Master of Strategic and Defense Studies

MAPostgraduateSocial Sciences

About This Programme

Strategy, security and defense policy studies.

Course Highlights

  • Taught at UAEU, ranked #217 in the QS World University Rankings 2027
  • American-style credit-hour degree taught in English
  • UAE nationals are generally government-sponsored

What You'll Study

Taught full time, in person, on an American-style credit-hour system, primarily in English.

Core Courses

39 CH. All courses required; no elective or thesis track listed.

  • PSG601 Policy and Strategy4 credits
  • PSG602 Regional and International Context4 credits
  • PSG603 UAE National Context4 credits
  • PSG604 Defense Resources3 credits
  • PSG605 Combat Capabilities3 credits
  • PSG606 Operational Environment3 credits
  • PSG607 Strategic Planning4 credits
  • PSG608 Operational Planning4 credits
  • PSG609 Leadership and Military History5 credits
  • PSG610 Selected Studies5 credits

Entry Requirements

Academic: A relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
English: IELTS Academic 6.0 or equivalent, less than two years old. IELTS 5.5 qualifies only for conditional admission.

A CV and two references are required; some programmes require an interview or entrance test.

Careers

Graduates pursue careers in government, policy, international organisations, research and the social sector, or continue to postgraduate study.

Accreditation & Professional Recognition

Licensed and accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA); UAEU also holds US institutional accreditation from WSCUC.

Programme Details

Award

Master of Arts

Start Date

August (Fall intake)

Typical Offer

A relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Duration

2 years

Qualification

Masters

Subject Area

Social Sciences

Campus

Al Ain

Course Type

Master of Arts

Study Pattern

Full time

Delivery Format

In person