Basically this programme is to broaden the academic knowledge of students’ in the fields of history, politics, economy, law, society and international issues. The Strategic and Defence Studies programme is designed to provide 45 contact hours per module. This programme is specifically meant for students attending the Staff College course. It may also be offered to the past graduates of this College.

Entry Qualifications

Entry qualifications is subjected to:

• Holders of honours degree from the UM or equivalent from other institutions subject to approval by the UM Senate.
  
• Holders of general degree from the UM or equivalent from other institutions subject to approval by the UM Senate. Candidates should have three years working experience.

In special circumstances, the UM Senate can, on the recommendation of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, accept candidates from MAFSC who do not have the above qualification, but possess the following:

• Be of the rank of Major or senior Captain or equivalent.

Modules Offered For The Programme

Each module will consist of 15 lectures and 15 tutorials/seminars which students must attend. The Diploma Programme comprises of the following modules:

• Research Methodology and Research Paper
  
• Malaysian Studies
  
• International Relations
  
• Security and Development (Keselamatan dan Pembangunan - KESBAN)
  
• National and Regional Affairs
  
• Strategic and Defence Studies

Examinations and Assessment

All modules above except for, Research Methodology and Research Paper, will be assessed in the following manner:

• Every students is to write an essay of 2,000 words for every module. The marks for each essay constitutes 30% of the total for each module.
  
• There will be a written examination for a duration of 2 to 3 hours for every module. It will be conducted at the end of the programme. The marks for the examination being 70% for each module.
  
• For Research Methodology and Research paper course, the assessment will be on the Research Paper (also known as the Commandant's Paper). The paper will consist of between 10,000 to 12,000 words. The marks awarded will be 70%.

The minimum requirement to pass the programme will be based on the following:

• Students must pass all the courses with minimum score of 50% for each course in order to be eligible for the award of Diploma.
  
• Every student should attend all lectures and tutorials/seminars.
  
• A student who fails to attend two or more lectures and tutorials/seminars, without a valid explanation, will not be allowed to sit for the examination.