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M-A in Defence And National Security Studies at Panjab University
Chandigarh, Chandigarh
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About the Specialization
What is Defence and National Security Studies at Panjab University Chandigarh?
This M.A. Defence and National Security Studies program at Panjab University focuses on comprehensive aspects of national and international security. It delves into strategic thought, evolving warfare, geopolitical dynamics, and policy challenges, preparing students for critical analysis. The program is vital in India, given the nation''''s complex security environment and increasing strategic significance.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into strategic analysis, policy research, or defence journalism. It also suits working professionals from armed forces, police, or intelligence agencies looking to deepen their academic understanding, and civil service aspirants aiming for roles in defence and foreign ministries with a specialized background.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in think tanks, government agencies, media, and academia within India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-25+ LPA in policy consulting or strategic roles. Growth trajectories include becoming policy analysts, intelligence officers, or defence experts.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Core Concepts and Research Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand core theories of international relations, warfare evolution, and national security. Simultaneously, build strong research methodology skills by practicing critical reading and academic writing. Engage in classroom discussions to solidify foundational knowledge.
Tools & Resources
University Library Databases, JSTOR, Google Scholar, Departmental Study Groups
Career Connection
A strong conceptual base is essential for all analytical and policy-making roles, ensuring informed decision-making and clear communication in future careers.
Active Participation in Seminars and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and inter-collegiate debates on current affairs and security issues. This fosters critical thinking, public speaking skills, and the ability to articulate complex arguments, crucial for defence analysts and policy advocates.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Event Notices, Current Affairs Journals, Public Policy Forums
Career Connection
Develops communication and analytical skills valued in think tanks, civil services, and media, enhancing your profile for future roles.
Networking with Faculty and Peers- (Semester 1-2)
Build relationships with professors and senior students. Seek guidance on academic interests, potential research topics, and career paths. Peer learning groups can help in understanding diverse perspectives and collaborative problem-solving, which is vital in security studies.
Tools & Resources
Faculty Office Hours, Student Mentorship Programs, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Creates a supportive academic network, opens doors to mentorship, and potentially leads to research collaborations and career opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Specialized Skill Development and Policy Analysis- (Semester 3)
Focus on developing specialized skills through elective choices like Cyber Security or Defence Technology. Practice writing policy briefs and analytical reports on contemporary security challenges, utilizing a structured approach to problem-solving and solution formulation.
Tools & Resources
NITI Aayog Reports, Ministry of Defence Publications, Specific Think Tank Journals
Career Connection
Prepares students for roles in policy advisory and strategic analysis, where practical application of knowledge is paramount.
Engaging in Internships and Field Visits- (Semester 3)
Actively seek internships with defence think tanks, government departments (like Ministry of External Affairs or Defence), or NGOs working on security issues. Participate in organized field visits to military establishments or relevant institutions to gain practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Placement Cell, Online Internship Portals (Internshala), Industry Contacts
Career Connection
Provides real-world experience, valuable industry contacts, and often leads to pre-placement offers or crucial insights for career direction.
Participating in National Level Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Join national-level essay competitions, model UN events, or security conclaves to test your knowledge against peers from other institutions. These platforms enhance your competitive edge and broaden your professional network within the defence and security community.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Notice Boards, University Event Calendars, Professional Organizations'''' Websites
Career Connection
Builds confidence, expands professional networks, and demonstrates expertise to potential employers, especially for roles in diplomacy or intelligence.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 4)
Undertake a rigorous dissertation or research project on a contemporary and relevant security issue. This demonstrates in-depth knowledge, advanced research capabilities, and the ability to contribute original thought to the field, crucial for academic or specialized research roles.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated Faculty Supervisor, Statistical Software (if applicable), EndNote/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
Showcases expert-level research skills, a significant advantage for academic positions, think tank roles, or higher studies (Ph.D.).
Comprehensive Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Engage in mock interviews, group discussions, and resume building workshops facilitated by the university''''s career services. Tailor your applications to specific roles in government, defence, or private security firms, highlighting your specialized knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Career Counseling Services, Interview Preparation Guides, Job Portals (Naukri.com, LinkedIn Jobs)
Career Connection
Directly prepares you for the recruitment process, increasing the likelihood of securing desirable placements in relevant sectors.
Exploring Professional Certifications and Language Skills- (Semester 4)
Consider certifications in areas like cybersecurity, disaster management, or peacebuilding if aligning with career goals. Learning a foreign language (e.g., Mandarin, Arabic, Russian) can significantly enhance employability in international relations and intelligence fields.
Tools & Resources
Online Certification Platforms (Coursera, edX), Language Learning Apps (Duolingo), Cultural Centers
Career Connection
Adds valuable, tangible skills to your profile, making you more competitive for specialized international roles and enhancing global career prospects.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree with 45% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade point. For students passing Honours Examination, 45% in aggregate in the Honours subject.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MADS-101 | Theories of International Relations | Core | 4 | Classical Realism and Neo-Realism, Classical Liberalism and Neo-Liberalism, Constructivism and Critical Theory, Marxist and Post-Structuralist Approaches, Feminist and Green Perspectives |
| MADS-102 | Evolution of Warfare | Core | 4 | Ancient and Medieval Warfare, Napoleonic and Industrial Warfare, World Wars and Cold War Conflicts, Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA), Asymmetric Warfare and Hybrid Warfare |
| MADS-103 | National Security: Concepts and Challenges | Core | 4 | Defining National Security, Traditional Security Dimensions, Non-Traditional Security Threats, Internal Security Challenges in India, External Security Challenges for India |
| MADS-104 | Research Methodology and Statistics | Core | 4 | Research Design and Problem Formulation, Methods of Data Collection, Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis, Statistical Tools and Techniques, Thesis Writing and Referencing |
| MADS-105 | Geopolitics and Geo-strategy | Core | 4 | Classical Geopolitical Theories, Heartland and Rimland Theories, Energy Geopolitics and Resources, Maritime Geopolitics and SLOCs, Geostrategic Importance of South Asia |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MADS-201 | International Law and Organizations | Core | 4 | Sources of International Law, United Nations Charter and Structure, International Humanitarian Law, Role of UN Peacekeeping, Regional and Global Security Organizations |
| MADS-202 | Defence Economics | Core | 4 | Defence Budgeting and Planning, Economics of Arms Trade, Military Industrial Complex, Impact of Defence Spending on Economy, Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration |
| MADS-203 | Nuclear Warfare and Disarmament | Core | 4 | Theory of Nuclear Deterrence, Nuclear Proliferation Challenges, NPT and CTBT Regimes, India''''s Nuclear Doctrine, Global Disarmament Efforts |
| MADS-204 | Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism | Core | 4 | Defining Terrorism and its Typologies, Causes and Ideologies of Terrorism, Global Terrorist Networks, Counter-Terrorism Strategies, Role of Intelligence Agencies |
| MADS-205 | India''''s Foreign and Security Policy | Core | 4 | Historical Evolution of Indian Foreign Policy, India''''s Neighborhood First Policy, Relations with Major Powers (US, Russia, China), Look East/Act East Policy, India''''s Role in Multilateral Fora |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MADS-301 | Regional Security in South Asia | Core | 4 | India-Pakistan Conflict and Cooperation, India-China Border Dynamics, Internal Conflicts in South Asian States, SAARC and Regional Groupings, External Power Influence in South Asia |
| MADS-302 | Military Sociology | Core | 4 | Civil-Military Relations, Military as a Social Institution, Military Culture and Ethics, Gender and Diversity in Armed Forces, Veteran Issues and Rehabilitation |
| MADS-303 | Human Rights and Security | Core | 4 | Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Humanitarian Intervention and R2P, Conflict and Human Rights Violations, Role of International Criminal Court, Post-Conflict Justice and Reconciliation |
| MADS-304 | Cyber Security and Information Warfare | Core | 4 | Evolution of Cyber Threats, Cyber Espionage and Cyber Crime, Cyber Warfare and National Security, Critical Information Infrastructure Protection, India''''s Cyber Security Framework |
| MADS-305 | Elective I (Defence Technology) | Elective | 4 | Emerging Defence Technologies, Arms Control and Disarmament Technologies, Indigenous Defence Production in India, Dual-Use Technologies and Proliferation, Space Technology for Defence Applications |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MADS-401 | Disaster Management and National Security | Core | 4 | Types of Disasters (Natural and Man-made), Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Role of Armed Forces in Disaster Response, Climate Change and Security Implications |
| MADS-402 | Peace and Conflict Studies | Core | 4 | Theories of Peace and Conflict, Conflict Analysis and Transformation, Mediation and Negotiation Techniques, Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Gandhi''''s Philosophy of Peace |
| MADS-403 | India''''s Defence Organization and Management | Core | 4 | Ministry of Defence Structure and Functions, Integrated Defence Staff and Theatre Commands, Organization of Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Acquisition and Procurement Process, Defence Reforms and Modernization |
| MADS-404 | Project/Dissertation | Project | 8 | Independent Research Project, Literature Review and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection and Analysis, Academic Writing and Presentation, Contribution to the Field of Study |
| MADS-405 | Elective II (Energy Security) | Elective | 4 | Global Energy Landscape and Demand, Energy Geopolitics and Conflict, Fossil Fuels and Renewable Energy Sources, Nuclear Energy and Security Concerns, India''''s Energy Security Strategy |
