The 24 unit sub-thesis is a requirement of the MA(SS) and is a 10,000 to 15,000 word piece of independent research on a subject chosen by the student and approved by the Deputy-Director of Studies. The sub-thesis gives students an opportunity to develop their research skills and produce a piece of written research which contributes to the body of strategic studies knowledge. Students are encouraged to seek out topics which are of central research interest to staff in the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC). Students wishing to leave open the possibility of further research work or PhD study are strongly encouraged to undertake the sub-thesis and complete the MA(SS) degree. Students are assigned a supervisor at the outset of their research, who will normally be from the SDSC. STST7001 course is for full-time sub-thesis research over one semester.

Literature review 15%, presentation 15%, sub-thesis 70%.

To be eligible to enrol for the sub-thesis, candidates must have completed their coursework at a Distinction average (70%) and to have also achieved a minimum grade of 75% in their two core courses (or their equivalents). The sub-thesis itself must be awarded a Distinction grade (70%) or higher for the Master of Arts (Strategic Studies) to be awarded.