Global Security MA, PG Dip, PG Cert (online)

Program Overview

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Key Information

Program Overview

The Global Security MA, PG Dip, PG Cert (online) is a postgraduate program offered by King's College London. The program is designed to equip students with the skills to think about security issues holistically and find practical solutions to the dilemmas they pose.

Delivery Mode and Study Mode

The program is delivered online, with a study mode of Distance Learning by eLearning.

Duration and Credit Value

The program duration varies depending on the award:

• MA: Two years
• PG Dip: 16 months
• PG Cert: Eight months

The credit value is 60/120/180 (UK/ECTS equivalent).

Application Status and Deadlines

The application status is open, with the following deadlines:

• 10 June 2025
• 12 August 2025
• 7 October 2025
• 25 November 2025
• 10 February 2026
• 14 April 2026

Entry Requirements

UK Applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor's (honours) degree.
• Non-standard requirements:
  • Candidates with a 2:2 honours degree and relevant professional or voluntary experience may be considered.
  • Candidates without a degree but with significant work experience in a related area may also be considered.

International Applicants

• Equivalent international qualifications are accepted.
• English language requirements: English language band B.
• Personal statement and supporting information: A 500-word written statement addressing the question "What are the key global security issues facing the world today? How might they be studied in a rigorous fashion?" is required for non-standard applicants.

Teaching and Structure

The program is delivered entirely online, with video lectures, coursework, and self-directed learning activities. The program is flexible, and three levels of postgraduate qualification are offered:

• Achieve a postgraduate certificate after completing 60 credits, a postgraduate diploma after 120 credits, and a master's degree after completing all 180 credits.
• Complete the four foundation modules to earn your PG Cert.
• Complete the four foundation modules and four of the optional modules to earn your PG Dip.
• Complete four foundation modules, four optional modules, the two research modules, and your dissertation to earn your MA.

Required Modules

• Security Studies Theories and Approaches (15 credits)
• Security Structures and Processes (15 credits)
• Human Security: Intersections and Inequalities (15 credits)
• Science and Security (15 credits)

MA students are also required to take the following three modules:

• Introduction to Critical Research Methodologies (15 credits)
• Critical Engagement with Literature (15 credits)
• Dissertation (30 credits)

Optional Modules

PG Dip students can choose to take four of the following modules:

• Global Challenges: Ecology, Health, and Migration (15 credits)
• Geopolitics and Rising Powers (15 credits)
• Community, Conflict, and Justice (15 credits)
• Law, Ethics, and Human Rights (15 credits)
• Introduction to Critical Research Methodologies (15 credits)
• Critical Engagement with Literature (15 credits)

MA students can choose to take the following four modules:

• Global Challenges: Ecology, Health, and Migration (15 credits)
• Geopolitics and Rising Powers (15 credits)
• Community, Conflict, and Justice (15 credits)
• Law, Ethics, and Human Rights (15 credits)

Optional International Affairs modules:

• Cyber Security in the Information Age (15 credits)
• Understanding Deterrence in Theory and Practice (15 credits)
• International Political Economy (15 credits)
• Proxy Warfare and Hybrid Warfare (15 credits)
• Women, Peace & Security (15 credits)

Assessment

You'll be assessed using both formative and summative methods. Formative assessments are provided informally, through verbal feedback from tutors on your contributions in online seminars and unassessed presentations.

Summative assessments are designed to evaluate and provide feedback on coursework assignments submitted formally as a requirement for completing each module.

Employability

King's is ranked sixth in the UK for graduate employability (Times Higher Education's Global Employability Ranking 2022). Career paths may include roles in Civil Service, NGOs, local or national government, armed forces, ministries of foreign affairs and development, policy think tanks, or private sector organisations such as risk assessment companies.

Tuition Fees

Your fees will be charged per module as you progress through the course. In the 2024/25 Academic Year, modules will be charged at £1,622 per module. In the 2025/26 Academic Year, modules will be charged at £1,702.

The number of modules you take will be determined by your chosen award:

• Postgraduate Certificate: 4 modules
• Postgraduate Diploma: 8 modules
• Master of Arts: 12 modules

Tuition fees may be subject to an annual increase (capped at 6%) each academic year in line with King's College London's terms and conditions. Depending on your country of residence, you may also have to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) in addition to your tuition fees.

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

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Degree Overview:

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Global Security MA, PG Dip, PG Cert (online)

This program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand and address the complex security challenges facing the world today. The program explores traditional security issues such as strategic competition, nuclear proliferation, and responses to terrorism, while also addressing contemporary concerns like climate change, pandemics, and global inequalities. The program's objectives are to:

• Enhance students' conceptual understanding of security issues and contemporary threats.
• Develop practical skills through case studies, scenarios, and mock policy papers.
• Explore diverse perspectives on security and provide practical solutions for securing people, states, and the environment.
• Enable students to think critically and construct sound arguments about security.

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Program Highlights:

• Offered online, allowing for flexible study from anywhere in the world.
• Covers a wide range of security topics, including traditional and contemporary challenges.
• Utilizes real-world case studies and scenarios for practical skill development.
• Taught by leading security experts from the largest and most diverse collection of security scholars globally.
• Offers optional modules to suit individual interests and career aspirations.

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Outline:

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Structure:

• The program is offered at three levels: PG Cert (60 credits), PG Dip (120 credits), and MA (180 credits).
• Students can complete the program in 2 to 6 years for the MA, 16 months to 4 years for the PG Dip, and 8 months to 3 years for the PG Cert.
• Six intake dates are available: January, March, May, June, September, and October.
• The program is delivered entirely online via lectures, coursework, and self-directed learning activities.
• Students can expect to dedicate 21-25 hours per week to their studies.

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Modules:

All students, regardless of the chosen level, are required to take four foundation modules:

• Security Studies Theories & Approaches (15 credits)
• Security Structures & Processes (15 credits)
• Human Security: Intersections & Inequalities (15 credits)
• Science & Security (15 credits)

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For the PG Cert:

• Students need to complete the four foundation modules.

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For the PG Dip:

• Students need to complete the four foundation modules and any four of the optional modules listed below.

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Optional Modules (PG Dip and MA):

• Global Challenges: Ecology, Health and Migration (15 credits)
• Geopolitics & Rising Powers (15 credits)
• Conflict, Security & Justice (15 credits)
• Law, Ethics & Human Rights (15 credits)
• Introduction to Critical Methodologies (15 credits)
• Critical Engagement with Literature (15 credits)

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International Affairs Modules (Optional):

• Cyber Security in the Information Age (15 credits)
• Understanding Deterrence in Theory & Practice (15 credits)
• International Political Economy (15 credits)
• Proxy Wars & Hybrid Wars (15 credits)
• Women, Peace & Security (15 credits)

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For the MA:

• Students need to complete the four foundation modules, any four of the optional modules listed above (including the International Affairs modules), two research modules, and a dissertation.

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Please note:

Modules and titles are subject to change.

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Assessment:

Both formative and summative assessments are used to evaluate student learning. Formative assessments provide informal feedback during online seminars and presentations, while summative assessments evaluate formally submitted coursework essays, oral presentations, annotated bibliographies, creative responses, consultancy pieces, research proposals, dissertations, and research projects.

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Teaching:

The program is delivered by high-profile academics with expertise in security studies. There are various interactive elements incorporated into the teaching, including gameplay exploring the strategic decision-making process. The online learning environment promotes close interaction and collaboration between instructors and students, as well as a global network of fellow learners.

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Careers:

This program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue exciting and challenging careers in:

• Civil Service
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Local and national government
• Armed forces
• Ministries of foreign affairs and development
• Policy think tanks
• Private sector organizations such as risk assessment companies
• Journalism
• Parliamentary advising

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Other:

• King's College London is ranked sixth in the UK for graduate employability, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.
• The program is delivered by the Faculty of Social Sciences & Public Policy, ranked 7th in the UK for social sciences.
• The flexible online format allows students to balance their studies with other commitments.