War Studies

War Studies at the University of Birmingham offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of military history, strategic studies, international security, and conflict resolution. This programme is designed for students interested in understanding the complexities of warfare, security policy, and international relations from historical, theoretical, and practical perspectives. Throughout the course, students will examine the causes and consequences of wars, the evolution of military technology, and the roles of various actors in armed conflicts, including states, non-state actors, and international organizations. The curriculum combines core modules such as Strategic Studies, Security and Conflict, and War and Society with optional modules that allow students to tailor their studies towards specific interests such as terrorism, counterinsurgency, and peacebuilding. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to analyze complex geopolitical issues in a global context. Students benefit from the university’s strong links with defense and security organizations, offering opportunities for internships, guest lectures, and collaborative projects. The course is suitable for those aiming to pursue careers in government, military, international organizations, research institutions, or academia. Delivered by expert staff with extensive research backgrounds and practical experience in security and defence sectors, the programme ensures graduates are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for tackling contemporary security challenges. The programme typically spans one year for full-time study and provides a vibrant academic community with access to extensive resources, including dedicated libraries, seminars, and conferences. Upon completion, students are prepared to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to debates on security policy, conflict resolution, and international stability.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

First year

Hispanic Studies: During the year you take a variety of introductory courses. If you have never studied Spanish before, you will spend a greater portion of your time on practical language work. Those who have Spanish to A level (or equivalent) are taught separately for language and also follow modules which deal with different aspects of Hispanic literature and cultures.

Second year

Hispanic Studies: During the second year, you continue to take a variety of introductory courses, which deal with different aspects of Hispanic literature and cultures, as well as helping you develop your Spanish language skills.

Third year

This year is spent at a university in Spain or Latin America, where you perfect your language skills and prepare a dissertation on an Hispanic theme.

Fourth year

Hispanic Studies: We offer a range of options in the final year, which reflect staff research interests, from advanced translation skills to Piracy and Conspiracy, and US Latino Culture.

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 Diploma: 34-36 points

Required subjects and grades: A modern language A level at grade B 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.

War Studies at the University of Birmingham offers a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the complexities of war, conflict, and security in the contemporary world. The program combines historical, political, strategic, and international perspectives, enabling graduates to analyze and assess modern conflicts and security challenges critically. It is suitable for students interested in careers within government, military, policy analysis, international organizations, or academia. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including military history, strategic studies, terrorism, peacekeeping, security studies, intelligence, and conflict resolution. Students engage with case studies and real-world issues, developing analytical and research skills essential for understanding the causes and consequences of conflicts. The program emphasizes critical thinking, writings skills, and the capacity to interpret complex information from multiple sources. Teaching methodologies incorporate lectures, seminars, group discussions, and independent research, fostering an interactive learning environment. The program also offers opportunities for field trips, guest lectures from experts, and access to extensive library resources. Graduates of War Studies at Birmingham often find employment in sectors such as national defense, diplomacy, international organizations, security consultancy, and journalism. The program is structured to ensure that students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insights, preparing them for dynamic and challenging careers. Collaboration with military and security institutions provides additional practical exposure. The program duration typically spans three years for an undergraduate degree, with options for joint honors or postgraduate studies to deepen expertise. The university's strong links with governmental and non-governmental organizations further enhance employability prospects for graduates. Overall, studying War Studies at Birmingham equips students with a detailed understanding of war and security mechanisms in a rapidly changing global landscape, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about international security and conflict resolution.