Master of Arts in Defence and Strategic Studies
The Master of Arts in Defence and Strategic Studies provides advanced training in defence policy, strategic studies, military strategy, national security, and defence management. Students learn defence theory, strategic analysis, military strategy, national security policy, and defence governance. The programme is designed for military officers, security professionals, and defence policy analysts seeking advanced defence and strategic studies expertise.
Students develop advanced competencies in defence policy, strategic studies, military strategy, national security, defence management, and security analysis. The curriculum covers defence and strategic theory, military strategy, national security policy, defence management, international security, intelligence, research methods, and a research dissertation. Practical skills are developed through case studies and strategic exercises.
Defence and strategic studies expertise is critical for Kenya's national security and military effectiveness. The Kenya Defence Forces, security agencies, government, and international organisations require trained personnel for defence policy and strategy. Kenya's security challenges and regional security role create demand for defence expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced defence and strategic studies training.
The programme combines classroom lectures with case studies, strategic exercises, and research. Students study defence concepts, analyse strategic issues, examine military strategy, and conduct security research. Teaching methods include lectures, case studies, strategic simulations, and research supervision. The programme emphasises analytical and strategic skills for defence and national security.
Graduates find employment in the Kenya Defence Forces, security agencies, government security departments, international organisations, and defence research institutions. The master's degree supports careers in defence policy, military strategy, security analysis, and strategic leadership.
This programme is ideal for military officers, security professionals, and defence policy analysts seeking advanced defence and strategic studies expertise. The programme provides specialised skills for defence leadership and strategic policy roles.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 220,500
- Job market
- Moderate
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time, Part-time, Modular
- Attachment
- 0 months
- Average class
- 20 students
- Award
- Master
What you study
10 subjects- Defence and Strategic Theory
- Military Strategy
- National Security Policy
- Defence Management
- International Security
- Intelligence Studies
- Strategic Analysis
- Defence Economics
- Research Methods in Security Studies
- Dissertation Research
Modules
8 in the programmeDefence and Strategic Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Defence and strategic theory covering classical and modern strategic thought, defence theory, strategic concepts, and the evolution of strategic studies.
Military Strategy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Military strategy covering strategy formulation, operational art, campaign planning, military doctrine, and contemporary military strategy.
National Security Policy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
National security policy covering national security strategy, security policy formulation, inter-agency coordination, and Kenya's national security architecture.
Research Methods in Security Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, security research ethics, and defence research methods.
Defence Management and Economics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Defence management covering defence resource management, defence budgeting, procurement, force development, and defence economics.
International Security
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
International security covering global security architecture, alliances, regional security, African security, and Kenya's role in regional and international security.
Intelligence and Strategic Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Intelligence covering intelligence for defence, strategic intelligence, and strategic analysis covering threat assessment, net assessment, and strategic forecasting.
Dissertation Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research dissertation on a defence or strategic studies topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to defence studies knowledge.
Specialisations
Military Strategy
Focus on strategy formulation, operational art, campaign planning, military doctrine, and contemporary military strategy.
Defence Policy and Management
Focus on defence policy, defence resource management, defence budgeting, procurement, and force development.
International Security
Focus on global security, alliances, regional security, African security, and Kenya's role in international security.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on defence theory or strategic studies with afternoon case studies and strategic exercises. Students study defence concepts, analyse strategic issues, examine military campaigns, and conduct security research. Strategic exercises involve defence scenario simulations and strategic planning. The programme emphasises analytical skills, strategic thinking, and defence policy competence in national security contexts.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Defence and strategic expertise is critical for Kenya's national security and military effectiveness.
- Offered at NDU-K, Kenya's premier defence university with direct links to the Kenya Defence Forces.
- Provides advanced qualifications for senior military, defence policy, and strategic leadership roles.
Against it
- The programme is offered at a specialised defence institution with restricted access.
- Specific fee data is not publicly available; estimate based on comparable programmes.
- Career opportunities are primarily within government, military, and security sectors, which may have restricted entry.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 241 social sciences coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
UoN proxy 441K/2yr(uonbi.ac.ke). NDU-K fees not public. Private unverified.
As a government defence institution, NDU-K provides government sponsorship for military and security personnel. HELB loans may be available for eligible Kenyan students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- Alternative entry
- Bachelor's degree (minimum Second Class Lower Division) in Security Studies, Military Studies, Political Science, International Relations, or related field from a CUE-recognised institution. Security clearance may be required. Contact NDU-K for specific requirements.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCoursework and Case Studies
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, case study analyses, and strategic exercises evaluating understanding of defence and strategic studies concepts.
Strategic Exercises and Research Papers
Project30% of the mark
Strategic scenario exercises, defence policy analysis papers, and military strategy assignments.
Dissertation Defence
Project30% of the mark
A master's dissertation demonstrating research competence in defence and strategic studies.
Accreditation
NDU-K is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MA programme is accredited by CUE.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
NDU-K is chartered by CUE. MA programme accredited by CUE.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesDefence Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 300,000
Analyses defence policy and strategy in government, research institutions, or think tanks, providing research-based recommendations for defence policy.
Military Strategist
Moderate demand
Develops and analyses military strategy in the Kenya Defence Forces, supporting strategic planning, operational design, and force development.
Security Policy Advisor
Moderate demand
Advises government on national security policy, defence strategy, and security cooperation, developing policy frameworks and strategies.
Defence Researcher
Low demand
Conducts research on defence, security, and strategy in research institutions or think tanks, contributing to defence scholarship and policy.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment in the Kenya Defence Forces, security agencies, and government security departments, with specialised expertise in defence policy, military strategy, and national security.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Defence studies is only for military officers.
Defence studies is valuable for security professionals, policy analysts, government officials, and anyone working in national security and defence policy.
Strategic studies is just about war.
Strategic studies covers deterrence, alliances, defence economics, intelligence, cybersecurity, and comprehensive national security, not just warfare.
Defence studies has no civilian application.
Defence expertise is valuable in government, international organisations, security consulting, and policy research, not just military service.
A master's in defence studies is not needed for military careers.
Advanced defence and strategic studies qualifications are increasingly important for senior military and security leadership roles.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Master of Arts in Defence and Strategic Studies are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.