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Study information

Programme Specification for the 2021/2 academic year

MA Applied Security and Strategy

1. Programme Details

Programme nameMA Applied Security and Strategy Programme codePTA1HPSHPS64
Study mode(s)Full Time
Academic year2021/2
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

The MA in Applied Security Strategy (known as the MStrat) programme is designed to develop the leaders of tomorrow. As a student undertaking the programme you will become a more confident, strategic, critical thinker with the potential to lead on the development and execution of policy and strategy in an uncertain, culturally-diverse and resource-constrained world. The programme will take a sharp, highly-relevant and practitioner-targeted focus. It will draw on the field of strategic studies but – as must be the case with effective strategy - it will adopt an interdisciplinary approach that equips you with knowledge and understanding of the political, legal, social, economic and cultural complexities of enacting strategic approaches to international security. The programme will look in particular at the sources and character of conflict in the contemporary world with an emphasis on the application of strategy.

 

The programme is highly original in terms of content, design and delivery. Its content focuses on the creation and execution of strategy before and during a crisis: the point where rational strategic theory fails and irrationality, chance and confusion assert themselves. On this programme you will learn as a member of a cohort and experience for yourself analysis and decision making under pressure. Using strategic planning and crisis management simulations, field trips and a range of academic and applied assessments you will experience and be prepared for real world pressure. You will understand and experience analysis and decision making in uncertain conditions. You will develop a clear working knowledge of the levers (political, economic, legal, informational and military) available to strategists, their limitations and constraints.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The key educational aim of this programme is to develop strategic competence among those likely to hold future leadership roles. More specifically, this means that we will equip you with the necessary theoretical and policy analysis tools, insights from practitioners, and first-hand experiences of strategic environments that will help you to better understand the complexities of the actors, issues and events that are involved in the processes of developing and implementing strategy. The course is designed to help prepare future leaders. Each module of the programme aims to develop your ability to explore, execute and exploit the knowledge and insights that you will gain about strategic planning, culture, behaviour, challenges and environments by providing you with opportunities to analyse and then apply and experience how strategy ‘works’ (or more often, does not) in practice. This will be delivered through a range of innovative teaching methods (including role play, simulations, fieldtrips, deep dive analysis, practitioner and academic-led seminars and lectures, and special guest masterclasses) and creative assessments (including portfolios of applied policy work). The knowledge and skills that we aim to develop in you over the course of this programme will likely prove invaluable to anyone who wishes to pursue a career in the policy world, diplomacy, the NGO field, journalism, the military, and indeed, any other environment where strategic thinking is required. As such, the programme places a strong emphasis on employability and will provide you with valuable opportunities that not only assist you in gaining deeper knowledge and understanding of the key conceptual, theoretical and empirical issues but also offer you experience in applying these to and in real world situations. The educational process does not end with the completion of the programme as we build upon the existing alumni and employer network built since the programme began in 2012.  

 

1. to meet the needs of current and future strategic practitioners and anyone who wishes to understand strategy in action.

2. to develop confident, critical thinkers with the potential to lead on the development and execution of policy and strategy in an uncertain, culturally-diverse and resource-constrained world.

3. to create and train experts in thinking strategically across the fusion of government, NGOs and the privates sector.

4. Programme Structure

The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of 'credits'. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

 

Number of Stages: 1

Study Mode: Full Time

Duration: 1 Year

 

Your MA in Applied Security Strategy is a one year, one staged, full-time programme of study or a two year part-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The programme consists of 180 credits, divided into modules weighted at 15, 30 or 45 credits. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

 

The full-time programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars spread over three terms. Each of the three core taught modules (Modules 1, 2 and 3) consists of guided independent study and Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities.

 

The programme can be studied part-time. Part-Time students will still need to complete Modules 1-3 sequentially (usually Modules 1 and 2 in Year 1 and Modules 3 and 4 in Year 2). The Dissertation module should be completed at the end of the second year.  Field Trips will be programmed with the assistance of the MStrat Programme Director over the course of part-time study.

 

For students who need to ‘shield’ in relation to COVID during Field Trips we have offered an alternative assessment.

 

Whereas the MA programme represents 180 credits of which 30 credits will be for the dissertation, students in subsequent years may be able to work towards a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) or a Certificate of Advanced Study (30 credits).

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/strategy/ma/programmestructure/

Stage 1


Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SECM017 The Ends of Strategy 30No
SECM018 The Ways of Strategy 30No
SECM019 The Means of Strategy 30No
SECM020 The Implementation of Strategy 45No
SECM021 Applied Security Strategy Dissertation 45No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Systematically analyse current problems and/or new insights
2. Distinguish and evaluate the complexities involved when undertaking strategic decisions in uncertain political contexts.
3. Make informed and independent judgements about how actors plan and execute strategy in real world situations.
4. Determine and evaluate the multitude of factors that facilitate and inhibit the execution of strategy and determine how to negotiate these when they arise.
5. Assess the significance of multidisciplinary and cross-sector concerns and questions for the implementation of strategy in crisis and conflict.
6. Craft effective strategy by developing the intellectual and moral rigour to take decisions and communicate them efficiently.
7. Brief senior policymakers and practitioners on strategic issues and factors and recommend viable policy options.

In the core modules identified above, you will become familiar with key concepts and theories and historical and contemporary issues and debates in applied strategic analysis. The dissertation module will provide you with an opportunity, under the guidance of a supervisor, to apply appropriate methods of analysis to a specific topic to allow you to focus on something of particular interest and to take responsibility for your own learning in a structured way.

 

You will engage in a variety of learning and teaching activities, all of which will contribute to ILOs 1-7 but some activities will especially promote particular learning outcomes. For example: 

 

  • Lectures (academic and practitioner led) will provide insights into current problems and issues (ILO 1).
  • Seminars (academic and practitioner led) will provide opportunities for discussion, debate and reflection (ILOs 1-5).
  • Small group work will promote active learning and team-work including, for example, tracking the development of a strategic case study (ILOs 3, 6 & 7). 
  • Masterclass sessions with guest speakers will allow you to question and interact with practitioners involved in strategic processes (ILOs 3, 4 & 7)
  • Field trips to the policy world, international organisations and strategic actors will provide live experience of policy and strategic environments and the ability to witness and empathise with the consequences of strategy (ILOs 3, 4, 6 & 7).
  • Role play simulations will involve experiential learning techniques that allow you to craft strategy for yourself and think through its implications (ILOs 2, 4, 6 & 7).
  • Independent reading and research will promote reflection on taught sessions and evaluative skills (ILOs 1, 2, 4).

 

Each ILO will be assessed through a range of different assessment methods to ensure that students are developing specialised subject skills and knowledge throughout the course.

 

ILO 1: Case study analysis in small groups; essays; dissertation; conference attendance, preparation and presentation; simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing; fieldtrip participation or alternative assessment for those shielding in relation to COVID. 

 

ILO 2: Case study analysis in small groups; conference preparation and presentation; simulation participation.

 

ILO 3: Simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing; fieldtrip participation or alternative assessment for those shielding in relation to COVID; conference attendance and participation.

 

ILO 4: Simulation participation; essays; dissertation; case study analysis in small groups.

 

ILO 5: Case study analysis in small groups; essays; dissertation; conference attendance, preparation and presentation; simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing; fieldtrip participation or alternative assessment for those shielding in relation to COVID. 

 

ILO 6: Case study analysis in small groups; essays; dissertation; conference attendance, preparation and presentation; simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing; fieldtrip participation or alternative assessment for those shielding in relation to COVID.

 

ILO 7: Simulations; conference attendance, preparation and presentation.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

8. Recognise and judge how, and to what degree, the different legal, political, social, economic, historical and cultural components influence how strategy is formed and implemented.
9. Evaluate and apply concepts, theories and methods used in the study and practice of strategy to the analysis of conflict and international relations
10. Gather, systematically organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of sources to make robust arguments about security strategy.
11. Identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to strategic problems
12. Structure complex and well-reasoned arguments when evaluating the formation and application of security strategy
13. Critique, defend and justify intellectual arguments and empirical evidence in support of one’s own analyses of security strategy.

These skills and knowledge will be developed across all modules through a range of teaching

methods.

 

Lectures and seminars (academic and practitioner led) will provide you with insights into and opportunities to question and debate the formation and application of strategy (especially ILOs 8, 9 & 10). Preparing and undertaking other learning and teaching methods such as small group work, role play simulations, and oral / conference presentations, will enable you to put your learning in class and your independent reading and research into practice (especially ILOs 11, 12 & 13).  

 

A dedicated PGT induction will also provide you with training and knowledge of library and research skills and the virtual learning environment. Additional training will then be available to you via elective online activities. The Dissertation Skills module will also involve core research training. 

Each ILO will be assessed through a range of different assessment methods to ensure that students are developing academic discipline core skills and knowledge throughout the course.

 

ILO 8: Essays; dissertation; conference presentation; oral presentations; case study analysis in small groups.

 

ILO 9: Essays; dissertation; conference presentation; simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing; fieldtrip participation; oral presentations.

 

ILO 10: Case study analysis in small groups; essays; dissertation; conference presentation; simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing; oral presentations.

 

ILO 11: Case study analysis in small groups; essays; dissertation; conference presentation; simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing; oral presentations.

 

ILO 12: Case study analysis in small groups; essays; dissertation; conference attendance, preparation and presentation; simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing; fieldtrip participation.  

 

ILO 13: Case study analysis in small groups; essays; dissertation; conference attendance, preparation and presentation; simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing; fieldtrip participation.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

14. Formulate and communicate convincing arguments fluently in speech and writing.
15. Exhibit your ability to collaborate with others to achieve common goals
16. Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation, motivation and effective time management.
17. Critically appraise, interpret, synthesise and utilise a range of information.
18. Develop and display personal initiative, confidence, leadership, and effective presentation skills.
19. Competently use library and electronic resources including databases, websites and virtual learning environments to support learning
20. Evidence that you are able to work under pressure whilst maintaining judgement and generating acceptable standards of professionalism.

Personal, transferable and employment-related

skills and knowledge will be developed throughout the programme through a range of teaching methods. Lectures, seminars and special events with practitioners will offer particularly valuable insights into policy and other working cultures. Specific ILOs will also be met in particular through:

 

  • Role play simulations; oral presentations; and conference attendance and participation (ILOs 13, 17, 18 & 19)
  • Small group work (ILO 14 & 18) Independent reading and research (ILO 15 & 18).

Seminars with academics and practitioners (ILO 16)

Each ILO will be assessed through a range of different assessment methods to ensure that students completing this course have achieved and can evidence the development of their personal, transferable and employment skills and knowledge.

 

ILO 14: Case study analysis in small groups; essays; dissertation; conference attendance, preparation and presentation; simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing; fieldtrip participation. 

 

ILO 15: Simulation participation; small group work, especially preparing and delivering presentations (including oral, conference and case study).

 

ILO 16: Essays; dissertation; conference paper and presentation; oral presentations; case study analysis in small groups; simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing.

 

ILO 17: Essays; dissertation; portfolios of applied policy writing.

 

ILO 18: Essays; dissertation; conference paper and presentation; oral presentations; case study analysis in small groups; simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing; field trip participation.

 

ILO 19: Case study analysis in small groups; essays; dissertation; conference attendance, preparation and presentation; simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing; fieldtrip participation. 

 

ILO 20: Case study analysis in small groups; essays; dissertation; conference attendance, preparation and presentation; simulation participation; portfolios of applied policy writing; fieldtrip participation.

7. Programme Regulations

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

 

There are induction sessions to orientate you at the start of the programme and there will also be opportunities to undertake elective activities in the virtual learning environment to supplement research and learning skills. Academic support will be also be provided by module leaders. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

 

The College of Social Sciences and International Studies’ Postgraduate Taught Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students and staff to participate jointly in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision. These committees meet regularly and allow students to contribute directly to the enhancement of educational and other provision at discipline level.

 

Programme handbooks and other useful information can be accessed via the student intranet: https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/student/

 

Other useful information and student resources can be accessed via the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE): http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/login/index.php , which has specific information on library skills, essay writing and research skills.

SSI Network: The Institute acts like a network. You will have access to those who are active in the field of policy and strategy to support your ongoing professional development and alumni will be encouraged to maintain connections with the Institute via a tailored virtual learning environment and invitations to special events.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

College entry – Students applying to this programme are required to submit a short personal statement  to be considered alongside their application. Given the applied nature of the programme, applications from potential students who lack a first degree can also be considered if they display evidence of relevant personal, professional and educational experience.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

College of Social Sciences and International Studies (CSSIS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

MA Applied Security and Strategy

19. UCAS Code

C01H

20. NQF Level of Final Award

7 (Masters)

21. Credit

CATS credits

180

ECTS credits

90

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date Date of last revision

23/04/2021