International Peace and Security

The MA in International Peace and Security at King's College London offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the complex issues surrounding global peace, conflict, and international security. This programme is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the causes of conflict, the dynamics of peacebuilding, and the strategies employed by states and international organizations to maintain stability and security worldwide. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of topics, including the nature of war and conflict, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, humanitarian intervention, and the role of international law and institutions in promoting peace.

The programme combines theoretical frameworks with practical insights, enabling students to critically analyze real-world security challenges and develop innovative solutions. Students have the opportunity to study NGOs, international organizations such as the United Nations, and sovereign states' policies, gaining a nuanced understanding of how peace processes are negotiated and implemented. The curriculum also emphasizes current issues such as cyber security, climate change, and the impact of globalization, reflecting the evolving landscape of international security threats.

Students benefit from King's College London's distinguished faculty, many of whom are leading experts and practitioners in the field of peace and security. The programme encourages analytical thinking, research skills, and policy analysis, preparing graduates for careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, and academia. Through lectures, seminars, case studies, and research projects, students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for addressing today’s complex security challenges. The college’s strong links with international organizations and diplomatic networks provide valuable opportunities for internships, conferences, and collaborative research.

Graduates of the MA in International Peace and Security are well-positioned to pursue further academic research or to enter into professional roles within the field of international peace and security. With a commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of peace processes and security issues, the programme aims to cultivate future leaders dedicated to promoting stability, security, and justice on a global scale.

Our MA programme is designed as a one-year full-time, or two-year part-time taught programme which offers you the opportunity to engage critically with the field of war studies. It consists of a broad-based multidisciplinary curriculum.

The programme contains the following elements:

A compulsory module, Law & Conflict in International Society, divided into three parts: Introduction to International Law and International Politics; Contemporary Security Issues; and The Contemporary Research Agenda

To maintain a beneficial student/staff ratio in the classroom and promote effective learning, there are a limited number of places available on each module. Please note: not every option in law will be available to IPS students.

A dissertation of 15,000 words which is to be written over the summer semester. You may choose your own topic but it must fall within the remit of the study of war and must be approved by a member of staff. Part-time students are advised to take the compulsory module in the first year of study and write the dissertation in the second year.

• Law And Conflict In International Soceity

Optional Modules

Optional modules chosen from a range of possibilities (80 credits in total). These may be taught exclusively by either the Department of War Studies or the School of Law, while others may be taught jointly.

Each year the optional modules will vary, and we CANNOT GUARANTEE TO OFFER ALL OPTIONAL MODULES in any given year. You are advised not to base your decision to join the degree programme solely on this list.

• Afghan And South Asian Security Issues
• Comparative Civil Wars (40 Credits)
• Civil War In The US 1861-1865
• Complex Political Emergencies, Health & Security
• Conflict Simulation
• Conflict, Development And Islam In Russia, The Caucasus And Central Asia
• Contemporary British Defence Policy
• Current Issues In Science & Security
• Diplomacy, Intelligence and Armaments Competition: The origins of the Second World War, 1931-1941
• East Asian Security
• Ethics In International Relations (20 Credits)
• Gender In International Politics & Security
• History Of War
• International Law & War
• Interdisciplinary Approaches To (In)Security
• Media and Intelligence
• International Politics Of The Middle East
• Mind, Body And Spirit In The First World War
• Nationalism And Security
• Navies And Seapower, 1793-2001
• Political Philosophy and International War
• Proliferation & International Security
• Propaganda
• Reporting Wars
• Responding to Terrorism
• Seapower And National Strategy
• The Evolution Of Insurgency
• The Occupied Territories Since 1967
• The Science and Security of Nuclear and Biological Weapons
• War and Insurgency in the Middle East since 1945
• Wars Within Wars

• The Diplom Bakalavr or post-1991 Diploma Specialista, with an overall score of 4 out of 5, will be considered for programmes requiring a UK Bachelor (Honours) degree at 2:1.
• A score of 4.5 out of 5 will be considered for more competitive programmes requiring a UK Bachelor (Honours) degree at high 2:1.
• IELTS (Academic)
• TOEFL iBT

The International Peace and Security master's program at King's College London offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for domestic and international students are published annually and are subject to change; prospective students are advised to consult the university's official website for the most current figures. To assist with financial planning, King's College London provides scholarships, bursaries, and grants specifically targeted at students pursuing degrees in security studies and international relations. These funding opportunities are typically merit-based, need-based, or aimed at supporting students from specific regions or backgrounds. Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as government-sponsored scholarships, international organizations, and national education grants, which can sometimes be combined with university awards. The university also offers payment plans that allow students to spread out tuition payments over the course of the academic year, easing financial pressure. For international students, additional costs such as visa fees, health insurance, and accommodation should be considered when budgeting. King's College London frequently updates its financial support schemes and application deadlines; therefore, applicants should regularly review the official website for detailed information and eligibility criteria. Funding applications usually require supporting documents, academic transcripts, and personal statements, and should be submitted well in advance of academic deadlines. For students requiring further assistance, the university's financial aid office provides guidance on available funding options and application processes. Overall, while the program provides diverse opportunities for financial support, careful planning and early application are essential to secure the necessary funding to complete studies successfully.

The MA in International Peace and Security at King's College London is a highly regarded postgraduate programme designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding global peace and security. The programme aims to analyze the causes of conflict, the nature of international security threats, and the strategies employed to maintain peace in an increasingly interconnected world. It covers a wide range of topics including conflict resolution, terrorism, human security, nuclear proliferation, peacekeeping operations, and the role of international organizations such as the United Nations.

Students have the opportunity to engage critically with theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to peace building and security management. The curriculum is designed to foster analytical skills, research capabilities, and policy-oriented thinking, preparing graduates for careers in international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions. The programme emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from political science, international law, security studies, and global governance.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, case studies, and independent research projects. The faculty comprises leading experts in international peace and security, providing students with valuable mentorship and insights into current research and policy debates. The programme also offers opportunities for internships and collaboration with international organizations, enhancing practical experience and employability.

Graduates of this programme will gain a nuanced understanding of the dynamics of international peace and conflict, as well as the skills needed to contribute effectively to policy development and conflict resolution. The degree is suitable for those seeking to pursue careers in diplomacy, international security analysis, policy advising, or further academic research. Overall, the MA in International Peace and Security at King's College London embodies a rigorous and comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing some of the most pressing global challenges related to peace and security in the modern world.