School of Social Sciences and Humanities

MA Air, Space and Cyber Power Studies

MA Part-time Distance Learning 30 months

The University of Wolverhampton has an internationally recognised reputation for war and conflict studies, politics, and military history, and this course draws on the expertise of established researchers based at the University and beyond.

Students’ employability will be enhanced beyond the development of postgraduate skills by engagement with a range of external bodies (RAF Cosford, defence bodies and personnel, external speakers).

The University of Wolverhampton has an internationally recognised reputation for war and conflict studies, politics, and military history, and this course draws on the expertise of established researchers based at the University and beyond.

Students’ employability will be enhanced beyond the development of postgraduate skills by engagement with a range of external bodies (RAF Cosford, defence bodies and personnel, external speakers).

Award
MA
Start date(s)
September 2024, September 2025
UCAS Code
Course specifications
Course length
Part-time Distance Learning (30 months)
Campus location
University: Online Distance Learning
School
School of Social Sciences and Humanities
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

The University of Wolverhampton has an internationally recognised reputation for war and conflict studies, politics, and military history, and this course draws on the expertise of established researchers based at the University and beyond.

Each module is led by scholars who have published widely on many aspects of contemporary conflicts, war studies, international politics and diplomacy, and peace keeping and conflict resolution, as well as air, space and cyber power. The University has the longest established undergraduate War Studies programme in the United Kingdom, and has been delivering postgraduate degrees in the history of war, military history, and conflict studies, both online and in conventional environments for many years.

What's unique about this course?

  • The University has the longest established undergraduate War Studies programme in the United Kingdom
  • This course draws on the expertise of established researchers based at the University and beyond. 

What happens on the course?

This Masters course allows you to explore many of the key elements of Air, Space and Cyber Power through focusing on theoretical approaches, historical case studies, contemporary conflicts, strategic thought and cultural and societal attitudes to air, space and cyber power. You will study these themes in depth under the care of renowned tutors who have a keen interest in and expert knowledge of these fields 

You will undertake six modules across two years of part-time study conducted entirely through on-line distance learning methods. Your studies will culminate in a piece of independent research in the form of a 12,000-15,000-word dissertation on a topic based on one or more of the elements covered in the course. Guidance in this undertaking will come from your appointed dissertation supervisor 

The two core modules Air Power Theory and Practice: c.1900 to 1990 and Air, Space and Cyber Power 1990 to the Present will provide the key elements to understanding, analysing and interpreting the historical, contemporary and future implications and challenges in the employment of air, space and cyber power. Particular emphasis is placed on the central issues of control of the air; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; attack capability and air mobility.

The programme of study will also offer eight 12-week option modules from which students choose four. The option modules will provide a range of options across international relations and politics, military history, and strategic studies. The scope of the content will cover elements of regional conflicts, international law, the ethics of war and conflict, cultural aspects of war, low-intensity operations, humanitarian intervention, coalition and multi-national warfare, inter-service relations and operations, media and propaganda, intelligence, and the economics of warfare.

The programme is intended and structured both for students with an interest in conflict studies, international politics and military history, as well as defence industry professionals and military personnel from national and international backgrounds. This Master’s degree will enhance and underpin the skills of those already in defence and air power related professions but will also develop those skills and outcomes generally associated with study at postgraduate level.

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

The majority of the students enrolled on this programme will already be in full-time employment in the defence sector. In other cases students’ employability will be enhanced beyond the development of postgraduate skills by engagement with a range of external bodies (RAF Cosford, defence bodies and personnel, external speakers).

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

The University of Wolverhampton has an internationally recognised reputation for war and conflict studies, politics, and military history, and this course draws on the expertise of established researchers based at the University and beyond. Each module is led by scholars who have published widely on many aspects of contemporary conflicts, war studies, international politics and diplomacy, and peace keeping and conflict resolution, as well as air, space and cyber power.

The University has the longest established undergraduate War Studies programme in the United Kingdom, and has been delivering postgraduate degrees in the history of war, military history, and conflict studies, both on-line and in conventional environments for many years.

 

For the award of a Masters degree, having achieved 180 credits - taught & independent study - at Level 7, you will be able to:

 Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.

Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.

Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate your conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to your own research or advanced scholarship and ability to continue to advance your knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of your academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice with a conceptual understanding that enables the student:

To evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline
To evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.
Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:

  • the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility
  • decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations
  • the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Part-time Distance Learning £4615 per year 2022-23
International Part-time Distance Learning £4615 per year 2022-23

These fees relate to new entrants only for the academic year indicated for entry onto the course, any subsequent years study may be subject to an annual increase, usually in line with inflation.

  • A Bachelor of Arts Honours degree (2.1 or above) in a Social Sciences / Humanities subject from a UK University or overseas equivalent or:
  • A professional qualification and/or experience considered to be equivalent.
  • You should also have a good standard of written and spoken English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

Postgraduate Loan (Home Fee Status):

You may be able to get a postgraduate student loan from Student Finance England of up to £12,167 to help pay for a Master’s degree. Applications are made through Student Finance England and more information on the regulations and eligibility criteria can be found at Masters Loans gov.uk.

* Any RPL will invalidate your eligibility as you must study a minimum of 180 credits


Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as Overseas (International) students for fee purposes. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.


Postgraduate Loyalty Discount:

You can get 20% discount on a taught on-site postgraduate course if you’re a University of Wolverhampton Graduate.

The University offers a generous 20% Loyalty Discount to students progressing from an undergraduate programme to a taught postgraduate programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree as long as this is your first Masters level qualification.

The discount applies to the first year of enrolment only. Students who receive a loyalty discount are not entitled to any further tuition discount or bursary. For full terms and conditions click here.


Self-funded:

If you are paying for the fees yourself then the fees can be paid in 3 instalments: November, January and April. More information can be found by clicking here.


Sponsored - Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

Your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Charitable Funding:

You might also want to explore the possibility of funding from charitable trusts; please see the following websites Association of Charitable Foundations, Directory of Social Change or Family Action. Most charities and trust funds offer limited bursaries targeted to specific groups of students so you will need to research whether any of them are relevant to your situation.


You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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