The MA in War and Society is a unique degree that explores the most spectacular of historic events.  War has been a catalyst for violent change throughout human history.  It inflicts terrible suffering and degradation and yet evokes great bravery. 

What is War? A simple, meaningful definition is not easily achieved.  Simple explanations are insufficient.  War needs to be analysed in political, social, cultural, technological, historical, military and media contexts.

War and Society is a collaborative, interdisciplinary MA Degree programme that utilises the range of research expertise in the College of Arts and Humanities and the Callaghan Centre for the Study of Conflict.

War cannot be approached and understood through a single perspective.  The MA explores war across a wide span of time - from the Greeks to the Second Gulf War and this is constituted by a range of academic disciplines: American Studies, Development Studies, Classical and Egyptian Studies, History, Literatures, Languages, Media Studies, Politics and International Relations.

Teaching staff have written and edited books on war from historical, political, philosophical, cultural and literary perspectives.  Students can choose from a wide and varied menu of courses offered by different departments in the fields of arts, humanities and social sciences. 

The MA can be studied full-time for one year or part-time, a minimum of two years.

Resources

Swansea University has excellent research resources for graduate study in the area of War and Society.  The School of Humanities has a Research Centre, the for the Study of conflict.  The inter-disciplinary research centre facilitates, co-ordinates and financially supports the study of conflict.  It seeks to foster detailed research and informed debate on international conflict, both historical and contemporary.  There is a postgraduate Electronic resources room available in the James Callaghan Building.

Career Opportunities

Studying an MA Degree in War andSociety will give you the edge is a very competitive job market.  As more and more people obtain an undergraduate degree, an MA degree marks you out from the rest.  Employers know that a Masters degree is a sign of your ability to think and work for yourself at a high level.  MA students may move on to doctoral study or enter employment in sectors such as the civil service, diplomatic corps, the armed forces, intelligence and risk analysis, relief and humanitarian organizations, education, journalism, media and business.

Video of David Pugh, MA War and Society Graduate

Video of Dr. Stephen Mcveigh, Director of War and Society

Entry Requirements

The typical entry requirement is a minimum of a lower second class BA degree (with an overall average of at least 55%) or equivalent, in English Language, TEFL, Linguistics or a related subject area.  Overseas students are expected to possess and IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if English is not their first language. Relevant work experience is also taken into consideration.

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For further information, please email: 
Dr. Stephen McVeigh - s.p.mcveigh@swansea.ac.uk

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