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Military Strategic Studies master’s degree programme

The Military Strategic Studies (MSS) master’s degree programme starts each year in September at the Faculty of Military Sciences (FMW) in Breda, The Netherlands. The MSS curriculum and all assessments, to include all graded elements of the programme are in English. The programme is completed on a part-time basis. Intake is limited to 45 students a year.

Content of the master’s degree programme

This broad-based programme in strategic studies focuses on the role of the military instrument in the context of today’s security policy issues and provides a thorough analysis of modern strategic (security) issues.

Areas addressed include the role of intelligence and intelligence organisations in security policy, the relationship between security issues and the strategic concept in this regard. Attention is also given to the ethical and legal aspects associated with legitimacy and the deployment of armed forces. In addition, current issues such as cyber operations, (counter) terrorism and the evolving character of war are explored.

Structure of the master’s degree programme

The part-time MSS programme takes 2 years. The first year comprises three 10-week semesters each covering two courses. The second year starts with two 10-week semesters covering three courses, as well as the development of an Initial Research Proposal (IRP). The final semester covers the thesis research and writing period. In additional to the lectures, the programme entails a substantial self-study load of approximately 20 hours a week. The lectures (two 3-hour blocks) take place on Fridays in Breda.

Target groups

The master’s degree programme is primarily designed for:

  • Dutch officers with a permanent employment contract.
  • The Netherlands Ministry of Defence civil servants with a permanent employment contract.

The master’s degree programme is also open to:

  • Military officers of allied or partner countries.
  • Dutch military reservists (including ‘Defensity College’ students).
  • Civilian students with a recent and relevant university degree (BA or MA).
  • Employees of other ministries of the Netherlands or NGOs with a permanent employment contract who work with military organisations by virtue of their professional duties.

Admission requirements

Officers and civilian employees of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence must hold at least a university bachelor’s degree or must have completed a Royal Netherlands Military Academy/Royal Netherlands Naval College extended training programme, or the Advanced Defence Studies programme. Several years of work experience is required.

Civilian students and other candidates must hold at least an academic university bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Proof of proficiency in English is required for admission to the master’s degree programme. Dutch language skills are highly recommended.

Costs

The programme is free of charge for the primary target group (NLD MoD military and civilian employees with a permanent employment. The programme is also free of charge for foreign military students with a permanent employment.

Other participants (such as military reservists, ‘Defensity College’ students and all non-Ministry of Defence civilian students will be charged the statutory tuition fees as determined each year by the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. The tuition fee for the academic year 2025 - 2026 is € 2,601. For students only attending separate courses, the tuition fee is €100 per EC. Students who have already obtained a master’s degree will be charged the institutional tuition fee (for 2025-2026 this is set at € 5,202). Separate courses for these students come at €200 per EC.

Programme structure

The master’s degree programme consists of 4 compulsory courses, 4 grouped (track) courses and an elective course. Depending on preference, experience, prior education, aims and capacity, students are assigned to one of the three tracks:

  • War Studies (WS);
  • Intelligence & Security (I&S);
  • Managing and Organising in the Military (MOM).

The student completes the programme with a 10.000 words thesis.

Our educational model is based on active participation, interaction between practically experienced military, and (more) theoretically skilled civilian students, as well as the mutual exchange of experience, knowledge and insights.

Courses

The MSS programme consists of a total of 60 ECs. Subject to availability and capacity, student may attend one or more individual courses (5 EC each). Each course comprises ten mandatory (weekly) sessions culminating in an examination. Each semesters is followed by a lecture-free period (two to three weeks).

Information session

On March 13, 2025, we will hold a (one-time, physical) information evening for those interested in the MSS 2022 master program at the Kromhout Barracks in Utrecht.

Application and registration

Registration for the 2025-2026 academic year (start August/September 2025) is possible from February 1, 2026 until May 31, 2026. You can express your interest via master.mss@mindef.nl.

Additional information

More information can be found in the following documents: