Higher Command and Staff Course

Postgraduate
Aims to prepare future strategic leaders for higher command appointments across defence and the security environment.
Three people in RAF, Navy and Army uniform smiling and talking in a small group

Course Information

Level: Postgraduate
Location: Shrivenham
School/Centre: Joint Services Command and Staff College
Course Code: HCSC
Duration: 17-weeks
When: No dates available

About this course

The Higher Command and Staff Course (HCSC) is a post-graduate level course featuring a combination of lectures, staff led discussions, exercises and visits to a range of government departments and military headquarters. It culminates with a 'staff ride' which uses the setting of the battlefields of northern France and Belgium to bring together and evaluate the course themes and learning objectives.

What you will learn

You will learn/develop:

  • an understanding of the defence contribution to national strategy
  • to demonstrate effective military decision making and operational design in crisis situations
  • to evaluate the enduring characteristics of high command and leadership in current and future context

How this course will help your career

This course will enable you to gain a higher rank within your organisation.

Entry requirements

Who can attend this course

  • Military
  • Partners across government (PAG)
  • Internationals

This course is open to nominated personnel only. International personnel must be cleared to at least NATO secret, UK personnel must have DV clearance.

International personnel are normally drawn from NATO or "5-eyes" partner nations.

Invitations are determined at the annual MOD run Forward Allocation Baseline meeting.

Before you attend

A broad range of pre-reading material will be sent prior to the start of the course.

Additional information

How the course will be taught

  • Blended
  • e-Learning (DLE)

How you will be assessed

There are 3 formal assessments including:

  • a 1,200 word monograph on a subject related to contemporary doctrine
  • group analysis and presentation on a range of historical case studies with contemporary relevance
  • a 5,000 word paper on a selected topic with historical resonance to identify implications for the successful conduct of contemporary operations