The Defence Studies Department is at the heart of security and defence education in the United Kingdom
Outstanding teaching
Our unique academic-military partnership with the UK Defence Academy places us in the forefront of professional military education internationally. Our academic staff are world-leading experts and pioneers in their fields, responding to the evolving needs of military education in an everchanging environment. We aim to equip students with the knowledge, creativity, and intellectual skills necessary to succeed in a complex and demanding operating environment.
World-leading research
We sit in the School of Security Studies alongside Department of War Studies, forming the largest community of scholars in the world dedicated to producing world-leading research on security and defence. Our research develops new empirical knowledge, employs innovative theory, and addresses vital policy issues across the disciplines of defence, security, strategic studies and the history of conflict.
An international community
We are an international community of scholars aiming to develop the intellectual edge of defence and security practitioners from the UK and all over the world. With staff and students coming from over 50 countries, we're also globally connected via partnerships with universities and organisations all around the world, mutually benefitting students and researchers alike.
Our impact and engagement
We provide evidence-based advice to the UK government and internationally on all areas related to defence, security, and strategy. We inform, engage, and lead in discussion and debates across the defence and security policy sector nationally and internationally.