 36 UOC of courses from the list below.

Students may, with the approval of the Postgraduate Co-ordinator, complete up to two courses (12 UOC) from other School of Humanities and Social Sciences coursework programs as electives.

Strategic Communication

Foundations of Modern Strategy

ZHSS8204

6 UOC

Modern Naval History and Strategy

ZHSS8220

6 UOC

Fighting the Second World War

ZHSS8223

6 UOC

The First World War 1914-1919

ZHSS8225

6 UOC

Australian Military History: An Introduction

ZHSS8226

6 UOC

The Vietnam Wars: A Thirty Year Conflict

ZHSS8231

6 UOC

The History of Special Operations

ZHSS8233

6 UOC

Most Secret: Intelligence in the World

ZHSS8412

6 UOC

International Peacekeeping Operations

ZHSS8435

6 UOC

Contemporary Strategy

ZHSS8456

6 UOC

Australia and Cyber War

ZHSS8459

6 UOC

Special Operations: Theory and Strategic Utility

ZHSS8461

6 UOC

GRIM Threats (Guerrilla, Revolutionary, Insurgent and Militia) and Irregular Warfare

ZHSS8467

6 UOC

Military Game Changers in 21st Century Warfare

Research Thesis

Students who obtain at least a Distinction average in six 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.

Enrolment Disclaimer

Please note that this Handbook is a comprehensive catalogue of our offerings and includes courses that can be taken to satisfy program requirements irrespective as to their availability for a particular year. Availability of courses is best checked using filters on this site or on the class timetable site.

You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol in courses according to your program requirements and by following the advice of your Program Authority. myUNSW enrolment checks that you have met enrolment requirements such as pre-requisites for individual courses but not that you are enrolling in courses that will count towards your program requirements.

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

To gain entry into a Master of War Studies (8571), an applicant must meet one of the following entry requirements:

1. Completion of a Bachelor degree with honours in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; or

2. Completion of a Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; or

3. Completion of a Bachelor degree in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; and completion of at least three years relevant full-time professional experience; or

4. Completion of a Bachelor degree in a non-related discipline; and completion of at least four years relevant full-time professional experience; or

5. Evidence of other qualifications and professional experience to be assessed as acceptable grounds for admission into the program by the relevant Program Authority. In certain circumstances, students may be required to undertake and successfully complete a relevant non-award course as a condition for admission into the program. This non-award course may also be credited towards the program upon admission.

*Related Discipline/s: Humanities and Social Sciences

For more information about admission requirements for various UNSW programs, visit the following website(s):

Domestic Students

International Student

Program Requirements

Progression Requirements

Students who do not complete the full Master program requirements may exit the program with a Graduate Certificate in War Studies, qualification (24 UOC). Of the four courses, students must have completed a minimum of two core courses and two other courses (core or elective) from the 8571 program. For any advanced standing granted on entry into the Masters program, a maximum of 12 UOC advanced standing can be applied to the Graduate Certificate. It is still a requirement that the student complete at least one core course at UNSW.

For more information on university policy on progression requirements please visit Academic Progression

Associated Programs

Postgraduate Pathway

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD1201 - English

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD1203 - Southeast Asian Social Inquiry

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD1241 - History

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD1321 - International & Pol. Studies

Master of Philosophy - MPhil2225 - Humanities & Social Sciences

Master of Arts (Research) - MA(Res)2406 - Arts (MRes)

Recognition of Achievement

Award with Excellence

Current Students Award with Excellence

For more information, please visit:

The Award with Excellence is awarded in coursework masters programs, including Masters (Extension) but with the exception of Masters (Extended) such as JD and MD, when a Weighted Average Mean (WAM) of at least 80% has been achieved and at least 50% of the requirements of the award are completed at UNSW. All eligible programs will award 'with Excellence' except in special circumstances where approval of Academic Board has been given for a program to opt out.

Program Fees

At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:

Domestic Students

Commonwealth Supported Students (if applicable)

International Students

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions