58吃瓜

IR5832 Introduction to War and Strategy

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Enrolment is limited to students taking MSc Conflict and Security in Policy and Practice

Module coordinator

Dr A E Fox

Dr A E Fox
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Aimee Fox

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This core module introduces students to key definitions, debates, and paradigms in the study of war and strategy. It seeks to answer a range of core questions: What is war? Where is knowledge about war produced? Does war change? What is the relationship between war and strategy? What is the link between strategy in theory and practice? To address these questions, the module introduces students to different disciplinary approaches to the study of war and strategy, particularly from IR and History. Students will engage with critical approaches to the study of war and strategy, notably gendered and decolonial critiques, and explore the disciplinary status of so-called 鈥榳ar studies鈥�. The module also explores the link between theory and practice in war and strategy making. Drawing on empirical case studies and real-world examples, students are invited to reflect on the relationship between war, policy, and strategy, and how that manifests in practice.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

There are no fixed weekly contact hours, but students will take part in asynchronous discussions, and optional synchronous sessions.

Guided independent study hours

150

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Evaluate different definitions of war and strategy
  • Appraise different disciplinary debates and approaches in the study of war and strategy
  • Explain the relationship between war, policy, and strategy
  • Outline the relationship between theory and practice in war and strategy
  • Critique the processes of strategy formulation and policy making
  • Demonstrate written communication skills