Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Conflict, Security & Development MA
Key information
Study mode: Full time, Part time Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180 / ECTS 90 Application status: Open Start date: September 2025
Course essentials
This Conflict, Security and Development MA is a practical, policy-focused master’s that’s taught by policy-engaged teachers who are active researchers. This means you’ll learn from their own field-grounded analysis, instead of being educated just by textbooks. You will learn about the theories underpinning the connection between security and development, then use this knowledge to consider how it actually works on the ground. This will teach you how to apply theories to real-life scenarios.
The MA in Conflict, Security and Development takes a thematic approach to its curriculum. You’ll begin by studying the theories of development before learning about the root causes of conflict and how countries tip over into it. You’ll learn about the dynamics of war itself, discovering what happens in the aftermath of conflict and during conflict resolution and the peace-keeping process. You will also think about the state building process, how the UN deals with the fall-out of conflict, including efforts to disarm, demobilise and reintegrate ex-combatants. You will take a population-centred approach to explore how people on the ground experience conflict, and what policymakers can do. You’ll consider how factors like gender and race influence people’s experience of conflict, and examine big thematic policy issues, like the global health implications of insecurity, the role of private military companies, or what aid donors really want from countries in conflict.
Base campuses
- Strand Campus: Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
- Waterloo Campus: Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
Entry requirements
UK applicants
- Standard requirements: A minimum high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above
- Programme-Specific Requirements: Undergraduate degree with high 2:1 honours (i.e. overall average of at least 65% across all years of study) in International Relations, War Studies, History, Political Science, Strategic Studies, Criminology, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Philosophy, Psychiatry, Psychology, Religious Studies, Social Anthropology, Sociology, Theology. Applications from students with first degree in other areas, including science, language, and journalism, are also welcome.
International applicants
- Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent qualifications
- English language requirements: English language band B. To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Selection process
- Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
- All applications are assessed by a committee of academic tutors. This process takes on average eight weeks.
Personal statement and supporting information
- Personal Statement: A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). Please explain why you are interested in this particular programme and outline any relevant experience you have. If there are any anomalies in your academic record, please use the personal statement to explain related extenuating circumstances.
- Previous Academic Study: A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
- References: One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you.
- Other: Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application
Teaching & structure
Teaching methods - what to expect
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Self-Study
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the Strand and Waterloo Campuses. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary.
Assessment
- Essays
- Individual & Group Presentations
- Exercises
- Seminar participation
- Exams
- Dissertation
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations. Assessment patterns vary between modules but forms of assessment typically include essays, individual and group presentations, exercises and exams.
Structure
Courses are divided into modules. You will take modules totalling 180 credits.
Required modules
- Dissertation (60 Credits)
- Security & Development (45 credits)
Optional modules
In addition, students take 75 credits from a range of optional modules offered by the Department of War Studies. These modules may typically include:
- Comparative Civil Wars (30 credits)
- State Failure & State Building (15 credits)
- Approaches to Understanding Violence and Atrocity in Civil Wars (15 credits)
- Russia and the World (30 credits)
- Transitional Justice & International Criminal Law (15 credits)
- Power-Sharing Agreements in Deeply Divided Societies (15 credits)
- International Politics of the Middle East (30 credits)
- Gender in International Politics and Security (15 credits)
Careers
Conflict, Security and Development MA graduates have gone on to build stellar careers in a number of fields, including in academic research, the UN, the EU, NGOs, the civil service, NATO, think tanks, media and publishing, finance and investment, teaching, risk consultancy, and the armed forces.
Recent graduates have even gone on to win Pulitzer Prizes and to sit on the US National Security Council. Some of the roles held by graduates include:
- Humanitarian Military Interaction Officer at World Food Programme (UN)
- International Protection Officer at Nonviolent Peaceforce
- Global Crisis Analytics Manager at Mercy Corps
- Security Intelligence Analyst at AIG
- Senior Global Policy Adviser at Global Witness
- Rule of Law Officer at UN Women
- Head, Multilateral Research Group at UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Fees & Funding
Tuition Fees
- UK: Full time: £19,550 per year (2025/26), Part time: £9,775 per year (2025/26)
- International: Full time: £35,800 per year (2025/26), Part time: £17,900 per year (2025/26)
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
- Home deposit: £500
- International deposit: £2000
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
- Graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Conflict, Security & Development MA
is a unique, globally recognized course that takes a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to teaching the dynamic ways in which conflict, insecurity, and development interact.
Overview:
- Teaches the relationship between poverty, inequality, and war; state fragility and peacebuilding; disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration after civil wars, and beyond.
- Focuses on developing analytical, research, and critical thinking skills alongside practical knowledge of conflict, security, and development around the world.
- Builds strong intellectual and methodological foundations for further research, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the public and private sectors, government, or academia.
- Develops communication skills through presenting and disseminating research and analysis in written and oral forms.
- Features core teaching staff who are highly engaged with the policy world, bringing their field-grounded analysis directly into the classroom.
Objectives:
- Enhance your analytical, research and critical thinking skills, and gain detailed practical knowledge of conflict, security and development around the world.
- Build strong intellectual and methodological foundations for further research, preparing you to become a leader in the public and private sectors, government or academia.
- Develop communication skills by presenting and disseminating research and analysis in written and oral forms to classmates, tutors, and the wider academic community.
Outline:
Curriculum:
- Begins with the study of development theories.
- Explores the root causes of conflict and how countries tip over into it.
- Examines the dynamics of war itself, discovering what happens in the aftermath of conflict and during conflict resolution and the peace-keeping process.
- Discusses the state-building process, how the UN deals with the fall-out of conflict, and what is done with ex-combatants.
Approach:
- Takes a thematic approach to its curriculum.
- Utilizes a population-centered approach to explore how people on the ground experience conflict and what policymakers can do.
- Considers how factors like gender and race influence people’s experience of conflict.
- Examines big thematic policy issues, like the global health implications of insecurity, the role of private military companies, or what donors really want from countries in conflict.
Modules:
- Security and Development (30 credits): This module provides a critical introduction to the field of conflict, security and development. It explores the key theoretical frameworks and concepts that are used to understand the complex relationships between these three issues.
- Dissertation (60 credits): The dissertation is a 10,000-word independent research project that allows students to deepen their understanding of a specific topic in conflict, security and development.
- Optional Modules: In addition to the required modules, students can choose from a range of optional modules that allow them to specialize in their areas of interest. Some of the optional modules available include:
- Approaches to Understanding Violence and Atrocity in Civil Wars (15 credits): This module examines the different ways in which violence and atrocity are understood and explained in the context of civil wars.
- Russia and the World (30 credits): This module provides a comprehensive overview of Russia's foreign policy and its role in the international system.
- Comparative Civil Wars (30 credits): This module compares and contrasts the causes, dynamics, and outcomes of civil wars in different parts of the world.
- State Failure & State Building (15 credits): This module examines the causes and consequences of state failure and the challenges of state building in fragile and conflict-affected countries.
- Power-Sharing Agreements in Deeply Divided Societies (15 credits): This module examines the role of power-sharing agreements in managing political conflict in deeply divided societies.
- International Politics of the Middle East (30 credits): This module provides a critical overview of the international politics of the Middle East, with a focus on the key issues and challenges facing the region.
- Gender in International Politics and Security (15 credits): This module examines the role of gender in international politics and security, and the ways in which gender inequalities can contribute to conflict and insecurity.
Module Description:
Each module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of a specific topic in conflict, security and development. Modules are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent study. Lectures provide students with an overview of the key concepts and theories, while seminars allow students to discuss these concepts in more detail and to apply them to real-world case studies. Independent study allows students to deepen their understanding of the material and to develop their research and writing skills.
Structure:
- Students are required to take a total of 180 credits, which is typically divided into 60 credits per year for full-time students and 30 credits per year for part-time students.
- The program is typically completed in one year for full-time students and two years for part-time students.
- Students can choose to take the program as part of a dual degree with Sciences Po, which allows them to spend one year studying in Paris and one year studying in London.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Essays
- Individual and group presentations
- Exercises
- Exams
- Dissertation
Assessment Criteria:
- Clarity and organization
- Depth of analysis
- Critical thinking
- Research skills
- Writing style
- Originality
Dissertation Assessment:
- The dissertation is assessed on a 100% basis.
- The dissertation must be between 10,000 and 12,000 words in length.
- The dissertation must be submitted by the end of the academic year.
Study Time:
- One credit typically equates to 10 hours of work.
- For a 30-credit module, students can expect to spend around 40 hours on teaching and 260 hours on self-study.
- For the 60-credit dissertation module, students can expect to spend up to 12 hours on online guidance and training workshops, and 588 hours on personal supervision.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Independent study
- Personal supervision (for the dissertation module)
Teaching Team:
- The Conflict, Security and Development MA program is taught by a team of world-leading experts in the field of conflict, security and development.
- The teaching team is highly engaged with the policy world, and brings its field-grounded analysis directly into the classroom.
Unique Approaches:
- The program takes a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to teaching the dynamic ways in which conflict, insecurity, and development interact.
- The program uses a population-centered approach to explore how people on the ground experience conflict and what policymakers can do.
- The program offers a wide range of optional modules that allow students to specialize in their areas of interest.
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Graduates of the Conflict, Security and Development MA program have gone on to build stellar careers in a number of fields, including:
- Academic research
- The UN
- The EU
- NGOs
- The civil service
- Think tanks
- Media and publishing
- Finance and investment
- Teaching
- Risk consultancy
- The armed forces
Career Opportunities:
- Some of the specific career opportunities that graduates of the Conflict, Security and Development MA program have secured include:
- Humanitarian Military Interaction Officer at World Food Programme (UN)
- Global Crisis Analytics Manager at Mercy Corps
- Security Intelligence Analyst at AIG
- Senior Global Policy Adviser at Global Witness
- Rule of Law Officer at UN Women
Outcomes:
- Graduates of the Conflict, Security and Development MA program are well-equipped to make a positive impact on the world.
- They have the knowledge and skills to analyze complex issues, develop effective solutions, and communicate their ideas persuasively.
- They are prepared for leadership roles in a variety of sectors, and are committed to making a difference in the world.
Alumni Network:
- Graduates of the Conflict, Security and Development MA program become part of a dynamic alumni network that provides guidance and introductions to new job opportunities.
- The alumni network is active on LinkedIn and Facebook, and provides a valuable resource for graduates as they embark on their careers.
Other:
- The Conflict, Security and Development MA program is offered by the Department of War Studies at King's College London.
- The Department of War Studies is one of the world's leading centers for the study of conflict and security.
- The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to make a positive impact on the world.
Tuition Fees
UK: Full time: £18,258 per year (2024/25) Part time: £9,129 per year (2024/25) International: Full time: £33,258 per year (2024/25) Part time: £16,629 per year (2024/25) Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment. The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000. If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer. If you receive an offer between 16 July and 15 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
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Entry Requirements:
- Standard requirements: A minimum high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 67% or above.
- This is the minimum requirement, with higher grades preferred for competitive entry.
- If you have a lower degree classification, a degree in an unrelated subject, or relevant work experience, your application may still be considered.
- A related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip) may also strengthen your application.
Programme-Specific Requirements:
- An undergraduate degree with high 2:1 honours (i.e. overall average of at least 67% across all years of study) in history, international relations, political science, economics or other appropriate subject.
International Applicants:
- You may require the qualifications equivalent to UK 2:1 or above, in the country in which your degree was granted. For further detail, consult the link below:
Language Proficiency Requirements:
To be eligible for consideration to join this program, international students are typically required to meet specific English Language test scores.
Please note
- These entry requirements are the most up-to-date as of November 2023 and will be reviewed periodically for updates to reflect the most current regulations.