M.Phil. (Defence & Strategic Studies)

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Master of Philosophy in Defence & Strategic Studies

Duration

2 Years

Level

Post Graduation

Type

Degree

Eligibility

Post Graduation

M.Phil. Defence & Strategic Studies or Master of Philosophy in Defence and Strategic Studies is a postgraduate Defence Studies course. Firstly, Defence which implies measures taken by soldiers in protecting themselves or country whether by use of protective materials such as armour, or field construction of trenches or a bunker or by using weapons that prevent the enemy approaching them to initiate close combat. Secondly, Strategic Studies that is an interdisciplinary academic field devoted to topics concerning the relationship between politics, geography and natural resources, economics, and military power, such as the role of intelligence, diplomacy and threats in the preparation and use of force. The duration of M.Phil. (Defence & Strategic Studies) is from one to two academic years but it may vary from institute to institute and may be provided by some institutes on distance or a part-time basis. The course is valuable and job-creating one in the defence and security field.

M.Phil. Defence & Strategic Studies Eligibility

  • Aspiring candidates should have a Master's degree in science, arts or engineering, etc. Candidates need to acquire 55% marks in the subject chosen for M.Phil. course or an allied subject at the postgraduate level to be considered eligible for the course.
  • A written test may be conducted to assess the candidate’s knowledge. Those who qualify in the written test will be required to appear in an interview.
  • The admission procedure and mode of selection for admission to Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) through distance learning, however, may vary from one Institute to another. Some Institutes have specific added eligibility criteria for admitting candidates into their distance learning M.Phil. programme.

M.Phil. Defence & Strategic Studies Syllabus

Syllabus of Defence & Strategic Studies as prescribed by various Universities and Colleges.

Sem. I

Sr. No.

Subjects of Study

Paper I

Title: Research Methodology

Sect. I

1. Research Methodology: Meaning, Applications, Characteristics and Approaches to Strategic Studies.
2. Scientific Methods of Research in Social Sciences.
3. Formulation of Research Problem: Review of Literature, Concept and Variables.
4. Hypotheses: Definition, Functions, Characteristics and Types of Hypotheses.

II

5. Research Design. Types and formulation of Research Design.
6. Sampling: Concept, Principles and types of Sampling.
7. Data collection: Method, Questionnaire, Schedule & Interview.
8. Processing, Analysis, Report Writing and Bibliography.

Paper II

Title: Strategic Thinking & Culture

Section I

1. Sun Tzu: The art of war.
2. Napoleon: Military Leadership and Manoeuvre Warfare.
3. Jomini: Concept of mass army and tactics.
4. Clausewitz: Theories on war

II

5. Economic Foundation of military power – Views of Adam Smith & Hamilton
6. Concept of Integrated Warfare.
7. Theories of Nuclear War.
8. India’s Strategic & Space Programme

Paper III

Title: Conflict and Cooperation in South Asia

Section I

1. Geo-political structure and Geo-Strategic significance of South Asia.
2. Regional & Extra-regional threats in South Asia.
3. Defence policies of South Asian States.
4. Ethnic conflicts, separatism, insurgency and terrorism in South Asia – Causes and responses.

II

5. CBMs in South Asia – Scope & relevance.
6. Political, economic and security co-operation in South Asia with reference to SAARC.
7. Nuclear deterrence and Missiles Proliferation in South Asia
8. Problems & Prospects of Regional Cooperation.

Sem. II

Paper I

Title: Conflict Resolution & Peace Building

Section I

1. Conflict Resolution and Peace Building: meaning and significance.
2. Conflict Resolution, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Transformation.
3. Understanding Conflict-psychological, political, social and economic aspects.
4. Nature of Conflict Resolution and Peace Building: Conflicts between the states and conflicts within the state.

II

5. Strategies and Techniques for Conflict Resolution and Peace Building.
6. Role of third party intervention (state(s) in conflict resolution and peace-building.
7. Role of Civil Society in conflict resolution and peace-building.
8. Role of the United Nations in conflict resolution and peace-building.

Paper II

Title: Indian Ocean and India’s Security

Section I

1. Geo-political and geostrategic significance of the Indian Ocean.
2. Regional conflicts in the Indian Ocean Region.
3. Extra-regional powers interests and involvement in the Indian Ocean.
4. Sea Laws and Indian Ocean Region.

II

5. India’s Strategic perspective in the Indian Ocean.
6. India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean.
7. India’s threat perceptions in the Indian Ocean.
8. India’s maritime/naval capabilities.

Paper III

Title: Dissertation

 

i. Research design preparation and presentation 
ii. Dissertation evaluation 
iii. Viva-Voce Examination

 

M.Phil. Defence & Strategic Studies Colleges

M.Phil. Defence & Strategic Studies Course Suitability

Students willing to go in defence and security of the country and want to contribute to it are the most suitable for this course. Those who want to become lecturer/professor at college/university level will have to have the first NET pass exam along M.Phil. Course; therefore, they can go for it. They should have a deep understanding of global, regional and national issues of defence and strategic importance. Applicants should also be able to deliver high-quality programs in strategic and defence policy and planning, leadership and management, and security issues regional and national importance.

How is M.Phil. Defence & Strategic Studies Course Beneficial?

This course enables the candidates to go for various Defences related jobs as they can become security advisor in defence teams. The second benefit is they can go for higher degree programmes in respective subjects objecting to become teacher and lecturer at the school and college level respectively. They can also go for teaching jobs in Army schools after passing some certain qualification prescribed for the job like UGC-NET for permanent lectureship.

M.Phil. Defence & Strategic Studies Employment Areas

  • Army/Navy/Air Forces
  • Educational Institutes
  • Military Hospitals
  • Police Administration
  • UPSC

M.Phil. Defence & Strategic Studies Job Types

  • Commissioned Officer
  • Lecturer & Assistant Professor
  • Defence Business Unit Head
  • National Security Advisor
  • Defence Solution Architect
  • Public Service Commission Officer
  • Defence Practice Lead
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Defence Key Account Manager

Advance Course in M.Phil. Defence & Strategic Studies