M.Sc. in Defence and Strategic Studies

The M.Sc. in Defence and Strategic Studies at DY Patil University, Navi Mumbai is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme designed for students interested in national security, military strategy, geopolitics, and international relations.

This programme combines interdisciplinary learning across defence studies, war studies, and global security dynamics, preparing students for careers in defence services, policy research, academia, and strategic analysis.

The programme covers:

• National security and defence policy analysis
• Military history, war studies, and strategic thought
• International relations and geopolitics
• Counter-terrorism, and cyber security
• Defence economics and intelligence systems
• Emerging technologies in national security

This makes it suitable for students searching for masters in defence and strategic studies or defence studies courses in India.

• Interdisciplinary approach covering defence, geopolitics, and security studies
• Emphasis on policy research and strategic analysis
• Includes exposure to real-world security case studies and conflict scenarios
• Focus on global security systems, military strategy, and international affairs
• Research-oriented learning with academic and policy-driven applications

For National Students

Candidates applying to the M.Sc. in Defence and Strategic Studies must have completed Graduation in any stream from a recognised University, securing a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate at the first attempt.

Reserved category candidates are eligible with a minimum of 45%. All admitted candidates are required to register with DY Patil University through their constituent or affiliated institution.

For International Students

International applicants must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in their qualifying examination and must have studied the pre-requisite subjects required for admission to the desired programme.

INR 5,50,000/- Per Year

Students enrolled in the M.Sc. in Defence and Strategic Studies programme receive 100% placement assistance supported by VPSM’s dedicated placement team. Career guidance, research exposure, and internship opportunities help students prepare for roles across defence, policy, and strategic research domains.

DY Patil University’s M.Sc. in Defence and Strategic Studies integrates a structured internship programme that connects students with leading voices in India’s national security scholarship ecosystem.

• Post completion of the programme, students have the opportunity to begin their careers in defence services, research organisations, and policy institutions immediately.
• The internship programme places students with national security researchers and policy scholars, exposing them to a variety of research topics across regional and thematic security issues.
• Graduates are equipped to enter the Defence Studies and Analyses sector, work with intelligence and strategic affairs wings, and contribute to India’s growing policy research community.

DY Patil University’s global partnerships enrich the M.Sc. in Defence and Strategic Studies through access to internationally recognised learning resources, faculty networks, and research frameworks.

• NAAC A++ accredited institution with AICTE approval
• One of the emerging specialised defence studies programme in India
• Curriculum focused on strategy, policy, and geopolitical analysis
• Exposure to research methodologies and strategic frameworks
• International academic certifications through Harvard and MIT platforms
• Internship opportunities with policy researchers and security scholars
• 100% placement assistance across research and strategic domains