Air Power: History, Theory and Practice MA

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The programme aims to explore a wide variety of air power issues and debates. It is open to students from all backgrounds including the armed forces, industry, students from other disciplines and those who seek to expand their knowledge of this exciting subject within a structured academic environment.

The course is delivered on a flexible part-time basis over two years, through Saturday Schools, allowing you to fit your studies around work, family and other commitments.

Course fact file

Type of Course: Taught

Study Options: Part time

Duration: 2 years part-time

Start date: September 2013

Details

Over the last century, air power has proved to be one of the most complex and fascinating forms of military capability. It is full of contradictions and controversies. Its reach and versatility make it the most desirable of components; its lack of permanency equally offers real flexibility, but also potential drawbacks. Some issues, such as the strategic bombing of Germany continue to promote ‘savage’ debate. And much has been made of the rhetoric, and of the consequences, of warfare in the third dimension. This exciting MA programme provides a unique opportunity to study the theory, history and practice of air power within the context of War Studies.

You will study six core modules which include:

  • Air Power theory in the wider context of military thinking
  • Study of the impact of technology, training and tactics on operations 
  • Political, legal and ethical issues 
  • The experience of air warfare

Each of the modules is assessed by completion of a 4,000-word essay and you will complete a 15,000-word dissertation at the end of your second year.

By the end of the programme, you will have been exposed to many of the debates and issues surrounding air power. You will be able to couch your ideas in relation to the academic literature and structure your responses. You will have learned the necessary research skills to be able work at Masters level and will be able to consider taking your research further at higher levels.

Fees and funding

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2013/14 are as follows:

  • Home / EU: £2,565 part-time

Learn more about fees and funding   

Scholarships and studentships

Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available.
For further information, visit the College of Arts and Law scholarships page or email financialsupport@bham.ac.uk

International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

Entry requirements

A good Honours degree in History or an equivalent discipline. Other professional qualifications comparable to degree standard would also be considered, e.g., an Honours degree or higher degree in a subject other than History, or professional qualifications of degree standard such as law, accountancy, management, or published work in a relevant field. Every submission is considered on its own merits. 

Learn more about entry requirements

How to apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Learning and teaching

This programme is delivered through our Centre for War Studies, so you’ll be taught by academics who are experts in their field.

The course has been designed around enquiry-based learning, and consists of a flexible blend of tutor presentations, student-led discussion, student presentations and assessed written work. Each module will be taught through three intensive Saturday Schools to allow you to fit study around your existing commitments.

As a postgraduate on the Air Power: History, Theory and Practice MA programme, you’ll also become part of – and contribute to – the vibrant international community of the College of Arts and Law Graduate School, which offers dedicated research resources and a supportive working environment. Our team of academic and operational staff are on hand to offer support and advice to all postgraduate students within the College.

Related research

Employability

The University of Birmingham has been ranked 9th in the UK and 55th in the world, for post-qualification employability in a global survey of universities commissioned by the International Herald Tribune.

The course will enable its graduates to follow a wide range of careers in which an analytical approach would be beneficial. These include the armed forces, industry, media and further research. Historically, over 96 per cent of our History students have been in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for employment and this will be further enhanced by the employability skills training offered through the College of Arts and Law Graduate School.