Master of War Studies (Canberra)

Educating leaders in Defence, government & industry

International

You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.

Connect with people who expand your thinking and gain expert understanding of historical and modern warfare. Explore the phenomenon of war and conflict from a philosophical and social perspective. Unlock important future careers in international affairs, security and the Defence forces.

Commencing Terms: Semester 1 & 2
Duration: 1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Online
Campus: Canberra
Codes: Program code 8571; CRICOS code -


2025 Indicative first year full fee: $35,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $35,000*
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $48,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $49,000*

Military soldier controls drone for reconnaissance operation of enemy positions. Concept using quadrocopters in smart war.

100% online
Complete in one year full-time
Optional research project

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Overview

The Master of War Studies at 麻豆社madou Canberra is an interdisciplinary program that will deepen your understanding of war鈥檚 complex nature and impact on states and societies. You鈥檒l explore concepts of war from historical, political, philosophical and sociological perspectives and examine the causes, conduct and consequences of warfare across time.

Engage with diverse conceptual and methodological approaches to the study of war, applying political, social and cultural lenses to understand its effects on history and society. This program is ideal for history teachers, postgraduate scholars and professionals in Defence, government and policy roles who seek to expand their expertise in military history and conflict studies.

Key features

Gain a multidisciplinary perspective
Examine war from historical, political, philosophical and sociological perspectives, gaining a holistic understanding of conflict and its effects on societies and states.

Tailored to your interests
With a mix of core and elective courses, you can tailor your studies to focus on areas such as military history, international security or the sociopolitical impacts of war, based on your interests and career goals.

Optional research project
High-achieving students have the option to undertake a research project, allowing for in-depth study on a specialised topic and ideal preparation for further academic research or professional expertise.

Why study at 麻豆社madou Canberra?

Expertise in Defence and security studies
麻豆社madou Canberra is recognised for its excellence in Defence, military and security studies, providing you with unique insights from leading academics and experienced professionals in these fields.

Proximity to industry contacts
Located in Australia鈥檚 capital, 麻豆社madou Canberra offers unparalleled access to Defence, government and policy networks, enhancing learning opportunities and opening doors to potential career pathways.

Flexible study options
Designed with working professionals in mind, this program offers a variety of online and part-time options, allowing you to balance study with professional commitments.

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Program Code

8571

Campus

Canberra

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

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Entry requirements

Please refer to the听听for the Entry Requirements.听

English language requirements

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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 麻豆社madou depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 麻豆社madou requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you鈥檙e completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.听

Please refer to the听听for the Entry Requirements.听

English language requirements

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English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.听

Program structure

Students undertaking the Master of War Studies are required to complete eight courses (48 UOC), with at least four courses (24 UOC) taken from those in the core course list. The core courses will normally be offered annually or at least every two years; the further options will be offered on an opportunity basis.听

Full program structure

The Master of War Studies consists of 8 courses (48 UOC) and can be completed entirely online in a year. Students must complete:

Core courses 鈥� At least 12 UOC

鈼徧� Representations of War

鈼徧� Genocide: Perception and Intervention

鈼徧� The Development of the Art of War: A Survey

Prescribed electives 鈥� Up to 36 UOC

鈼徧� American Empire

鈼徧� War and Memory

鈼徧� Strategic Communication

鈼徧� Contemporary Warfare

鈼徧� Foundations of Modern Strategy

鈼徧� Modern Naval History and Strategy

鈼徧� Fighting the Second World War

鈼徧� The First World War 1914-1919

鈼徧� Australian Military History: An Introduction

鈼徧� The Vietnam Wars: A Thirty Year Conflict

鈼徧� The History of Special Operations

鈼徧� Most Secret: Intelligence in the World

鈼徧� International Peacekeeping Operations

鈼徧� Contemporary Strategy

鈼徧� Australia and Cyber War

鈼徧� Special Operations: Theory and Strategic Utility

鈼徧� GRIM Threats (Guerrilla, Revolutionary, Insurgent and Militia) and Irregular Warfare

鈼徧� Military Game Changers in 21st Century Warfare

Optional: Research Thesis

Students who obtain at least a Distinction average in six courses may take a 12 UOC research thesis. Enrolment is subject to approval by the Postgraduate Coordinator. See the handbook for more information.听

Representations of War

Genocide: Perception and Intervention

The Development of the Art of War: A Survey
American Empire

War and Memory

Strategic Communication

Contemporary Warfare

Foundations of Modern Strategy

Modern Naval History and Strategy

Fighting the Second World War

The First World War 1914-1919

Australian Military History: An Introduction

The Vietnam Wars: A Thirty Year Conflict

The History of Special Operations

Most Secret: Intelligence in the World

International Peacekeeping Operations

Contemporary Strategy

Australia and Cyber War

Special Operations: Theory and Strategic Utility

GRIM Threats (Guerrilla, Revolutionary, Insurgent and Militia) and Irregular Warfare

Military Game Changers in 21st Century Warfare
Students who obtain at least a Distinction average in six courses may take a 12 UOC research thesis. Enrolment is subject to approval by the Postgraduate Coordinator. See the handbook for more information.听

Future careers

Graduates of the Master of War Studies gain specialised knowledge in military history, strategy and the complexities of global conflict. You鈥檒l be equipped for influential roles across Defence, government, intelligence and international organisations. With skills in analysis, policy development and strategic planning, graduates are well-prepared to address the pressing security and diplomatic challenges of today.

Potential roles

鈼徧� Defence Analyst

鈼徧� Defence Policy Advisor

鈼徧� Defence Researcher

鈼徧� Diplomatic Advisor

鈼徧� Government Affairs Specialist

鈼徧� Intelligence Analyst

鈼徧� International Relations Specialist

鈼徧� Military Advisor

鈼徧� National Security Advisor

鈼徧� Policy Analyst

鈼徧� Security Consultant

鈼徧� Strategic Planner

鈼徧� Threat Analyst

鈼徧� War Correspondent

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our听听portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.听.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via听our鈥€痵ervice. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement听date. For听more information visit听our鈥�.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$35,000*

2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$35,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the .

2025 Indicative First Year Fee

$48,000*

2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$49,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the听.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit听.

Scholarships

At 麻豆社madou, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you鈥檙e a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.