Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
MA Applied Security and Strategy
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MA Applied Security and Strategy | Programme code | PTA1HPSHPS87 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Level 1 |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
MA Applied Security and Strategy 2025 is a postgraduate taught programme which will provide students with a critical understanding of the theory, history, and practice of strategy. The MA in Applied Security and Strategy is academically rigorous but unlike other MA in the security and strategy area, it is focused on professional practice. It aims at improving your decision-making and strategizing in your professional lives. The central element of the programme consists of classroom-based modules, supported by a field-trip, workshops, and a simulated exercise designed to teach and confirm practical skills. The MA Applied Security and Strategy concludes with a 60-credit dissertation or reflective learning portfolio, in which you will apply what you have learnt to a specific case study, ideally related to your professional experience.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
4. Programme Structure
The MA in Applied Security and Strategy is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ).
Part-time students must take POLM242 Theory of Strategy: Conceptual Approaches for Surviving and Thriving and 60 credits of optional modules at Stage 1 (Year 1) and POLM233 Applied Strategy in the Contemporary World and POLM243 Dissertation at Stage 2 (Year 2).
Interim / Exit Awards
Exit awards of PGDip (120 credits) and PGCert (60 credits) are available to students who have completed the required number of credits but are unable for any reason to complete the 180 credits required for the MA.
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.
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Stage 1
Year 1: 120 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POLM233 | Applied Strategy in the Contemporary World | 30 | Yes |
| POLM242 | Theory of Strategy: Conceptual Approaches for Surviving and Thriving | 30 | Yes |
| POLM243 | Dissertation | 60 | Yes |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POLM240 | Security Futures | 30 | No |
| POLM241 | How to Make a Decision: Understanding Command, Leadership and Management | 30 | No |
| SPAM002 | Security, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies | 30 | No |
| POLM308 | Transnational Security and Terrorism | 30 | No |
| POLM503 | Foreign Policy Decision-Making | 30 | No |
| POLM144 | The West, Civilisations and World Order | 30 | No |
| POLM088 | State-building after Civil War | 30 | No |
| POLM217 | Conflict, Security and Development in Eurasia | 30 | No |
| POLM344 | Empire and Hierarchy in Russia and Eurasia | 30 | No |
| POLM082 | International Relations of the Middle East | 30 | No |
| POLM239 | International Organisation | 30 | No |
| POLM084 | Conflict, Security and Development in World Politics | 30 | No |
| POLM082 | International Relations of the Middle East | 30 | No |
| POLM239 | International Organisation | 30 | No |
| POLM084 | Conflict, Security and Development in World Politics | 30 | No |
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. Critical understanding of the theory and practice of strategy |
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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: | |
2. Ability to analyse academic and primary literature and to discuss critically in writing and verbally |
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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: | |
3. Ability to collate and analyse information; present information coherently in order to plan and make decisions. |
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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 Faculties should have in place a system of academic personal tutors and pastoral mentors. The role of academic personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme, including details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. Pastoral mentors are a point of contact, embedded within departments, who can support you if you are facing challenges that impact your ability to study and be successful in your programme.
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 also be provided by module leaders. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
Programme handbooks and other useful information can be accessed via the student intranet: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/myexeter/.
Other useful information and student resources can be accessed via the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE): https://ele.exeter.ac.uk/, which has specific information on library skills, essay writing and research skills.
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.
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.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
MA Applied Security and Strategy
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
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 | 06/03/2025 |
Date of last revision | 28/11/2025 |
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