War and Society, MA

Investigate What War Means

Image of a Wall of Remembrance

Course Overview

The MA in War and Society is a truly unique course exploring seismic events that sparked violent change throughout the course of human history.

You will investigate what war means and can discover a meaningful definition. Covering multiple contexts including the political, social, cultural, technological, historical, military and media, you will study the complex and multi-faceted relationship between war and societies.

This is a collaborative, interdisciplinary master’s programme that is enhanced by the breadth of research expertise available in the School of Culture and Communication and from the School of Social Sciences.

Why War and Society at Swansea?

War and Society is widely regarded as a specialist strength of Swansea University. You will study on our stunning Singleton Park Campus, overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula.

You’ll be joining a leading department, renowned for its research expertise:

  • 91% of our Research Environment is Rated 4* world-leading or 3* internationally excellent, and 86% of our Research has been Judged as Outstanding and Very Considerable in Terms of it's Impact (REF 2021).

Your War and Society Experience

To begin the programme, you will study three 20-credit modules (one compulsory, two optional), specifically designed to develop your understanding of war and society as a discipline. You will then study a further three 20-credit modules (two compulsory, one optional), before undertaking a 60-credit dissertation project in the second part of the course. This directed independent learning component allows you to conduct in-depth research, while guided by expert faculty, culminating in a dissertation showcasing your findings and insights, enabling you to build advanced research skills. 

You will benefit from having access to expert-led teaching; learning from leading scholars who are known for their research into war and conflict. Your studies will be flexible and truly interdisciplinary, enabling you to build skills and knowledge across a range of themes and subjects, with the ability to select modules from our other specialist MAs – resulting in a range of optional module choices that empower you to shape your own learning around your interests and ambitions.

Some of the optional modules involve the consideration of issues relating to cultural heritage, commemoration, and the representation of the past through monuments, museums, galleries, and archives. The programme, therefore, emphasises the importance of conducting research and presenting findings with respect for local communities, historical accuracy, and cultural sensitivity.

War and Society Employment Opportunities

As a graduate of our MA War and Society, you can develop impressive transferable skills including those centred around independent critical thinking, analytical skills, the ability to process and synthesise vast amounts of information, and to engage in academic and policy debates regarding war and society.

You will also gain strong verbal and written communication skills, learning to analyse key events that have passed, but also building the ability to use this information as the basis for learning and development for the future of society. These problem-solving skills are transferable across several industries that focus on current societies, especially business, politics and academia.

Graduates will have proven themselves to be proficient with problem solving in a range of complex and diverse areas. This flexibility, adaptability and agility is highly sought after in the world of employment. Our graduates in War and Society typically go on to have careers in:

  • Government and Politics, Humanitarian Organisations, Military Organisations (including NATO), Policing, Teaching, Business and Media.

Support is available from the University Careers and Employability Service. The service can help you with your journey into graduate work through events, workshops and 1-to-1 careers advice and guidance.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical Offer

2.2