MA History of Warfare

Program Overview

The MA in History of Warfare at the University of Birmingham offers a rigorous study of military history, focusing on the causes, strategies, and consequences of warfare from ancient times to the modern day. The program covers a wide range of topics, from ancient warfare and medieval conflicts to modern warfare and post-World War military history. Students will explore not only military tactics and battles but also the broader societal, economic, and technological factors that shape military conflicts. The course is designed to develop both historical analysis and critical thinking skills, allowing students to engage with complex historical texts, archives, and research methods. The program culminates in a dissertation, which provides students with an opportunity to conduct original research on a specific area of military history.

Curriculum: The MA in History of Warfare curriculum is structured to give students a comprehensive understanding of military history through core modules and a variety of optional courses. Key modules typically include Theories and Methods in Military History, The Military Revolution and Early Modern Warfare, War in the Ancient World, and The First and Second World Wars. Students are encouraged to develop expertise in specific areas of warfare, such as the history of naval warfare, military technology, combatants' experiences, and military leadership. The curriculum also covers military culture, examining how societies have viewed and interacted with warfare. Optional modules provide opportunities to explore specialized topics, including warfare in the Cold War, war and memory, and global conflicts. Throughout the course, students will engage with historical sources, research methodologies, and historiographical debates, allowing them to build a nuanced understanding of how warfare has shaped global history.

Research Focus: The MA in History of Warfare is strongly research-oriented, with a particular focus on developing students' ability to critically analyze and interpret historical sources related to military history. The University of Birmingham is renowned for its research in military history, with expertise in various periods, including ancient warfare, medieval battles, and modern military conflicts. Research themes include war and society, military technology, battlefield tactics, and the impact of war on civilian populations. Students will have the opportunity to engage with ongoing research projects and to produce their own original research on topics of their interest, supported by expert faculty members. The University’s Centre for War Studies provides a vibrant research environment where students can attend seminars, workshops, and discussions, as well as collaborate with researchers on cutting-edge projects in military history.

Industry Engagement: The MA in History of Warfare offers substantial industry engagement opportunities, enabling students to connect with professionals working in museums, heritage organizations, publishing, education, and defense sectors. The University of Birmingham has strong partnerships with organizations such as the National Army Museum, Royal Armouries, and Imperial War Museums, offering students potential internships, placements, and networking opportunities. These partnerships provide hands-on experience in military history curation, research, and education, allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. The program also features guest lectures and events with military historians, scholars, and professionals from the defense and heritage industries, providing insights into career pathways and the application of military history expertise in various fields.

Global Perspective: The MA in History of Warfare provides a global perspective on military history, encouraging students to analyze conflicts from a variety of regions and historical contexts. The program covers warfare in both Western and non-Western societies, from ancient Greece and Rome to global conflicts such as the World Wars and Cold War. Students will explore how different cultures have approached warfare, the role of military forces in shaping global politics, and the impact of military conflicts on international relations. The University’s global outlook is further enhanced through its research collaborations with international scholars and institutions, providing students with a broader understanding of the global history of warfare. Graduates will leave with a well-rounded understanding of how warfare has influenced world history and its ongoing impact on international relations.