War Studies

The War Studies programmes at the University of Birmingham offer a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to develop students' understanding of military history, strategic studies, international security, and contemporary conflicts. These programmes are tailored to equip students with critical analytical skills, a nuanced understanding of global security issues, and the ability to evaluate complex military and political processes. Students explore a wide range of topics, including the history of warfare, the evolution of military technology, peacekeeping and conflict resolution, terrorism, and the geopolitics of security. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical case studies, encouraging students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. Throughout the programme, students engage with expert academics who are actively involved in research and policy analysis, ensuring that instruction remains relevant to current international security challenges. The programme also emphasizes the development of key skills such as research methodology, data analysis, and effective communication, preparing graduates for careers in government, defense, intelligence, humanitarian organizations, or further academic pursuits. The university's facilities support a dynamic learning environment, including access to digital resources, libraries, and opportunities for field studies. Additionally, students benefit from guest lectures, seminars, and internships that enrich their understanding of security dynamics across different regions and sectors. The War Studies programmes at Birmingham foster critical thinking, ethical awareness, and a global perspective, making graduates well-equipped to analyze and influence the security landscape in an increasingly interconnected world. Whether pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, students join a vibrant academic community committed to understanding the complexities of war and peace.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

First year

German: You embark upon a structured language course that leads you by stages from what you have learned at school or college up to final degree level. You are also introduced to German literature, history and linguistics (both contemporary and historical).

Second year

German: As well as continuing to develop your language skills, you also study special topics chosen from a wide range of courses in the fields of German literature, film and theatre, gender studies, history, society, politics, culture and linguistics.

Third year

Your year abroad in the third year is compulsory. Most of our students spend it (via the EU-funded Erasmus/Socrates scheme) at one of our many partner universities in Germany or Austria, although some prefer to work in a German-speaking country as British Council language assistants teaching English in a school/college.

Fourth year

German: The fourth and final year of your degree consists of an advanced practical language element (oral work, translation both into and out of German and essay writing in German), together with a number of optional courses in German literature (both modern and medieval), history, society, politics, philosophy, linguistics and philology.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 80(Grade A) TOEFL iBT® test : 93

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: AAB-ABB

International Baccalaureate: 34-36 points

Required subjects and grades: A modern foreign language at A level (grade B or above) is preferred but not essential

Additional information:

Typical offer grades are for guidance only, and will depend on the subjects you are combining. Please read the entries for both subjects. Where there is a disparity between the typical offer for Subject A and the typical offer for Subject B, the higher offer should be taken as the usual offer for the combination of the two.
Other qualifications are considered.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Birmingham.

The War Studies program at the University of Birmingham offers students an in-depth understanding of contemporary military and strategic issues, international security, and conflict history. This interdisciplinary degree combines insights from politics, international relations, history, and security studies to prepare graduates for careers in defense, policy analysis, international organizations, and further academic research. The curriculum includes modules on military history, strategic studies, terrorism, intelligence, and global security challenges, providing learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art resources, including specialized libraries and research centers focused on security and defense topics. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and analytical capabilities, equipping graduates to address complex security challenges facing nations and international communities today. Coursework often involves case studies, simulations, and research projects aligned with current global security environments. The program also offers opportunities for internships and collaborative projects with government agencies, military organizations, and security institutions, fostering practical experience and professional networking. With experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields, students receive mentorship and guidance to develop their academic and career trajectories. The War Studies program at Birmingham is designed for students interested in understanding the nature of conflict and security in a globalized world, preparing graduates for diverse roles in government, the military, academia, and non-governmental organizations. The program structure supports flexibility, with options for full-time or part-time study, and integrates future-oriented themes such as cyber security, counter-terrorism, and peacekeeping operations. Overall, the program aims to produce well-rounded graduates capable of making significant contributions to national and international security policies and practices.