MASTER OF ARTS (STRATEGIC AND DEFENCE STUDIES)



Programme Overview

The Master of Arts (Strategic and Defence Studies) is an advanced academic study that combines the theoretical and practical expertise of leading academics and policy-makers to deliver Malaysia's foremost strategic studies program. 


It is suitable if you plan to progress to a career with an international focus. The programmed is designed to develop the analytical frameworks you need to tackle the regional and global strategic and security challenges of your career, and graduate a leader in your field.


The Master of Arts (Strategic and Defence Studies) programme 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 international 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, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Middle East, Africa and the Great Powers. Currently emphasis is also placed on the study of conflict resolution, human security, human rights, climate change, environmental politics, regionalism, international development and managing peace in post-conflict areas.


Full-Time Duration: 3 Semesters (Mixed-Mode)


Programme Structure

Core Courses (15 Credits)
  1. Defence Analysis
  2. International Relations of Theory
  3. Modern Warfare
  4. International Security
  5. Research Methodology in Strategic and Defence Studie


Research Courses (35 Credits)

  1. Dissertation                                                                                                        

                                                                     

Career Prospects

Defense Analyst, Strategic Policy Advisor, Military Strategist, International Security Consultant, Defense Researcher, Government Defense Advisor, Intelligence Analyst, International Relations Specialist, Security Risk Assessor, Military Affairs Analyst, Strategic Planning Consultant, Defense Procurement Specialist, Diplomatic Security Advisor, Conflict Resolution Specialist, Academic Lecturer in Strategic and Defense Studies.

          

Tuition Fee

Local

RM14,900

International

RM34,000

Intake

Semester 2 (March) Intake, Academic Session 2025/2026

Entry Requirement

General Entry Requirements
  • For applicants with a CGPA of not less than 3.00:
    • Possess a Bachelor’s Degree with a CGPA of not less than 3.00; or
  • For applicants with a CGPA of 2.50 – 2.99 (must fulfill at least one of the following): 
    • Graduate from Universiti Malaya; or
    • Accumulate at least one (1) year of work experience in related fields; or
    • Produce publications in related field; or
    • Receive a scholarship; or
    • Serve as a staff member of a government agency; or
    • Pass an interview conducted by the Faculty; or
    • Pass a special evaluation by the Faculty
Specific Entry Requirements
  • General University Requirements: Fulfill the General University Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree Qualification: Possess a Bachelor's Degree
  • Equivalent Qualification: 
    1. Possessed Professional qualification from a recognized professional body; or
    2. Possessed Professional qualification approved by Senate from time to time; or
    3. APEL (A) qualification; or
    4. APEL (Q) qualification
  • Related fields: Bachelor’s Degree in any fields.
  • Special Requirements: N/A
English Requirements
  • Malaysia University English Test (MUET): Band 4.0; or
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Band 6.0; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Paper-Based Test (PBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-Based Test (IBT) (Centre-Based): Score 60; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Computer-Based Test (CBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Essential Online: Score 8.5; or
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Score 59; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests – Linguaskill Online: Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English – B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Score 169; or
  • Cambridge English – B2 Business Vantage, C1 Business Higher: Not applicable; or
  • Occupational English Test (OET) (Conventional / Online): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: First (FCE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Not applicable