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Professional military education
Research
My last 18 months with the Defence Studies Department have been unparalleled in terms of receiving academic guidance while conducting field research to support my thesis work, which centres on the USG Use of Civilian Contractors to Deliver Foreign Military Training. Funding from the Defence Studies Department and Faculty supported my field research in Afghanistan, as well as attendance at a number of US DoD special operations conferences. DSD has also supported my taking time to pursue professional development opportunities My role as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the Joint Services Command and Staff College has allowed me to integrate my academic work with the responsibilities of an educator in the Professional Military Education (PME) field. I could not have participated in so many incredible research and professional development opportunities without the support of the Defence Studies Department, as well as the remarkable encouragement from my supervisor, Dr Chris Kinsey. Whitney Grespin, DSD PhD Student
My last 18 months with the Defence Studies Department have been unparalleled in terms of receiving academic guidance while conducting field research to support my thesis work, which centres on the USG Use of Civilian Contractors to Deliver Foreign Military Training. Funding from the Defence Studies Department and Faculty supported my field research in Afghanistan, as well as attendance at a number of US DoD special operations conferences. DSD has also supported my taking time to pursue professional development opportunities My role as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the Joint Services Command and Staff College has allowed me to integrate my academic work with the responsibilities of an educator in the Professional Military Education (PME) field. I could not have participated in so many incredible research and professional development opportunities without the support of the Defence Studies Department, as well as the remarkable encouragement from my supervisor, Dr Chris Kinsey.
My Master of Arts in Defence Studies was taught by some of the most qualified and experienced academics in their field, and all of whom contributed significantly to my learning journey. The course was very well structured, introducing challenging topics and perspectives in a manner that build upon prior knowledge while forcing us to extend ourselves intellectually. Group activities were undertaken in an environment that encouraged students to take intellectual risks, and to challenge ideas and orthodoxy in a supportive environment. Highlights of the course included the Staff Rides across the battlefields of Normandy, the additional research and academic writing skills sessions, and the many group activities. The inclusion of the MA Special Subject and the Defence Research Project allowed us to get to grips with the detail of our particular research interests, and to really extend our knowledge. Maj Dave Cave, ACSC IIS 20 Student
My Master of Arts in Defence Studies was taught by some of the most qualified and experienced academics in their field, and all of whom contributed significantly to my learning journey. The course was very well structured, introducing challenging topics and perspectives in a manner that build upon prior knowledge while forcing us to extend ourselves intellectually. Group activities were undertaken in an environment that encouraged students to take intellectual risks, and to challenge ideas and orthodoxy in a supportive environment. Highlights of the course included the Staff Rides across the battlefields of Normandy, the additional research and academic writing skills sessions, and the many group activities. The inclusion of the MA Special Subject and the Defence Research Project allowed us to get to grips with the detail of our particular research interests, and to really extend our knowledge.
The course offers a good balance of historic and current event that are shaping the political landscape in which the military operates which keeps it superficially relevant and interesting. More importantly the course uses defence studies to encourage analysis and critical thinking which is where the real value lies. I felt it was made very accessible by the lecturers, their presence within the UKDA and their independence from the MOD which enables them to encourage students to challenge ideas and assumptions regardless of whether they are right and wrong. The approach towards topics and interpretation of the questions was very relaxed which gave me sufficient freedom to explore and develop my understanding in areas of personal interest. Guidance was available but only on request which stimulates the rapid development of personal initiative and confidence in one’s academic ability. A rare opportunity and I could not ask for more. DSD Student Testimonial
The course offers a good balance of historic and current event that are shaping the political landscape in which the military operates which keeps it superficially relevant and interesting. More importantly the course uses defence studies to encourage analysis and critical thinking which is where the real value lies. I felt it was made very accessible by the lecturers, their presence within the UKDA and their independence from the MOD which enables them to encourage students to challenge ideas and assumptions regardless of whether they are right and wrong. The approach towards topics and interpretation of the questions was very relaxed which gave me sufficient freedom to explore and develop my understanding in areas of personal interest. Guidance was available but only on request which stimulates the rapid development of personal initiative and confidence in one’s academic ability. A rare opportunity and I could not ask for more.
I could not have participated in so many incredible research and professional development opportunities without the support of the Defence Studies Department, as well as the remarkable encouragement from my supervisor. DSD Student Testimonial
I could not have participated in so many incredible research and professional development opportunities without the support of the Defence Studies Department, as well as the remarkable encouragement from my supervisor.