The programme ‘Master of Strategic and Defence Studies’ at the Department of International and Strategic Studies first started in November 1999 with an impressive intake of more than 40 students. Since then, the programme has continued to attract both local and foreign students who wish to further their studies in the field of International Relations, Defence and Strategic Studies. Applicants for the programme come from various academic disciplines and professional backgrounds including politics, law, economics, humanities, military and science. The Department’s empirical focus revolves around Malaysia, East Asia and the Great Powers. Currently emphasis is also placed on the study of conflict resolution and managing peace in post conflict areas.
Entry Requirements
Programme of study by Coursework and Research
(1) a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; or
(2) a professional qualification from a recognised professional body; or
(3) any other qualification as may be approved by the Senate from time to time.
Language Requirement: English
A non-Malaysian applicant whose degree is from a university or institution of higher learning where the medium of instruction for that degree is not the English language and where the applicant wishes to follow a programme and/or write his dissertation in the English language shall be required:
(1) to obtain a score of 550 for a paper-based total, a score of 213 for a computer-based total or a score of 80 for an internet-based total for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or
(2) to obtain a band of 6 for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS);
Programme Structure
Course Structure
1. This programme comprises 2 parts which are;
(1) Part one (1) which consists of course work of five core courses, each of three credit hours, totaling fifteen (15) credit hours.
Candidates must pass Part One (1) before they are able to proceed to Part Two (2).
Courses offered are :
Code Course
AUGG6101 Defence Analysis
AUGG6102 International Relations Theory
AUGG6105 Modern Warfare
AUGG6108 International Security
AUGG6170 Research Methodology
2. Part Two (2) consists of a research project leading to a submission of a dissertation of about 30,000 words (40 credits hours).
