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Course summary
Study defence institutions, strategic policy and regional security in their political, historical and social contexts. You will examine civilian oversight, African peace and security, public resources and the protection of people. Southern African cases support critical analysis, ethical research and the development of practical policy recommendations. The programme prepares you for further study and civilian policy, research and governance work.
Complete all 30 subjects across three academic stages, normally studied over three years full-time. Stage 1 develops the conceptual, historical and academic foundations. Stage 2 examines defence governance, regional cooperation and research methods. Stage 3 integrates strategic analysis, supervised applied work and an individual research project. Practical learning uses published, synthetic or expressly authorised information. This is an academic programme, not military commissioning or operational combat training.
What you'll learn
- Analyse defence-policy choices using historical, political and economic evidence. Explain civilian oversight, professional responsibility and lawful institutional mandates. Evaluate African and Southern African arrangements for peace, cooperation and civilian protection. Assess policy alternatives with attention to affordability, inclusion and unintended effects. Conduct ethical research using public or authorised information. Produce and defend an evidence-based strategic policy recommendation.
Requirements
- You should hold a school-leaving qualification granting access to bachelor’s degree study, or an assessed equivalent route. Prepare with academic English, basic quantitative reasoning and digital study skills. BMIT assesses prior qualifications, relevant experience and any recognition of prior learning before admission. Access to a supervised placement, where used, requires separate approval. Programme admission does not confer appointment to a defence or security service.